KUMARA DISTRICT ELECTION.

Kumara Times, Issue 1623, 9 December 1881, Page 2

KUMARA DISTRICT ELECTION.

MR. EDWIN BLAKE TO THE ELECTORS AT DILLMAN'S.

There was a large meeting at Reynolds' public room, Diilman's Town, last evening, to hear Mr Edwin Blake, one of the two candidates for the representation of the Kuraara district in the General Assembly;- and also to hear Mr John M'Whirter explain the reasons which caused him to retire from, the contest in this election; Mr Johit M'Kenzie was nominated to the chair, and said before Mr BlakV proceeded to address them, Mr M'Whirter had a few words to say.

Mr J. M'Whirter said : Mr Chairs man and gentlemen—l think it due to the electors of this district that I should come to explain or state why I witb> drew from candidature as a member of the House of Representatives for this district. Certain squibs have been put in circulation tending to benefit one' candidate and to lead to the downfall of the other. One of these was that Mr Seddon promised to vote for me as County Chairman if I would not oppose! him in the General Assembly election. I give this a distinct denial. Gentlemen, there is not sufficient money in the pockets of any man in WestLmd to purchase my honest opinion. It has also been said that the merchants of Hokitika used their influence to get me to retire in favor of Mr Seddon. This is also incorrect, lam quite independent of the 1 merchauts of Hokitika or of any other 1 place. When I came to look into the matter, and after consulting with Mr Blake, I arrived at the conclusion that I should injure my business, and that I could uot afford it. Some of my friends also came and accused me of doing an. injustice to the district, and amongst them Mr John White, who aaid he had also come to the conclusion, when be knew the circumstances, that I had acted rightly. And I am sure that none of my friends would like to see me injure myself in private matters by attending to public matters- I also told Mr Blake that I thought he had a better chance than I had. I have no intention of saying anything against any man. But I believe the man who is the best for the district is going to address you to-night. I ask you now to record your votes for Mr Blake.— [Applause.]

The Chairman : Gentlemen, I hope you will give Mr Blake a fair hearing.— hear.]

Mr Blake then addressed the meeting on the following subjects :—Education, the Native Difficulty, Form of Government, Railways (dealing mostly "with the construction of the proposed East and West Coast Railway, and suggesting that the land—soo-acre alternate company and Government blocks along the line—should be given to any company willing to construct the line), Taxation, (income, property, and land taxes), Gent,rsHßa*ion, Water-sup-ply, Gold Duty Abolition, Local Option, Crown Lands charges, Chinese Immigration, School Elections and Boards, Miners' Rights, and Rmia. [Mr Blake dwelt fully on all these important subjects at his meeting at Kumara on Tuesday last, and a full report appeared in the Kumara Times on the following day, to which our readers are referred.] In conclusion, Mr Blake said : I will pledge niy&elf that if you return n;e I will do my best for the interests of the district. If you return me at the head of the poll, you shall never have cause to regret it.—[Loud applause.] In reply to a question, Mr Blake said he did not approve of the present basis of representation, and division of the electoral districts. Mr George Watson then begged leave to propose—" That Mr Edwin .Blake is a tit and proper person to represent this district in the General Assembly."

Mr David Thomson seconded the motion; which, on being put to the meeting, was carried unanimously, and with great applause.

Mr Blake returned thanks for the kind and attentive heating which had been given him ; and, proposing a vote of thanks to the Chairman, which was given with acclamation, the meeting terminated.