KUMARA GENERAL ELECTION.

Kumara Times, Issue 2517, 15 July 1884, Page 2

KUMARA GENERAL ELECTION.

THE NOMINATION.

The nomination of candidates for the return of one duly qualified person to serve in the House of Representatives for the electoral district of Kumara rook place at the Court House at noon today. On a platform erected for the purpose in the Court House yard, at the appointed hour, The Returning Officer (J. M'Ennis, Esq.) read the writ authorising him to conduct the election, and said he was now prepared to receive nominations. Mr James Holmes proposed Mr Richard John Seddon as a fit and proper person to represent the Kumara district in the new Parliament.—[Applause.] It was not necessary for him to any much ; they all knew Mr Seddon's merits and demerits. He reckoned he was one of the best representatives in New Zealand. He had good experience now in politics, and if the electors returned him on this occasion, he had no doubt he wonld bring them more of the loaves and fishes.—[Loud applause. J

Mr William Morris seconded the nomination. He wished to contradict a rumour which had got abroad that White and he had said that Mr Seddon was taken no notice of in the House, nor had any weight in influence; they never made use of any such statement. He believed Mr Seddon had more weight than nine-tenths of the members ; there was no shilly-shallying about him. On the contrary, he was a man who could be depended upon whenever he was wanted. He had not to serve bis apprenticeship as a politi-cian-—he was a thoroughly practical tradesman. He would not be likely to make the mistake Mr Munro, the member for Westport did, who voted against his own motion ; Mr Seddon knew better. Mr Blake was a jolly sort of fellow, who could amuse you in a speech. Mr Yfilliam Baruett said he had the

honour fco propose Mr Edwin Blake.— [Applause.] He had every confidence that he would represent them most faithfully and well. He (Mr Blake) was a gentleman whose word could always be taken. He was not a nominee of any person ; and he believed he would do his best for this district.— [Applause.]

Mr Robert Hunter seconded the nomination.

The Returning Officer then called for a show of hands, and declared the numbers to be in favour of Mr Seddon, as follows :—Seddon 75, Blake 23.

Messrs Barnett and Hunter demanded a poll on behalf of Mr Blake. The Returning Officer then stated that the poll would be taken on Tuesday naxt, the 22nd inst., between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Mr Seddon proposed a vote of thanks to the Returning Officer. All would agree that he (Mr M'Ennis) was one who would do his duty. [Mr Seddon thanked the electors present, making a long speech, which we have not room for to-day.] Mr Blake also thanked the electors.

The Returning Officer acknowledged the~ compliment, and the proceedings closed.