THE PICTON ELECTION.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 118, 23 May 1868, Page 3

THE PICTON ELECTION.

We are informed that a meeting was held at Picton on Wednesday evening, called on the shortest possible notice by Captain Kenny. About thirty persona were present, chiefly electors. The meeting was addressed by Capt. Kenny, who stated that he was a settler of 12 years’ standing in the district; that he had much against his wish, been induced by his neighbors, and friends, to come forward as Mr. Adam’s successor that the present was a time when no man should hold back, and however deficient in talent and experience he might prove, yet they might rely on it that he would do his duty impartially. He then stated his views on some of the leading subjects of interest, declared himself to have long been, and still to be, a determined enemy to -Provincialism, stated that he was in favor of a change in Taxation, and would support an Income Tax, if he found fit could be levied fairly from all sorts and conditions of men, but he had been told that there were practical difficulties in a colony* in the way of enforcing such a tax. The evils of borrowing large sums for non-remunerative objects was next dwelt on, the Captain considering it wise to meet absolutely necessary expenditure by increased taxation, rather than run deeply into debt. r After replying to several questions from electors on the all-important subject of taxation, the candidate resumed his seat. Mr. John Godfrey then requested permission to address the meeting, if by so doing he was not committing a breach of etiquette! ! Captain Kenny stated that he Phad no ■objectioh' to' any candidate or elector making known his views.

Mr. Godfrey commenced by pointing out the way in which Mr. Adams and a few of the electors had endeavored to make a pocket-borough of the district, he then gave a sketch of his action in connection with political matters and met some statements that he had been; told had been made use of by those opposed to his election, and which, as far as he was concerned, he held to be unjust accusations. He next enedeavored to show that Captain Kenny was supported by that class of the electors, from whom little in the shape of liberal measures, or a reduction of expenditure, was to be expected, and charged Captain Kenny with having exhibited a luke-warm feeling on many occasions, when he might have accomplished something for the interests of the electors. Mr. Godfrey next stated that on those questions which had been alluded to by Captain Kenny, his (Mr. G.’s) opinion coincided with those expressed by Captain Kenny, but in the matter of an income tax, he was prepared to at once declare that he heartily approved of both that, aud a property tax ; and did not believe that the difficulty that some pretended to attach to its collection was anything more than a bugbear, by virtue of which those on whose shoulders the burden would fall, hoped to study for some time to come, its payment. Mr. Godfrey then alluded to a requisition to another candidate, that had appeared in that day’s ‘ Press,’ and pointed out that Dr. Siekler was known as a fast friend, both socially and politically, of Mr, Eyes, that until after the return of Mr, Eyes from Wellington, nothing was heard of the doctor as a candidate, and he warned the electors to beware how they acted on the occasion, for, so sure as the doctor was returned, he would be found supporting .or. Eyes. Dr. Sickle r requested permission to say a few words, and informed the meeting that he had on two former occasions been asked to offer himself, that he came forward on the present occasion as an independent man, bound neither to Mr. Eyes or his opinion, that his views were identical with those expressed by his opponents, which lie would enlarge upon on a future occasion, where ho hoped to see a larger attendance he would give notice of a meeting, and fully explain his opinions. Captain Kenny desired to offer some remarks in reply to Mr. Godfrey, and stated that on former occasion ho had waived his claim to represent them, because he thought Mr. Seymour in the Legislative Council, aud Sir D. Monro in the Assembly, were more likely to secure the interests of the district than himself. Both in his acceptance of offices under Government, and relinquishment of the same, he had been influenced alone by a desire to do his best for Picton and the province. After a vote of thanks to the Chairman, the meeting separated.