HYDE.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 358, 14 January 1876, Page 3

HYDE.

(From our own correspondent.) December 30th, 1875. The plot thickens, and the. air is vibrant with the jarring notes of the coming strife. The political caudidates are marshalling their hosts for the approaching struggle at. the polling places, and the lieges sought .after with the ardency of the passion "of " love's young dream"'; and I must say that here the wooed as well as the wooers enter into the discussion of the contemplated changes in. the legislation of the Colony quite con spirituy fully determining to support only such candidaie as can be depended upon to advocate the broad principles of justice in connection with matters of general, educational, and local consequence. We have had Mr. de Lautour holding forth upon the existing and, probable future conditions of the body politic, and his ideas seemed to have been en rapport with those of the majority of the electorate. Xasfc night Hr. Hertslet made his debut, and solicited the assent of the "sweet voices " to his candidature, and I believe that at no very distant date Mr. E. A. Chapman Will add to and complete the programme by doing—as his precursors have done already- and as the celebrated frog (not him of the fable, but his brother of the song) amatorily inclined — "come a wooing" too. Mr. Hertslet met the electors last Thursday night at Mr. Lavcrty's. A very fair attendance of residents was observable in the room. Mr. Laverty was indicted into the office of Chairman—a duty which lie at once proceeded-to perform by introducing the candidate to his audience. In happily chosen and pertinent observations he directed their attention to the important issues dependant, on tne result of the forthcoming elections ; showed that the future destiny of the country for good or ill would be powerfully affected thereby; requested of them to give the matter serious and well weighed reflection; and finally asked for a calm and patient hearing for the gentleman about to expound His political '' confession of faith." Mr Hertslet then in a ,speech of considerable length, fairly eloquent, vigorous, and displaying great linguistic capacity, took them by the ears for nearly a couple of hours. The gist of it was a disavowel of any connection with Mr. Chapman and squxttocracy. He said it might be thought that in coming before them he "was actually thrusting himself into the camp of the enemy. Such he hoped was not the fact, and trusted I liat at least he might believe he would find himself on neutral ground. An unqualified support of provincialism (though lie managed to make it appear he didn't care what becameofall the other Provinces so long as Otago and its Govern ment were kept intact); a highly eulogistic notice of Sir George Grey, the "Knight otKawau s" opulence, ability, and indomitable pluck ; a sidewinded hit at Mr. de -Lautour for want of consistency, though otherivise mentioning him on terms of laudation ; an elaborate review of this existing situation of govermental matters, and a general tone in regard to the issue then before the electors' which, try to hide it as he would, still seeaied to be an attempt to place squatters in an easyj'ooting with the constituency, and thus indirectly to a recognition of the coalescement between Chapman and himself. The reiteration of these topics comprised his oration. En pass tnt I may remark that both Hertslet and Chapmau are but reflexes of Mr. de Lautour's utterances on Education. A nuiLber of questions were asked by Mr. Price, to each of which Mr. Hertslet gave suitable replies. He said he was in favor of manhood suffrage, the abolition of a nominated Legislative Council, and the construction of an elective one. He also thought that the levying of a property tax would answer all purposes of governmental expenditure, and obviate the necessity for the retention of customs duties. Mr. Uanisay, who was seconded by Mr. Price, proposed a vote of thanks to ! the candidate for the trouble he took in placing his opinions before them, but, at the sani' time he wished it to be understood that the meeting in no way pledged itself to the support of Mr. Hertslet. This resolution was carried. Mr. Hertslet in reply stated he preferred that an : expression should come in that shape rather than in any «ther form. He did not expect a vote of confidence, upon so premature an acquaintance-ship. The customary recognition ot the Chairman's services closed the meeting. I .think Mr. Herts let's chances of OTnlnnjfa big figure on the poll here are very limited indeed and that Mr. Chapman's are very nearly atzero. Mr. de Lautour seems to be the " corning man", and his services, to the district in the past are gratefully remembered by the constituency. January 11th, 1875. "The cry is, still they come." The candidates for legislatorial honors in the Parliament yet continue to harry the lieges ot this secluded and pleasant district.. Last Friday week evening Mr. TC. A. Chapman put in an appearance, and addressed the elertors in Connolly's Hyde Hotel. The meeting was but thinly attended. Mr. Odell, at the request of those present, took the chair, and in a few wo'ds introduced the gentleman "wooing the sweet voices," saying that he feifc sure that Mr. Chapman would get a fair and patient hearing. Mr. Chapmau then began his speech. It was but an amplißcati.on of his published political creed. He said he was in favor of free selection, but did not care about proclaiming land in Hundreds. Ha would classify land according to quality and position. Near the coast, where land is good, lie would put a higher price upon it than he would on the country inland—say coastal lands 30s. per acre, and land in such neighborhoods as this and others similarly placed 20s. He spoke of the abolishment of Provinces as. an accomplished fact, and would favor a Shire Council or local system of administration. On education he slightly dilated, and said lie believed in thorough secularism, but the existing form of national ,teaching was not wholly secular, and therefore he thought that liornan Catholics should receive some assistance for their schools if their standard of instruction came up to Government requirements. He knew, lie said, this would be called " putting the thin end of the wedge in," and an advance towards denoininationalism, but the Pible was read and expounded in the so-called secular schools, and, such being the case, the essential element of secularism was destroyed. He read a paper on the Gold Duty, Vho'vring its injustice, and advocating il's abolition". It was a fair and sensible production. He further observed that he was not aware that political • meetings were generally held at the other end of JTvdp t<n<-ns'i!» —1 he Commercial Hotel, and he. supposed the departure from established us-

age-had caused so sparse a: gathering; but he had I«ft these mutters, to ill's agent to arrange, and he (Mr. Chapman) supposed that that person would have selected th<* customary place. However, be that as it might, no doubt all came to hear liim that .cared to do so. In some instances connected with Sir George Grey's history he spoke ot him as an autocrat, and fond of despotic Government, though he g.ive him qualified praise for his action with regard to ministerial projects connected with the Provinces. Some questions of an irrelevant character were asked and answered, and then, on the motion of Mr. If am say, seconded by Mr. Alex. M'Kay, a vote of thanks: to Mr. Chapman was proposed and carried. Mr. liamsay said, in speaking to the motion, that it was preposterous now, the ballot being established, to record votes of confidence :in candidates, as they often misled aspiran's for popular suffrages. The usual compliment to the Chairman closed the meeting. —On the following day Mr. Chapman proceeded to the Four-Mile (Fullarton's), and spoke there to the "many-headed mob, the people. He was well received so I hear, and promised to use his . influence to get them a footbridge across the Taieri. He is rather a pleasant young man, and has an engaging, easy way with him.

Pullarton'3 is beginning to attract attention, some additional parties having set in and taken up ground in the deep ground. I intend to visit there shortly, when I shall be able to give you a detailed account of the workings and country thereabouts.

The harvest is just commencing, but only in one instance. In a little time longer the reaper and scythe will be in full go—good luck to them! Better the golden grain than the golden fleece, so far as the people's interests are concerned. Besolving not to be outdone by the Roman Catholic School Committee, persons interested in the National School gave a picnic last Tuesday to the little ones goi .g to that seat of learning, but all were invited, and I believe all the residents contributed their quota towards the monetary part. Bain fell in a few heavy thun der showers about the time the children set out for the playing and feteing place—a paddock belonging to the Uev. Mr. Fiamank, but it cleared up in the evening, and ma:;o the atmosphere cool and pleasant. A great many children of both sexes were present, and disported themselves at the various- games common to " childhood's happiest stage of life " to their own gratification and that of their parents and friends, many of whom were onlookers of the pastimes. Ladies and gentlemen from Fullarton's also were pro-; sent, and seemed much pleased. Plenty of good things were provided unsparingly, and equally unsparing Were the youngsters in their onslaught on them. Mr. Odell, the schoolmaster; conducted everything in a satisfactory and creditable manner. .