HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

New Zealander, Volume 9, Issue 763, 6 August 1853, Page 3

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Pensioner Settlements,

A meeting of the Pensioners of Onehunga was held on Tuesday, the 2nd inst., for the purpose of selecting candidates for the House of Representatives. Mr. Smythies having been called to the chair, Major Greenwood was again proposed, and it was stated that the difficulty which had prevented his accepting the proposal made to him at the former meeting, of becoming one of the candidates, namely, the possibility of the Assembly meeting at Wellington, having been removed, it was believed that he would not now object to allow himself to be put in nomination, and a requisition was agreed to and signed by the parties present. It was also resolved, that Onehunga was of sufficient importance to warrant the Pensioners of that Settlement, in electing some person resident among them—that Dr. Bacot resided at too great a distance to satisfy the necessities of the Onehunga electors; and that as it appeared by that gentleman’s answer to the requisition presented to him, that he allowed himself to be brought forward with great reluctance, it was desirable that a deputation should wait upon him for the purpose of ascertaining his wishes as to retiring in favour of Major Greenwood ; and a deputation was appointed accordingly. By the desire of the meeting, Mr. Smythies wrote a letter to Dr, Bacot, of which the following is a copy. Onehunga, 2nd August, 1850. Sra, —At a meeting of the Pensioners of this Settlement, held this evening, for the purpose of selecting candidates for the House of Representatives, it was resolved to support some gentleman whose personal interests were identical with this Settlement, and who resided within a limited distance, and it was agreed to present a requisition to Major Greenwood. At the same time it was also resolved that a deputation should wait upon you, and, suggesting the fairness of the Pensioners of Onehunga being permitted to nominate one of the two representatives, ascertain your wishes as to contesting the seat with the gentleman whom they have selected. I was requested, as chairman of the meeting, to inform you that the deputation purpose waiting upon you on Friday next, at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, if such arrangement will suit your convenience—should any engagement render the time proposed inconvenient, may I request the favour of your naming some other time wlren you can receive the deputation. I am, Sir, Your very obedient servant, Henry Smythies.

J. Bacot, Esq. To this letter Mr. Smytides received a reply, of which the following is a copy. Ilowick, August 3rd, 1853. Sir, —I was astonished to receive a letter asking me to meet a deputation from Onehunga, to canvass the propriety of my contesting an election for the Pensioner Settlements, with Brigade Major Greenwood. It appears to me that Brigade Major Greenwood had much better himself consult Ids friends as to the propriety of his contesting a seat with me. As I was the first in the field, I shall certainly not receive any deputation on any such subject. Those who like Major Greenwood, may vote for him without asking my leave, and if they arc satisfied with thenown conduct, 1 do not see why they should be anxious to secure my good opinion. Hoping that I shall not be troubled again on so extraordinary a subject, ‘ I remain, Your obedient servant, J. BaCOT. H. Smythles, Esq.