AN ELECTION MEETING AT THE WAIRARAPA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5076, 30 June 1877, Page 2

AN ELECTION MEETING AT THE WAIRARAPA.

(From the Standard.) On Tuesday evening last Mr. Silas Pugsley addressed the electors at Mrs. Lucas's public room.

Upwards of a hundred people assembled to hear the candidate, including a fair sprinkling of the Waiohine rodents.

Mr. Pugsley, on his arrival, amid loud cheers, took his place on the raised platform, tastefully decorated with illuminated corn, flour, and patent mustard cards. A bottle of ginger beer was placed at the disposal of the caudidate. One of the Waiohine rodents known as "Happy Jack" was appointed to preside. Like many other chairmen, he displayed a, marked preference for listening to his own voice. But he kept order. Yes ! An elector was unseemly in his interruptions. "Put a spot on that man's mouth," said the Cliairmau. Order was restored instantaneously. The Chairman opened the meeting with what he termed "a bit of a speech." He wanted the railway lino to be centra], so that himself and his friends could make money at it, and knock the same down at Morphy's (enthusiastic applause from the friends.) Mr. Silas Pugsley then rose to address the meeting, and was well received. Ho was very presentable ! Indeed, for ono who follows the avocation of chimney swoop and nightman, he might be said to look almost clean.

The candidato spoke as follows : " Well, gentlemen, I havo a few remarks to make. (Hear, hear.) First—There should be no tax on groceries. (Certainly not.) Second —A tax should be put on snuff. (So it should.) Third—The hours of working men should be reducsd from eight to seven hours. (Frantic approbation.) Gentlemen, I have a few remarks to make. Mr. Bunny should be presented with a bunch of watercresses which ho has allowed to be overcropped on the Waiohine. Gentlemen, I have a few remarks to wake. '(Hear, bear,) I ain not 60 cheap

as ray opponents take me to be. (Fearful applause.) All carriages and horse 3 should be taxed." A Voice : And firewood. The candidate expressed himself willing to answer questions. An Elector: Do you believe in woman's rights, Mr. Pugsley ? Candidate : I do. An Elector : Which woman's. Candidate : Any woman's ? (Loud applause). After a number of other question-) had been satisfactorily answered, at a given signal a string was pulled, and a copious shower of filth descended over the orator, amid terrific yells. Mr. Pugsley, nothing daunted, continued his speech. When the shower fell he was only iu his natural element. The candidate was then marched through the town, with a following of about 200 men, and after being cleansed with flour was permitted to return home.