THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5735, 16 August 1879, Page 2

THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN.

MR. SAUNDERS AT KAIKOURA. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT-! Kaikoura, Friday.

On Thursday evening Mr. Saunders addressed a large meeting of electors in the Kaikoura schoolroom, and the chair was occupied by the Chairman of the County Council, Mr. W. South. Mr. Saunders commenced by pointing out what he considered the leading features of really Liberal political principles, and then proceeded to show how Sir George Grey's action had violated everyone of them by destroying the extended franchise Bill of 1878, after it had passed both branches of the Legislature. He showed at once how little he cared for the rights of the people and of the lawful power of Parliament, by increasing tho expenditure on the Civil List, to reward his own creatures, and filling the Legislative Council with men only calculated, to degrade it. By doubling the payment to members of both Houses for the present year he had wasted as much money as would have educated 20,000 children. He had used .the public money to corrupt the public Press, and had filled the colony with newspapers that were blinding instead of enlightening the public, and twisting round in any direction to defend him, either as the great promiser or the great betrayer of Liberal measures. Tho lawful authority of Parliament was treated with contempt in the construction of public works, and whilst railways that had been approved by the Legislature were neglected, those that had never been knowingly legalised were pushed on in defiance of tho people’s representatives. With Sir George Gray to scramble for the extreme North, Mr Macandrew for the extreme South, and only a wax-doli like Mr. Fisher to protect the central portions of New Zealand, it was easy to see where all the money would be spent, if the authority of Parliament was to be set on one side. By the Premier treating his colleagues as naughty schoolboys, he had made it impossible for men with any proper self respect to sit in the Cabinet with him, and this left the colony with nothing but personal rule. In evarything the Premier had proved himself the reverse of a Liberal, and was always willing to set aside the common rights of others to secure his own power. The following resolution was proposed by Mr. Parsons, seconded by Mr. G. Rorrison, and carried, after the rejection of an amendment proposed by. Mr. Harnett and seconded by Sir. Arbex :—“That this meeting thanks Mr. Saunders for his instructive address, and the information he has given them about the public business of the colony, and takes this opportunity to express their entire confidence in him as their representative in the Colonial Legislature.” ... ,

(PEE PEES 3 AGENCY.) Geahamstown, Friday. A. Brodie announces himself as a candidate for the representation of the Thames, Sir Geo. Grey having, as he says, consented to be nominated for Christchurch, ; , y-ryr - • ■ Auckland, Friday. Reader Wood to-day accepted a request to stand for the Waitemata in the Grey interest. This will swell the Ministerial vote,. Hurst also being pledged to support the Government. Whitaker is named as a possible candidate for Eden. It is not probable that O’Korke will be opposed for Qnehunga. On the East Coast Captain Morris has. commenced an energetic canvas. He is opposed' by Woodbine Johnston (brether of the member of the Upper House), and by Allen, McDonald, iWho has already started to canvass at Tauranga. A few of Captain Morris’s supporters called a public meeting at Tauranga, and the meeting broke up without pledging "itself to any line of support. ’ Vesey _ Stewart will not be a candidate for the’ Coast, as he will shortly return to England. Wanganui, Friday.

Electioneering is proceeding steadily. Mr. Ballance’s friends are working hard, but Sir William Fox and his supporters are enthusiastic. There is no doubt about "Sir William Fox’s return, but many fear that Mr. Bryce will be left out in the cold. His friends have placed him in an awkward fix "by coupling his name with Mr. Ballanee’s. He has made no public announcement yet, but has privately stated that he will not come out as a Liberal, nor occupy the same platform as Mr. BaTlance. New BLtuopnr, Friday.

Captain Skeet is a candidate for Grey and Bell. Mr. Carrington retires from politics. Christchurch, Friday, A meeting of the sub-committee of the Reform Association was held at Sydenham tonight in the Liberal interest. ..... The election campaign begins in earnest next week. Eollestou addresses the electors of the town, on Tuesday..;. Richardson and Stevens will speak .at Christchurch shortly after, and Sir G. Grey on Saturday next; .. It is possible that the contest for Christchurch will be a walk-over for Grey, Richard- , son, and Stevens, as no other candidates are likely to come'forward. Mr. J. P. Andrews, the working man’s representative-in the late Provincial Council, has -declined to stand. Mr. G. H. Wearing, lately landlord of the Terminus Hotel," Christchurch, wilt beasked to stand for Kaiapoi in opposition to ‘Mr Bowen. ■ ■ ■ Dunedin', Friday. Mr. Hogg, President of the Tailors’ Operative Society, is a candidate for Dunedin in the working men’s interest. T Mr. J. S. Shanks received a Vote of confidence from the Appleby portion of the Mataura electorate. -He intimated that he would give a hearty, support to any Ministry under the leadership of Grey. Mr. nghan writ probably oppose Captaim- McKenzie for- Waikaia Mr P. McCanghan notifies that as there are two local candidates already m the field, he withdraws from contesting Riverton. Invercargill, Friday.

Political feeling runs high. - The candidates in the field are working hard to' secure support. For the electorates of Invercargill,; Eiverton, and Wallace,there we no fewer. that nine can

didatos—Messrs. Bain, Feldwick, Hodgkinson, McDonald, Captain Henkison. I’. B. McLanghlan, J. B. Cuthbertsoa, Hirst, and Joyce. °The people want to know now when the dissolution will take place, and wonder if the New Zealand “ showman ” is delaying it to favor some political dodge. It will be a th'ht contest at this end. ° TIMABU, Friday. It is reported that Mr. James Macassey, of Dunedin, has consented to come forward for Timarn, but it is not absolutely certain ho will do so, BehftoN, Friday. A meeting baa been held here of persons desirous of securing Mr. Gisborne’s return. A committee 0f.85 was formed to work the election for him.