THE WAITAKI ELECTION.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1049, 30 August 1879, Page 2

THE WAITAKI ELECTION.

The nomination of candidates for the representation of Waitaki in the new Parliament took place at the Court-house at noon to-day, and attracted a very large attendance of electors. Amongst those present was a large number of country voters from all parts of the district, many of whom had no doubt come to town in order to be present at the formal nomination of candidates. Altogether there must have been fully 500 persons present, but of course a small percentage of the number were not electors. The proceedings were commenced inside the building, but owing to a large number being uuabie to gain admission an adjouvimuT.t was made to the outside. The Returning Officer having read the writ commanding him to proceed with the election of two members for Waitaki, formally opened the proceedings. Mr. John Sinclair briefly proposed Mr. Samuel Edward Shrimski. Mr. Alexander Isdale seconded the nomination.

Mr. Thomas Henderson proposed Mr. Thomas W. Hislop, saying that the electors knew what his past services had been, and that tliey would speak for themselves. Mr. W. H. Ronayne seconded the nomination, saying that it would be superfluous to say anything in favor of the candidate.

Mr. Neil Fleming then stepped forward and proposed Mr. William J.. Steward. He would say a few words in reference to the candidate. It was with nr small amount of diffidence that he stotd there to advocate the claims of Mr. Steward, and ask them to elect him. It was the first time that he had ever occupied the position of a political canvasser, and no doubt he would say many things which he ought to say, and leave unsaid many things which he ought to say. He trusted his remarks would be received in good faith, if not with a good grace. His reason for speaking in Mr. Steward's favor was that he thoroughly believed in that gentleman. He was a good citizen and a good colonist—manly, straightforward, and noble. He had his hobbies, weaknesses, and faults, but he was a good man, and a thorough gentleman. Mr. Steward, during his Mayoralty, had no doubt created many enemies, but any man placed in the same position would do so. Mr. Fleming then referred to?the waterworks scheme, and mentioned that Mr. Steward was not responsible for that scheme. There was another grievance against Mr. Steward, especially in the northern part of the town. He referred to the railway station site ; but there was no doubt that that site was not a suitable one. The line should go through the hill. The Minister for Public Works had said so, and he agreed with him. It had been stated that Mr. Steward was going to Wellington as a squatter's man ; but he might tell those people that they did not know what they were talking about. There was a very erroneous impression abroad with reference to the position and power of the squatters. He might tell them that there was no body of men in the Colony who were in a worse position at the present time than the squatters. (Oh !) If there were men worse off he pitied them from the bottom of his heart. He was no friend of the squatters, and if he thought Mr. Steward was going to Wellington as a squatters' man he would not vote for him. ; V voice : What about the Bank of NeV Zealand 1) It was the best bank in the Colony. The speaker then referred to the cry of liberalism, and concluded by relating some amusing anecdotes. Mr, Thomas Duncan seconded the nomination, and said he did so principally because the country distriots had in the past been neglected. They had many grievances, especially in regard to the railways. These grievances had not been redressed, and very little effort had been used towards redressing them. Another reason for his seconding the nomination of Mr. Steward was that one of the other

candidates had stated at Pukeuri that h 0 was opposed to triennial Parliaments. Mr. Shrimski said, as one of *tho candidates, he would say but very words on that occasion. During the Parliament ho had done his best to servo the interests of the constituency, and ha hoped that his conduct during the four years he had represented them would, bo a sufficient warrant for the vote of confidence which he hoped to receive. Duncan had said , that one of the candidates had at Pukeuri announced that h e would oppose triennial Parliaments. As he (Mr. Shrimski) was the person referred to he would take the opportunity 0 f explaining that he would oppose triennial Parliaments unless accompanied by the Bribery Bill. Without the Bribery Bill it would be perfectly useless to have triennial Parliaments. He would fully explain his views on Tuesday next. (Applause.) Mr. Hislop said tlie candidates had agreed not to waste the time of the public by making long speeches, as they had given full opportunities to the_ electors to hear the expression of their views. Two things had been imported into the candidature which he regretted to observe—one was the personal element, and the other was the idiotic cry raised > Mr. Steward's seconder. He did ; »ot wish to put himself against Mr. Steward personally. Ho had come forwn a certain set of principles which lieved to be essential to the welfare of tho Colony. On Tuesday next, he would indicate what he meant by the term Liberalism, and he felt confident that what he would then say would find a response in the breasts of all those who had the interests of the country at heart. With regard to tho idiotic cry raised by Mr. Duncan, that he (the speaker) and his colleague had neglected the country interests, he said no man had a right to come forward and make an assertion of that kind. [Mr. Duncan : Facts will speak for themselves.] They had addrossed the electors at Pukeuri, and if Mr. Duncan had any grounds for his assertion ho ought to have spoken of it there, and given them an opportunity of making an explanation. He hoped as many as could make it convenient would attend his meeting on Tuesday. Mr. John Thompson then asked Mr. .Hislop if lie could say with what Bank several of Mr. Steward's supporters dealt. Mr. Hislop said he had before remarked that he did not wish to introduce personal matters into the election. It mattered little where people banked. He was satisfied that the body of the electors were sufficiently powerful to overcome the influence of any bank clique, if such were formed. (Applause.) Mr. Steward said that that was tho third time that he stood before the electors and asked their support. On tho first occasion he had been successful, but 011 the second he was unsuccessful. He had taken his defeat in good temper. Ho hoped this time to be returned ; if he was not, he trusted he would again take his defeat in good part. He held that it ' was the right of every free born Briton 1 to come forward and offer his services to his fellow citizens, and it was for them to • say plainly whether they would accept 1 thosS services or not. He agreed with 1 the last speaker as to the undesirableneas of introducing personal matters into the 1 contest. He had not done so, and I nothing should induce him to drag in per- ' sonal matters. He was not going to 1 make a speech because he intended adL dressing them fully on Thursday evening. (Applause.) There being no other nominations tho 5 candidates very briefly addressed tho i assemblage. A show of hands was then called for, the numbers, as declared by the Returning Officer, being as follows :—Hislop, 61 ; Shrimski, CO; Steward, 30. Mr. Steward demanded a poll, and a vote of thanks having been accorded to the Returning 'Officer, on the motion of Mi. Hislop, seconded by Mr. Steward, tho proceedings terminated.