SIR W. FOX on RANGITIKBI ELECTION.

Patea Mail, 16 December 1881, Page 3

SIR W. FOX on RANGITIKBI ELECTION.

At the declaration of the poll for the Rangitikei election on the 14th, the numbers being Stevens 487, Fox 485. Sir W. Fox said as this was the last occasion on which for some time he would address the electors on political matters, he would like to make a few remarks. He was not the nominee of the proprietor of the Wanganui Herald, and had not had his speeches prepared and information furnished by that gentleman, as his opponent had, and ifMrßallance had attended more to his own election, and left his (Sir W. Fox’s) alone, it would have been much better for him, as in that case he would most likelj 7 have had a seat in the House at this moment. Not that it made much difference, because owing to Mr Ballance’s treachery to both parties he had no weight in the House, and his word went for naught. Neither did he (Sir W.) take four-horse coaches filled with residential electors all over the country to secure supposed votes of confidence where none existed ; nor had he, at any time during the contest, asked for a single vote personally, or invited anyone to have a drink, for the purpose of securing their votes, nor as the other side had done placed boys on the roll who were not qualified. And another thing was, he had not engaged an ex-convict (who had not long ago served six months in gaol) to parade the streets in a red coat, blowing a cow’s horn and leading a couple of dogs, for the purpose of disgracing his adversary. Sir W. Fox said he was not satisfied ; and if on taking legal advice, there were found any grounds to upset the election, the electors might rest satisfied that he would use every means in his power which the law allowed for the purpose.