MR. GANNOM AND HIS SUPPORTERS.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 175, 5 July 1884, Page 2

MR. GANNOM AND HIS SUPPORTERS.

HE IS RELEASED. CANDIDATE FOR THE BAY OF ISLANDS. A meeting convened by advertisement of the supporters of Mr. M. J. Gannon, was held in the committee, rooms last night, and was very numerously attended. As stated in the advertisement, the business was of very considerable importance, being the determination of the question, as to whether or not that gentleman should contest the seat for the East Coast at the forthcoming election. Mr. Boylan having been requested to take the chair, pointed out that two candidates standing in the Liberal interest was of no use whatever, as it would again put Mr. Locke at the head of the poll, and Mr. Rees was determined to stand for this seat. Now Mr. Gannon had been offered large and substantial assistance to contest the seat for the Bay of Islands, and it was for this meeting to decide what was best for their candidate to do, either for him to stay here and split the Liberal votes with Mr. Rees, or to contest the Bay of Islands. The thing to look at was this, if they agreed to let Mr. Gannon accept the large and influential offer for the Bay of Islands who were now working in his behalf, they could have a much better opportunity of returning a Liberal member. In reply to a question put, Mr. Gannon said he would not do anything except in accordance with the full and expressed wish of his supporters. He threw the matter entirely in their decision. He had been requested to stand for the Bay of Islands, and had many telegrams with regard to the same. He wanted their permission. He was in their hands, and wished them to defend him from calumny and the remarks that might be made about him to the effect that he had thrown them over. If they desired it he would fight again for this seat. Several gentlemen now spoke, and gave it as their opinion that the best thing to do would be to release Mr. Gannon, and allow him to contest the other seat. Mr. E. Smith proposed, and Mr. Philps seconded, “ That, viewing the circumstances explained, we desire to release Mr. M. J. Gannon from his position as our candidate at the forthcoming election as a member for the East Coast District. Mr. Turton proposed, and Mr. Malone seconded, “ That in the opinion of this meeting it is advisable that Mr. Gannon accepts the invitation to contest the seat for the Bay of Islands Electoral District. ■’t Both propositions were unanimously carried. Mr. Gannon in a few words thanked them for their kind support, and did not know whether to say he was glad or sorry at their decision, though he supposed it would be the most rational course to take. Though they had relieved him from obligations to them, he would never forget them, and if he succeeded in his contest for the Northern seat, he would help this district to the best of his ability in Parliament.