A LIVELY ELECTION MEETING

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2263, 18 June 1880, Page 2

A LIVELY ELECTION MEETING

(Abridged from the “North Otago Times A)

At seven o'clock on Tuesday evening, at a meeting presided over by the Mayor, Mr Jo]in lleid, of Elderslie, delivered an electioneering address in tho Volunteer Hall. The entire hall, and even the wings on tho platform, were crammed full of an excited hut goodwilling crowd. All the silling forms had previously been removed whereby

nucli room was - gained, and as tho chairman. rom irked, the meeting was less likely to be 'unduly prolonged.

Mr lleul on coming forward, was received with cheers and with some signs M disapprobation. The chairman said that a Few larrikins at the back of tho hall seemed dis nosed to interrupt tho harmony of the meeting, and he hoped they would be cept in check by the respectable portion of the audience.

Mr Reid got hall: way through with 'us address, when the crowd commenced ringing, and tho words “ marching,” " -Jordon,” “ sour apple tree,” as well as Imitations of cock-crowing, were distinctly heard. Mr Jones appealed to the audience, to hoar Mr Reid patiently, adding that tho cause which did not boar hsenssion was not worth much. Alter ibis, Me lie id was heard with comparative ijiiiot for a few minutes, but the muse was presently renewed, and tho chairman was obliged to deprecate - I lull conduct in strong terms, and called upon tho audience to maintain muT. The better opinion seemed to be that the disturbance had originated among a few young lads. One gentleman vainly endeavored to address tho people, but was finally scut “ toppling"’ iVom (he platform. At intervals later on, there was a good deal of groaning, relieved by showers ol; “ matured eggs.” —On t! 10 conclusion of Mr Reid's address, at twenty-four minutes to nine o’clock, much confusion ensued, and the meeting became uproarious. In order lo gratify his electioneering wrath one gentleman raised a chair as an impromptu club wherewith to belabor a free and independent elector of antagonistic principles to his own, and was struck from behind with a stick.

Thu Chairman declared the meeting over, ami loft.

Mr Jones, who was cnthustically received, said ho would not occupy much ii' their time, but merely comment iiri -by fui wliat air Judd had said—(A voi —You’ll iind it all in the Evening; Mail”) (Laughter and groans.) IF they wished to hear him he hoped they would do so —(Voices —Wc do.) in the Sirsi place they should take into consideration —•

Hereupon a well-known and popular gentleman, wearing a white hat, was

made the recipient of a paper bag of dour, which, impinging on his back, burst and covered his coat with white. Considerable indignation was expressed, !>nt to crown the lawlessness someone ;si!t out the ga a thus summarily staying the proceedings ala ijuarter to nine. A nor lion of the crowd thou made a rush

for the platform, and several of the wing partitions were thrown down. Presently the gas was re-lighted, and at ten minutes to nine partial order was restore !.

On. :'dr W. J. Smith’s motion, Mr John Thompson was voted to the chair, amid cheers and cries of " Where’s the Mayor gone?” The newly-elected Chairman said lie hoped the electors would give Air Jones a; patient a hearing as bad been accorded to Mr Reid, and introduced Mr -Jones to llio meeting. [The mooting at this juncture presented a most free and easy appearance, men and lads —wc might truthfully say children —smoking unconcernedly.]

A 'Tice -What sort of a billet would von hake, if elected ?

AIT .Jones —I require no billet; lam satisfied with my present position, and if I go to Parliament I shall accept no billet (Loud cheers), if I go to Wellington, as I know I shall, I will neither accept a billet, nor be a party to (ho continuance of the corruption widen has obtained in the past. —(More cheering).

Mr Anthony fßoger.? ’proposed, and Mr M'acguirt) seconded a vote of thanks to Mr .-lone;-! and oi ! confidence in him, which was carried amid frantic cheers an>l waving of hails. The meeting broke up at ton minutos after nine o’clock with a vote of thanks to the chairman, which was proposed by Mr dunes and carried with acclamation. (A Voice ; ” hipuds and mutton for Judd.”) Tbo meeting then dispersed, a number of Mr Jones’s supporters carrying him from the hail amid much exultation.