THE NOMINATIONS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1635, 17 September 1887, Page 2

THE NOMINATIONS.

IBMXJEA. The nomination of candidates for the repreaent'ition of Gladstone in the House of Representatives took place at the Courthouse at noon yesterday. Thee wore several hundred electors present, end throughout the proceedings the liveliest interest was displayed. Mr F. W. Stubbs, the Returning Officer, commenced by reading the writ authoring him to conduct the election, and then the advertisement announcing the dates and places of nomination and polling. He then asked that candidates might be proposed. Mr Joshua Page said he had much pleasure la proposing Mr Arthur Edgar Gravener Rhodes as a fit and proper person to represent Gladstone in the House of Representatives. He said he was before them again as a sort of dry nurse to one of the candidates. Notwithstanding the pleasure ho felt at oorningj however, ho felt he owed them some apology for being there as he was an outsider—(Hear, hear)—and for having proposed a member for three occasions. His only apology was this that very often lack of ability was made up-by assurance, which, ha thought they would all give him credit for. (A voice; “Cheek.”) Well, he should like to. say a word or two. (A voice; Ab *ut Messrs Twomey and Franks.) He didn’t wish to say one uncharitable word of either. They were just seeking at the hands of the electors what it was right and competent for anyone to do, and therefore they claimed from them the.same right as any one else. (Voices; “And.more." “Whynot.”) Well, more, he didn’t care. Since the Inst Parliament was elec’ed time had not improved for anyone, and the amount of taxation which would have to be put on to carry on the Government would ho considerable. Therefore they must be careful who they elected. They wanted of integiity. (A.yoice; “A sleeping man, and “ Don’t take no notice.") Well, he liked to be l>ken notice of. He was going to say if (hey would (ax their memory they would see young men in New Zealand enter Parliament under very favorable circumstances with bnT Man* ability and ideas, having power sufficient to grace any department of Government, yet where were they now f They had quietly gone, because they hadjnot sufficient honesty and integrity of' purpose. He instanced a number of meh who had left names which would stand for ages in their country’s history. Bat they might ask did the candidate he. .was going to propose possess all th» qualities ha had spoken of f (A voice ; No.) He believed he possessed sufficient capability to finally deve'op into a very fair representative. Ho was a young man. He hadn’t an elastic conscience, They must have a man of integrity, but they might have ability with integrity, If a poor man was brought fo’Wird they said ; Wo won’t have you ; you want to make a living out of Parliament,” and if a rich man then they snid he con'd not be honest. Well, what the devil did want ? (Voices: “Don’t swftnr,” and “ We are not accus'omed to that,” e‘c..) He was not going to gloss over his defects; It was urged by some he was a lawyer, but he thought that was no objection, as he would not take his profession to Parliament as a marketable commodity. Then they were told he was (lie squat'ers’ friend. We have an estate here, and th-it estate belonged to the peop'e. If a man Wis a trustee of a property fop a widow and her children he did the best he could for them, and he considered the Government were the m-n who stood in the place of the trustees of the people’s estate. If anyone went to Parliament and betrayed his trust ho wonld-have to answer for it at the election in three years time. Next it was said be was rich, but he would not mind if ho had the half of it, and ho didn’t think his hearers would either. It was very wrong to say that-if a man wna rich he must bo a rogn a . The next ol j-ctirn w*s that Mr Rhodes was a swell. Ha didn't think there was a real swell in the colony as he understood it. Mr Rhodes was the'son of a hard-headed, hard-fisted JJ'itish yeotpan, who had never forsaken Jhgag whopj he jjad lived with for ao pjiny

yoars, but stuck to them until his death. Such a man could not bo called a swell, and there was nothing to be afraid of. Education was marching in the rear, that great leyeller, and in a few years the cry would bo for “Mure light,” and then would come the standard of intellectual do relopment. Another objection to Mr Rhodes was because he was not a supporter of the present Government, (Groat uproar, howls, etc. Voices ; “ Speak up,” “ You said solast time,” and more interruption.) Mr Page said that at one of the great festivites at Athens a great ruler was there and they offered him a lute. Ho said “I don’t fiddle, but I can make a great and glorious city spring up where there is now but a village.” The Government could not make a city grow up where there is now a village, hut they could fiddle. (Voices; “It isn’t good enough,” and uproar,) Sir Julius Yogel was a very clever man, and he went creeping and crawling about like a slimy torpedo. (Great uproar.) Mr Page then went on to speak of the purchase of the sites for the Government Insurance premises at Dunedin and Christchurch, strongly condemning Sir Julius Vogel’s action, wh'ch, ho said, resulted in a great loss of the money of the people. He then said that some years ago Mr Sheehan and Colonel Fraser took up a large tract of land at Taupo, and after the death of Mr Sheehan Colonel Fraser wonted to get rid of it, and offered it to the Government. Fraser wanted £2OOO. 'there was a commission appointed, and they awarded Mrs Fraser £1950. He said the heathen Chinee with his tricks was a gem of the first water compared with this. He now begged to propose Mr Arthur Edgar Gravener Rhodes as a fit , and proper person to represent the constituency.

Mr D. In wood said he had much pleasme in seconding the nominntion. Duriog this election many side issues had been raised to divert attention, and he intanced Land Tenure and Protection, but these did nob concern the main question which was that the financial proposals of the Government were unsatisfactory. That resolution was affirmed by their representatives in Parliament and now they had to decide whether, as honest men, they should live within their capital or hand over the affairs of the countrv to

iren who did not understand its requirements, (A voice* “What about the Continuous Ministry ? ’) He said that was his opinion. How far the Government were justified in putting the country to the cost of a second session was for the people to say, As to the question of Freetrade and Protection, the whole question was raised on a false issue. Tnere was no Freetrade in New Zealand, and any industry requiring more protection than provided by the present tvrifl was not fit for New Zealand. Prohibition was. w hat was really asked for, to bolster op a few manufacturers who were unable to stand on their own merits. They had only to say whether they would allow any Government to thrust their hands deeper into their pockets. The two issues before the oountry were retrenchment, as proposed by the Opposition, and more taxation as proposed by Government. He thought Icod and personal matters should bo sunk, but one man might by his character and knowledge of the world be able to further tbs interests of the people, while .another lacking those advantages would not carry so much weight. He would impress upon every elector the necessity of recording his vote for anyone who could do the beat for the country. (A voice: “ That's Twomey.”) After a few more remaiks Mr In wood expressed his pleasure in seconding the nomination of Mr Rhodes. Mr Thos. Ley said he had great pleasure in proposing Mr Jeremiah Matthew Twomey, as a fit and proper person to represent the Gladstone Constituency in the General Assembly. In proposing him, he felt he had a comparatively easy task, as Mr Twomey was well and favorably known here, (Applans**). Ha was neither a stranger nor an absentee, but one of themselves. He had intimate acquaintance with the whole political history of New Zealand, and was capable of rendering important services, cot only to the district, hut to the whole colony. It had been inferred by the supporters of the Opposition candidate, that Mr Twomey would carry no weight with him. The real difference between Mr Twomey and Mr Rhodes was the power of gold. (Great applause). The former rel'ed on intellect the latter on gild. Another point of d fference was iu the choice of political leaders. Mr Twomey came bodly forward ns a supporter of Sir Robert Stout. Ho would stand or fall by him. Mr Rhodes said if he were returned he would do his utmost to destory Sir Robert’s Ministry, but when asked who ho would follow he would not say, The fact was he was ashamed of his political lenders. (Applause). Hints had been thrown out by the leaders of the Political Reform Association that new men were coming to the front as leaders, and that the old polict.ical rulers would be thrown Aside. Was it likely that men of the Postlethwnite and Stead class would supersede Sir John Had, Sir Robert Stout, nnd Major Atkinson ? He could assure them that the lions of the assembly would never submit to ba led by the asses. (Great applause). There were three questions prominently before the country what might be called burning questions: Retrenchment, Education, and t o Settlement of the People on the Land. In the lual ter of retrenchment, Mr Twomey was in favor of real retrenchment, nnd not the sham retrenchment of the political reformers, which is the shifting of the burden from the shoulders of the rich to those of the poor men. (Applause). As regards education, they might rely that while Sir Robert Stout was head of the Government education was perfectly safe, and there would bo no hurtful retrench ment in that department. The last question was perhaps the most important. He woidd like to ask ail who had an interest in this country if it was to be the home of speculators and monopolists, or the home of a happy and prosperous people. A shout of exu’tation would be raised by every money-ring and landshark, and a keen pang of regret would bo felt by every honest man in the country, if the administration of Sir Robert Stout was overthrown. .He would appeal to every farmer who had made a home in the country and wrs willing to concede • similar privilege to others, to every dweller in town who had by his own industry caused his business to flemish, and to every working man who wished to be something higher, to rally round the pre-

sent administration, and return Mr Twomey at the head of the poll. Mr W. L. Duncan had much pleasure in seconding the nomination of Mr Twomey. Mr Tworaey was no etracger in the district, and personal reference was therefore quite unnecessary. The question which most affected them was which Government were they to support. Mr Twomey was pledged to cast in his lot with the Liberal party. That was what effected them most—whether they were to have a Liberal Government or a Tory one! Mr Rhodes was asked at a meeting at Hilton what were his political colors, and he said that he thought they were all Liberals in New Zealand. During the present election they had been treated to a great deal of rubbish about retrenchment. He thought the whole mutter might be settled if anyone could answer two simple questions. If anyone had an opportunity of taking £2OO would he take £150! If one were a member of the Ministry with the control of the public puree would he say he would not spend a few hundred pounds to keep himself in office against others who would supplant him I The abominable expense of government did not proceed from

this or that set of men. It was the system that held out a premium to roguery. This was a loyal country, and this was the premium held out for loya'ty. He would like to refer to a statement made by an aristocratic doctor that Mr Twomey had been rearbd in a mud cabin. Ho would say that the brightest star of his country, Scotland, was brought up in a mud cabin. In fact, nearly all great men whose names had been handed down to posterity had sprue? from obscure positions. On the whole he thought they had no occasion to be ashamed of Mr Twomey. He appealed to

his fellow electors to support principles. They trust either have Liberals or Tories. A working man could never be a Tory. A Tory must have real blue blood in him. There ■were not many such men in New Zealand, but there were plenty of upstarts who wished to be considered such, but that would never be. Both parties were agreed iu settling.people on the land, but one party desired to settle them on blocks of 10,000 acres, while the other wished for small homestead blocks. They bad heard a good deal about reformers, but he

would like to remind them of a Reformer

who lived 2000 years ago who told the rich man to sell that he had and give to the poor. He' would advise some who objected to village settlements to sell all they bad and giva to the poor, and then shoulder (heir blankets and travel the country. They would then know what it was to bo without a home. Ha was convinced the people knew who to vote for. He had much pleasure in seconding his friend’s nomination. (Applause.) Mr Franks, after waiting some minutes and endeavoring to find a proposer, mounted the hustings, and said that he had a proposer, in fact more than one, but it appeared that certain influence had been brought to bear upon them and they were ashamed to stand, up there and propose him. Sooner than this should avail his opponents he would propose himself. At the very last moment they had backed out owing to pressure brought to bear upon them. This was disgraceful. He was ashamed of such conduct. (A voice ; ,l We ho ve a candidate.'') Ho would propose himself sooner than that this thing should be. H was quite satisfied with the support he had been promised, and would not change places with either of the other condidates. Ho would stand on his own bottom, and would go to the poll. It was not money that brought him there, as ho would not bow or cringe to wedib. He was independent and ho would ask independent electors to support him, but if (hey would not do so let them support the man they behaved in. He enjoyed all the obstacles that had been brought against him. He delighted in them. No little humbug crawlers for him. Let them look at what money was doing in Temuka, Were they not ashamed of it I If ever he went into Parliament on such props, he

would be ashamed of it, Ha ,offered his services freely, and if he had made a mistake, he asked their forgiveness. He was the same now as three years ago, except that he was older, hue during that time they had seen many changes. Mr Pago had dilated on the virtues of the candidates that he had proposed on former occasions but they did no good, and would the present candidate do any good! He thought when some of them read next day what they had said they would be ashamed of it. He would like to hit some of the big bugs. There was no bribery or corruption about him and none about the honest working man. (Here some little uoroar arose.) Mr Franks continued: He had come forward in the interests of the working men and wished to appear no better than he was. He wanted to get the country out of the hiesa the wealthy men had got it into. The country was now so locked up, that there was no chance for a working man to make a living, and it was for them to join together and make a change. He was in favor of retrenchment, and would commence with the Governor. He was sure they could • save £200,000. The absentee landlords, pawnshops, and big hues were the curse of the country, No crawler of the Bank of New Zealand could influence him. The corrupting influence of the Bank of New Zealand was felt throughout the country, end if he could bo would it. Tuin influence was felt evirywhsre for evil. Monny properly utilised was a beautiful thing, but if misused was like dirt on the street. They all wanted more wealth, bnt if they acqirred It they needed the power to ns° it well. Mr Twamey had said that all the fi'th of the Opposition had been hurled at him (Mr Twomey), but they had let him (Mr Franks) alone. They had as a matter of faet overlooked him, but he wss satisfied, and wonld not change places with eithar of them, (A voice: “Do yon think you’ll get in.”) He believed he would got in. After a few more remarkt Mr Franks proposed himself as a fit and proper person to represent their grand district in Parliament. Mr Brewer begged to propose Mr Franks, Mr Geo. Bolton hedged to propose Mr Franks. (A voice ; He has been already proposed twice.) He begged to second Mr Feanka’ nomination as t candidate for Gladstohe. He did it sole’y because that although several present were of Mr Frank’s political opinions hone had come forward to propose him. He thought it a. pity that men were backward when the affairs of the eolony required all to combine to place them in a aatisfactory con-,

dition. It bad been said that be was a supporter of Mr Rhodes, but he did not think they could afford to wait until Mr Rhodes had learned politics. Ho did not altogether agree with Mr Franks, bathe, lieved him conscientious and honest, dnd wolTld do good work for New Zealahd. He thought it great presumption on Mr Twomey’s part.—(Great uproar).—“They bad allowed him to buck at Mr Rhodes; surely he might be allowed to buck at Mr Twomey. (Uproar), After a lot of interruption Mr Bolton, continued ; Mr Rhodes was not the man to represent this constituency, but Mr Twomey was. „Mr Twomey had the most magnificent abilities, and there was not j politician in the country with each good ideas. Let them look at the Tsmujca Lhadbr, and they would see that Mr Franks had no ideas but those be bad taken froiia Mr Tworaey three years ego. Mr Franks was in the country and conserfant with its politics before Mr Twomey had landed, and if they depended ou Mr Twomey they depended on a rotten stick, (Great uproar). After a few more remarks of a similar nature, and being frequently interrupted, Mr BoUoo, who was almost inaudible at times, said there were some there who had little ability; aome of them did not deserve the franchise. People who would not.listen to both sides and judge for themselves; were little better than pigs driven to market. He had ■ much pleasure in seconding Mr Franks candidature.

The Returning Officer then called for a show of hands, which resulted in favor of Mr Twomey by an overwhelming majority, Mr Franks demanded a poll, which the Returning Officer intimated would take place on Monday, the 26th. Mr A. IS. G, Rhodes said that it. was hardly necessary for one who bad lived most of his life in the neighbourhood— (A voice : “ That's no qualification'”—-Well be would not bring that forward as a qualfl* cation. It was hardly necessary for him to go into the question of bis pedigree or previous history as they air knew him. He had endeavoured to meet as many he could during the past three months and , hoped he had made as many friends as would ensure his return to Parliament, Ha was as conscious of his waat of oratory as anyone, and perhaps more so, but be was young and he might improve. What they wanted was honesty and integrity of purpose. He hoped be was not leaking in those qualities which were so much wanted in a candidate during the present crisis. One of the worst features of the Ministerial party was the endeavour to raise class cries to secure the return of the Stoot-Vogel party to the Government benches. He could not forecast the future and therefore he could not say what party he would follow. (Interruption), If they sent him to Wellington he would support that combination that he thought would serve their interests best. Both his opponents had usurped the title of Liberal candidates and representatives of the working men. Be thought his policy of the three P's— Freehold tenure, financial reform, and freetrade—was the best for the working man. If they sent him lo Wellington be would not betray their trust, and would

serve them to the best of, his ability. It was not the place to make a long address, more especially as he would speak ; to them again on Monday evening. Mr Twomey said he would first of all tender his sympathy to Mr Rhodes. Since the first day ho came to Temuka he had been trying to make them believe that he had-no connection with squatters, and was not the nominee of Political Reformers, but ihe squatters and Political Reformers still persisted in sticking to him like leeches, and the great Mokanna of the Political Reform Association—the man who called the meeting £6 form the Political Reform Association in Timarn—was there that day to nominate him. Oouli he say after this that lie was not a nominee of the Political Reformers | Mr Pago said he had come as other candidates, dry nurse, but it appeared now he was in the position of a wet nurse to Mr Rhodes," judging by the milk-and-water character of the speech he had made in proposing hiottw He expected that for once In the eloctio’Jr ho would have to encounter brains affar as Mr Page was concerned, but his speech

Bounded as if he had not his heart in the work. Compare hie speech; with the one made by bis (Mr Twenty's) proposer, and eay who had his ‘ heart in the work. His (Mr Page’?) greatest recommendntion of Mr Rhodes waa that he was the aon of his father. It was very fortunate f’f him, that he was the son of his father, and that he had a hard-headed British yeoman for a father. It appeared very much as if Mr Page was “ poking fan ” nt him. When a man disowns people they will have revenge on him, and it was probably bo with Mr Page. Mr Rhodes had disowned the Political Reformers, and this was Hie reason Mr Page was “ poking fun ”at him. He (Me Twomey) thought he had discovered perpetual motion in Mr Page, he made such a Png speech, bat what did it all come to ? Ihe only accus--tion against the Government was about

the insurance. Something or another , was done in Dunedin, w'th regard to the Government Insurance, but they might remember that the Government 'had nothing to do with it: that the Insurance Department which was ‘hen quite independent or the Government, «nd managed bj a Board of Directors. Th<> t had nothing to. do with if, and if anything was dode wrong the Boar 1 1 of Directors was to blame—and not the Government. The Fraser matter was referred to in the House, and it was a curious fact that no candidate from Auckland to the B'uff was now bringing it as a charge against the Government, yet Mr Page must rake it up. Mr Page had boasted that he had nominated three candidates, but one was a silent member, and he now wanted to foist another silent member upon them. The only man on the other side—with the exception of Mr Jetton, who seeme 1 to have had his ptint on—who said anything worth replying to was Mr Inwood. Hy wanted to show that the Government was goincr in for further borrowirg. He (Mr Two" mey) vas opposed to further borrowing, but the present Government proposed Jo borrow only £2,000,000 in ton years, that would not frighten aoyoao. regard to Financial reform, they what the previous Ministry had done. ' The Con in inns Mmistiy came into effice in 1882 with a feirplua of £236,000. increased expenditure in two years’ hy £447,000, and went out in debt to t e tuna of £152,000. These were the men who wore new screaming retrenchment.

. "Whiff tbe’devil wus lick the devil a saint ■ ' would be. When the devil got veil the devil a saint w»» he.” The Opposition was sick now: sick of their hands having been kept out of the Sublio purse for three years. The present finistry retrenched to the amount of £85,000, and they were the party that ought to be entrusted with farther re* trenohment. He would always vote for retrenchment if elected. Mr Inwood had -trotted out the question of Protection. The Political Reform Association, of which Mr Page was High Priest, said put on a tax for revenue purposes-—that is, tax the people as much as you like, but do not promote local industries. The counter-proposal was to adjust the taxatioD.in a direction which would promote local industries and increase the wealth of the colony. Mr Inwood : By increased taxation I Mr Twomey said it did uot mean in•reeled taxation. It was either to put the tax on luxuries—that is, according to Political Reformers, tea, sugar, tobacco, spirits, and salt—or pnt it on articles which would promote local industries. The Reformers were started by importers, who waited to con tinue to get cheap good». With regard to tbs affair about the mud cabin, it had been like many other undercurrents circulating through the district , for some time. He would warn them •gainst lies, t here was an old song which ran as follows : Some say the devil’* dead, Soma say the devil’* dead, Some say the dovilVdead, ■ r And buried in Eillarnay; Some uy he roie again, Some say be rose again, Some say he roue again. And enlisted in the army. He felt sure the devil must hare deserted from the army, and come into the contest that was going on here. The devil was the father of lies, and must be about, considering the lies that were in circulation. Ho would give them an instsnce of it, and he then read tbe following from the Press Of September 15th "IBTIMIDATIOK. An old man named Brosnahan living in Eerrytown, near Temuks, had his stacks burned in the night. He was previously threatened that if he voted for Mr Rhode* he would be burnt out of bouie and home. ’ Tbe history of this was that about two months, ago Mr Michael McAteer gave to an old man named Brosnahan some straw that remained lying around ihe paddock after be bad cut the good straw into chaff. Brosnahan collected the straw into a heap near a gorse fence, and when this fence was burned down by Mr McAteer sparks from it ignited the straw and it whs burned.. That happened two months ago in the day-time, and now they oiuld see his reason for warning them, against lies. He felt eertain some monstrous lie would be put into circulation on >he day of the •lection. He had been ten years or more in South Canterbury, and nothing could be said agairst him. Lst them say be was born iu a mud cabin ; let them say he was the working man's candidate and “smelt rank.” EEitherto he had not announced himself as a working man’s candidate; be had - scarcely referred to working men, but now that the wo'king men were insulted by saying (hat their candidate smelt rank, he Would declare himself a workmg man’s candidate. He was told two yea'js Ago he was working for election and that be was pandering io the working men. When any man spoke up for working men he was pandering to their prejudices, and if one of themselves dared to speak for bis class ho was au agitator and lampftost orator. He was told he was eauing on a rotten reed, and he would find it out. -He did not think so. He was proud of the vr»y the working men were sticking to him now, and he felt sure the day was not far distant when they would be proud of him too. (Cries of " Wo are proud of y ou now.’’) With regard to Mr it appeared to him they wanted to hide the partnership which exiita between Messrs Franks ami Rhodes. They thought they could get some of his own supporters lo nominate Hr Franks, hut they bad to fall back on some of Mr Rhodes supporters after all. It appeared to him that something besides beer was brewing. He thought all alone . time was extraordinary strength in the .< opponents whom be bad to encounter at every corner, hut had not thought be was fighting a firm of candidates. He had seme hard wrestling with them, bathe always managed to secure a fall. He looked upon an independent candidate as an independent nuisance—a rag upon every bush and no bush the bet'er of him. Supposing he turned the Government out what was the next thing he would do t Sit upon his perch till another was formed and then turn them out, and thus render.legislative action impossible. Was that right ? Be had made up his mind as to the party he would follow. The lines between parties were now so weL defined that .he could not understand huw any candidate-coaid remain undecided, and indecisions of character ought to unfit •ny-ope for a representative. He •aw that throughout the country the rich were on the’ side of the Opposition, while the poor were supporting the Government. There must be a reason for this, and it was that the present Government stood up for the peop'e, and the people recognised it. He would impress upon thorn that it nrgjit be , , Upon the result of the elect : on in this district might depend tho fate of the Ministry. He was threatened in t>at morning’s paper that he was making a pit for himself to fall into, and it was also said that he had packed his meetings. It was most remarkable (hat at Pleasant Point en'y three hands were held up against him, at Albury only three more, at Fairbe Creek only four, and at Kakahu no'te. At all those places the hands held Up sgiinst him wore beautifully white, while a whole fomt of the hands of the . horny-handed sons of toil were held up in his favor. He fe'fc glad to see that the people recognised the Liberal Government. He claimed no merits for,himself ; nil his merit was due to ihe great Libtrd chief—Sir Robert Stout —not one pulsation of whose heart did not beat for the good of the people at Inrg’, He intimated he would address a meeting on Saturday eveni-g, 24 h ins*., and had now only to warn them •gainst lies. Mr Franks said be would not detain than loi.g as no doubt they were all tired. Mr Twomr-y had diln'ed very liberally and had g-ns to the full ength of h<s tether to tell th»ra how he abominated lira, but he (Mr Franks) would tell them that he (VTr Twomey) had mid them the greatest lie that had bteu told them that

day, (Groans and howls). They might well howl, (A voice: “Tell us the truth then.”) He was glad they abominated lies. [Here a personal altercation occurred between Mr Franks and one of the electors as to an allusion which he (Mr Franks) had made]. After peace hud been rertored Mr Franks said that it was an utter falsehood that there was a combination between Mr Rhodes and himself. He was the first in the field before either Mr Rhodes or Mr Twomey. tie was not brought forward by anyone from Christchurch or anywhere else. As many as liked to believe it might do so. lie had packed no meeting*. (A voice called for three cheers for Mr Twomey, and these were given. A namber of the electors then left). Mr Franks continuing said : It was quite easy to pack any meeting. He was told long before Mr Twomey announced himself as a Ministerial candidate that if he would pledge himself to support the BtoufVogel Government that they would support him. Qe had got it from Christchurch. They would recollect that Mr Twomey had complained that he (Mr Franks) had only expended 3i in advertising a meeting. Hie ordere were “only one inch,” They also knew that the papers of Christchurch were bought, and if he sent a letter to tho Timaru Herald if wou'd not be inserted. What chance would ho have in the Tbmuka Leader J (Mr Twomey : Did you ever try I) No, he never did. He did not want it. He went alone slowly and quietly, and tho people know how ho was working. He would not change places with either of the candidates. He ridiculed the fact that because one of the candidates had a paper the other must also start one. With regard to the Government, he was opposed to the present Government, and wou ! d oppose the Hali-Atkinson party, but would form a simple Government for the country like the Road Boards—a Government that would cost not more than one-fifth. He thought he knew the j wants of the colony, and if tbe StoutVogel party did right he would support them. He would now propose a vote of thanks to the Returning Officer. Mr Rhodes seconded the motion, which was carried by acclamation, and the proceedings, which had lasted two hours, terminated. RANGITATA. The nomination of candidates took place at the Courthouse, Geraldine, yesterday. There was a large attendance at tbs hustings, and tbe greatest interest wa* manifested in the procecdmga, whioh were orderly in the extreme. After the Returning Officer, Mr Jamieson, had read the writ, and the advertisement notifying the date of nomination, he expressed a wish that the various speaker* would be accorded a fair hearing. The following nominations wre received - Mr William Palmer, proposed by Mr J. S. Wnile andieoonded by Mr N. Dunlop. Mr Samuel Buxton, proposed by Mr F. R, Flatman, seconded by Mr W. S. Mailin. Mr William Bolleston, propo*ed by Mr Grigg, seconded by Mr B. H. Pearpoiot. A show of hands was then taken with the following result: —Mr W. Palmer, 0 { Mr S. Buxton, 21; Mr W. Rolleston, 28. The show of hands was declared in favor of Mr Rolleston. Mr Flaimon, on behalf of Mr Buxton, then demanded a poll. The several candidates then addressed the electors and tho meeting dispersed after passing a vote of thanks to the Returning Officer. [A full report of the proceedings will appear in our next isms.]