NAPIER.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3521, 8 April 1880, Page 2

NAPIER.

Last night. The Napier Electorate,

Rough on Sheehan.

Messrs Sutton and Russell addressed the electors at the Theatre Eoyal to-night. The meeting was orderly, though Sutton towards the end of his speech, particularly when he strongly attacked Mr 'Sheehan, was subject to frequent interruption. Mr Russellwas heard in perfect quietness. The speeches were in the main rehearsals of the proceedings during the last session. Referring to the telegraph scandal Sutton said one of these telegrams contained an offer to a person of an appointment as officer in the Armed Constabulary provided he retired from his candidature for the East Coast and supported the Government candidate. (Mr McDougall: " Name the person.") It was Captain Porter. Another telegram contained an offer to a gentleman of a lucrative position in Auckland province if he gave his support to the Grey Government. One of the telegrams had for its object to induce creditors of the candidate to bring pressure upon him. (Mr McDougall: " Name who it was sent to, and who was sender, and expose his felonious conduct.") He would not name who the telegram was sent to, but he would name the sender: it was the Hon. John Sheehan, and if he challenged it, he (Mr Sutton) would produce the telegram. When Mr Sheehan was in Napier he sent a telegram to Wellington asking the person it was sent to there to bring pressure to bear upon a newspaper. Mr Sheehan made more fuss about that telegram than any other. He tried to make it appear that it was a private telegram, but he failed.

At the conclusion of the meeting votes of thanks and confidence were carried without oppositiqn!