The County Elections.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4938, 6 November 1884, Page 2

The County Elections.

MR TOWNSEND AT PURIRI

A large number of electors assembled last night in the Schoolroom, Puriri, to hear Mi* John Townsend, one of the candidates for the Totara Eiding of the County Council. Mr Browning was voted to the chair. Mr Townsend said one of the reasons why he offered himself as a candidate was because he was deeply interested all through the Eiding. He had mining interests in the Otunui district, and agricultural interests in different other parts ; he would, therefore, be able to constantly acquaint himself with the requirements of the district, and if elected would do his best to procure full justice for all parts. He had watched very closely of late the actions and doings of the Council from the reports published in the daily papers, and was convinced that a change in many of the Councillors would be a great benefit to the County at large. In answer to questions he said he considered the Chairman's annual trip to Wellington an injustice to the ratepayers, while£looforeach trip was exorbitant,and a misappropriation of public money, especially when the County roads were in such a lamentably bad condition, and especially this year as there wa3 already a member of the Council in the House.—The present office expenditure was a disgrace to the County, and as a consequence the roads were a disgrace ; the County should be managed for one half the present cost. — Ail work .over ten pounds should be let by tender and if possible done by local men, several other minor questions were put, and answered satisfactorily. Mr J. Nicholl proposed and Mr Bedford seconded " that the thanks of this meeting be given to Mr Townsend for his address, and

further that we pledge ourselves to do our utmost to secure his return on Wednesday next by recording our votes in his favor." This was carried unanimously—Mr Townsend acknowledged the compliment, and a vote of thanks to the chairman ended the meeting.