Tauranga Election.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5098, 20 May 1885, Page 2

Tauranga Election.

MEETING AT KIKIKIEI

Mr J. Shcehan, one of the candidates for th.c vacant Tauranga seat, held a meet* ing atXirikiri last evening for the purpase of addressing those residing in that divi sion of the electorate. Mr R. Comer presided. The speaker was well received, and opened by objecting to the reasons given for opposing his candidature. It had been stated that he was not a local man. Mr Kelly only visited this district t« catch votes. If returned, he would make it his duty to see the present unsatisfactory condition of the electorate remedied, and the district apportioned so that its many interests might be duly represented. From 1867 to the present time he had been connected in various ways with Thames interests, ho was, therefore, more of" a local man than his opponent. In this large dirision a man whose interests were not localised to too great an extent would, make the best representative. He generally sup- j ported the Government, but did not think they should place proclamations over land without intending to buy it; if Government did not purchase they should not preveut private individuals buying. He was the first to have the Thames Eailway made part of the Grey Government's system of public works, and one of his reasons for wishing to re-enter Parliament was to see the work carried through, so as to increase settlement—the line had been opposed by many zealous and influential Aucklaaders. Tue' homestead system regarding land should bo put in force on goldiields. H6 was in favor of abolishing Miners' Rights tees, and would, if elected, support a vote for prospecting, out-districts, and the formation of tracks opaniug up fresh fields. It was of the utmost importance to the district that, firstly, the railway should be constructed ; secondly, that the land laws should be so amended as to allow families to settle down with prospects of success. The proposals of the GoTernmenrdid not hold out muoh more than a bare existence to. face. He would favor holdings of as njueU

as 500 acres being granted, reserving th right of entry for goldmining purposese Unless the Government would grant the railway he was prepared to risk his chance in the Opposition, and would urge the work upon their successors.—ln reply to a question as to being in favor of a railway uj the Kauaeranga Valley, Mr Sheehan replied that he would think over it. On the motion of Mr Townsend, seconded by Mr W. Comer, a vote that Mr Sheehan was a fit and proper person to represent the Tauranga electorate in Parliament was carried unanimously.