ELECTION MEETING AT THE WAIMEA.

West Coast Times, Issue 64, 31 October 1865, Page 1 (Supplement)

ELECTION MEETING AT THE WAIMEA.

A numerously attended and jnfluoiiiinl meeting was hold nt tl.o Dcndigo Hotol, Wnimea TownBliip, on Snturdny evening, for tho purposo of proposing a candidate to represent tho interests

of the West Coast in the Provincinl Council of Canterbury. Mr Lawford in tlio chair. The Chairman, after a fow preliminary remarks, commenced tho business of the meeting by stating that an address, signed by many of the business people and miners of tho district, had been presented to Mr Barflf, requesting him to stand as a candidate nt tho ensuing election. Proposed by Mr ilick, and seconded by Mr Walsh, — "That Mr I3nrlT come forward and state tho policy ho intends to puruio iv the event of his being oloctcd." Carried. Mr Barff theu addressed the meeting at considerable length, commenting severely upon the absurd prohibition placed upon the importation of cattle into tho ports on the West Coast, and expressed himself willing to uso his utmost endeavours to obtain tho immediato opening of tho ports. Tho two Christchuivh pet schomes, viz,, tho overland road and tho escort, were next alluded to, and tho speaker fctiicl that it was of the most vital importanco to every one on tho Coast that tho sums of inonoy now being laid out on theso two schemes should bo expended in the distriot in which tho revenuo was raised, and making good roads to different diggings, nnd upon tho various public works, concerning which so much dissatisfaction i 3 felt and expressed by tho entiio population of tho West Coast. Mr Barff then dwelt upon the necossity of improving, if possible, the approaches to tho ports, and of establishing lifeboats or surf-boats at Ilokitika and tho Grey. The mismanagement of affairs connected with the hospital was next mentioned, mid the equipment of prospecting parties at tho public expense, togcthor with several other subjects of general interest, occupied tho remainder of tho speech, during which tho proposed candidate was repeatedly and loudly cheered. Proposed by Mr Brown, and seconded by Mr Holmes— "That Mr Baiff is a fit and proper person to represent our interests iv tho Provincial Council of Canterbury." Carried. Proposed by Mr Quinlan, seconded by Mr Smith — " That a committee of tivo persons bo appointed to canvass votes and act on behalf of the proposed candidate" Carried. The following gentlemen were chosen on the committeo : — Messrs Jones, White, Lanigan, Lawfoid, and M'Mahon. Mr Jones (of tho Union Bank) then addressed tho meeting, and (signified his intention of doing his best as a member of tho committeo, and concluded his remarks by earnestly requesting tho electors to come forward on the day of poll and record their votes for Mv Barff. Mr Col Iyer next said a fow words in connection with his previous knowledge of Mr Barffs mining career, extending to a period of over thirl eon years, and wound up a short but pithy speech with a high eulogium upon tho character of tho proposed candidate A. voto of thanks was then passed to the chair, and tho proceedings terminated.