ELECTION MEETING AT THE KANIERI.

West Coast Times, Issue 65, 2 November 1865, Page 2

ELECTION MEETING AT THE KANIERI.

A crowded meeting was held at tho Star Hotel, Kanieri, on Tuesday evening, for the purposo of hearing the expression of the political opinions of Mr. Barff, as a candidato for tho suffrages of the electors at tho ensuing election.

Mr. Gordon was voted to tho chair, nnd after a few remarks introduced Mr. Barff to tho meeting.

Mr. Barff commenced his speech by alluding fo the important question of tho importation of cattle, and pledged himself, if returned, to do his best to obtain an immediate alteration of tho present iniquitous law, the result of which was to nearly doublo tho prico of meat, to tho great detriment of tho ontiro population of tho West Coast, while tho Christchurch men aro reaping an abundant harvest from thoir nefarious practices. The candidato then spoke upon local improvements and in favor of immediate stops being taken by tho Government to obtain a report from practical engineers upon tho subject of tho improvement of tho approaches to tho ports, and proposed the establishment of lifoboats. Ho next spoko earnestly upon tho necessity of equipping prospecting parties nt tho Government oxpenco, nnd recommended tho establishment of Courts of Mines. AEr Barff then spoko at considerable longth upon the construction of roads to tho various diggings, aud instanced the condition of the Waimca track, and that of others, as a proof of what wo might expect, if the Government wore allowed to continuo their present Ohri&tchurch policy. Mr Barff considered it of the most vital importance that the overland road and escort should bo abandoned, and that the money considered necessary for those schemes should at once bo laid out for tho benefit of tho Coast, in the construction of roads and other publio works. Tho speaker, in answer to a question, said that ho considered it necessary to effect an alteration in tho present in.wno Post Office arrangement, so as to cnablo letters to bo scut direct to thoir destination.

Mr Gordon vacated tho chair in favour of Mr Hankin, when tho ex-chairman addressed many most searching questions to tho candidato upon various questions of intorcet, which woro satisfactorily answered, tho meeting expressing their approbation ropeatedly.

Proposed by Mr Sankoy, seconded by Mr M'Guire,— " That Mr Barff is a. fit and proper person to represent tho interests of the West Coast in tho Provincial Council."

Tha Chairman asked tho mooting if any one wished to propose an amendment ; and as no amendment was forthcoming, the original proposition was considered to bo carried.

The proceedings terminated with a voto of thanks to tho Chairman.