THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 3, Issue 931, 22 November 1881, Page 2

THE GENERAL ELECTION.

./[BY TELEGRAPH.] \'i ' \ ''. (Proin Our Special.) ME BUNNY AT GREYTOWN. Mr Bunny's meeting at Greytown last eveninK was attended by about one hundred and fifty persons, . Mr Baillie was voted to the chair. Mr Bunny reminded his audience that they had returned him td .five successive Parliaments, and he now asked them to return him to a sixth. He claimed that the past session had not been a barren one. It passed the Licensing Bill, a measure suited .to both publicans and Good Templar's—to,. the latter' because of the permissive* clause, and the fact that the elective Licensing Benches left the matter of new licenses in the hands of the people, A Fencing Act had been pasaed which had been brought in by a practical farmer, Mr Bryce. It was also a permissive moaaure, and would be found to work very satisfactorily. Alluding to the Representation Bill, he contended that the population basis was a fair one, and if the South Island had the most members it should be borne in mind that it had the most population, and the proportion between the two Islands was therefore just. There ; was no fear of Otago and Canterbury combining against Wellington; there was more dauger of Otago and Auckland working to secure the seat of Government. It should be remembered that the seat of Government was not brought to Wellington for the convenience of that place, but for the benefit of the whole Colony, being the most central township. He had supported the Government strongly when Ormond's want-of-confidence motion came on, as he did not believe in frequent changes of Government, and Ormond proposed no measure to take the place of the Government proposals. He approved of Major Atkinson's Local Government Bill as it was no good to give local bodies power without giving them means of raising money. He made the same remarks as at the meeting hold at Carterton laßt year re being governed by heads of departments. Ho also approved of taking customs duties off the necessaries of life and taxing silks and satins. He was a free trader. He believed in opening up country by roads and bridges, Referring to education, he thought that above the fourth standard people should pay for educating their children. They were now getting too much education, Passing on to the railway question, he said railways were practically not managed at all, but left to the heads of departments who did not consult the wants of the people. The tariff also should be lowered. He supported the Government's native policy and claimed that the Volunteers cowed the Natives who were not afraid of the Armed Canstabulary," dreaded the Voluntoers. (Loud applause.) He would support if returned to the House the practical recognition bf their services. He believed in keeping the Upper House nominative, but would reduce their honorariums. He believed in an elective Governor, also in an iucome-tax. He alluded to his opponents and denied that lie had said Mr Beotham would he returned for the North and Bunny for the South. Be was not such a fool as to say sol Why did not Mr Buchanan fight Mr Beetham ? Because their views were similar! Mr Buchanan was a large land owner, and therefore represented a large class. Mr Pharazyn could not get m himself and so he was using his energies tb get Buchanan returned, who would represent squatters like Mr Hawkins who said the squatters were New Zealand. He alluded to the enemies of the bunnies, stoats, weasels, etc These animals introduced to. turn out rabbits would eat up the poultry, and those that turned out Bunny would eat up the land, He alluded to Mr Booth's speech, and read a portion which said he was energetic and efficient, and claimed that this was the highest praise which could be given to him. He denied that he had required to be thrashed along. When there was wouk to do he did it, when there was nothing to do he did that also. They had better return an experienced man and not turn him out for a representative of the great landed interests. He reserved his remarks respecting Mr Boyß for a future ocoasion. He would, if oleoted, support the present Government, He asked them for a vote of thanks, and not one of confidence, as it was more consistent with the ballotbox. (Loud applause.)

Mr Cundy, sen, spoke strongly in favor of Mr Bunny, and two questions from MiGray having been answered, Mr Kempton rose to move a vote of thanks, but Mr Benall took the wind, out of his sails, and gave his election address, which was well received.

Mr Buohanan rose amid applause to state that he certainly heard Mr Bunny make use of words to the effect that as a matter of course he would represent South Wairarapa, and he (Mr Buchanan) hoped that he was sufficiently well known to be believed when he stated that he did not say anything but what he thought true. (Applause.) Ha stood'on his'own legs, not. on Mr Pharatp'B or on Mr Booth's, and desired electors to vote for him on his own merits, (Applause.) He claimed he had taken up the question of the enemies of the rabbit solely on publio grounds, Mr Bunhy had - called him a' large landowner with a view to prejudioe him, but he was proud that by hie own industry he had become one. (Applause.)

But if he had done in that position unbecoming in a man, nothing in a narrow non-progressive spirit, and they believed in hint and approved of the efforts he hii'd made for adv»noing the districtthen return him, as he certainly would be found always energetic in their behalf (Loud applause). Mr Bunny Baid he was sorry his remarks should have called forth such anger and temper as they had seen displayed, He atill claimed Mr Buchanan had mistaken him—of course, not wilfully. He said he was perfeotly friendly with Mr Buchanan (Applause). Mr Buchanan said he also disclaimed any illfeeling in the matter, Totes of thanks to Mr Bunny and the chair were then 'carried, and an orderly meeting closed.