Mr McCARDLE at Kuripuni.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 6, Issue 1731, 9 July 1884, Page 2

Mr McCARDLE at Kuripuni.

An audience of about 150 assembled in the public hall last evening in response to Mr McCardle'a invitation. Mr 0. B. Daniels occupied the chair, and briefly introduced the candidate, at the same time requesting a paiient hearing, and telling the electors of their duty, viz., that ihey had a man to send to Parliament and they must send the one that they thought would best suit their interests and those of the colouy at large, (Cheers.) Mr McCardle, who arose amid cheers, said it was almost impossible for him to make a fresh address at every meeting, and hoped those present would pardon him in going over, the same ground as when speaking at the Theatre Royal on Wednesday last. He had'carefully con-, sidered the question whether or not he ought to contest the eleotion, and had concluded that it was absolutely necessary for the constituency to be contested, and that in the absence of any other candidate had concluded to do so himself, at the reauest of many electors. He thought tho colony had been neglected, and has held back as long as he possibly could.— (Applause.)—He knew whom he had to oppose, and that there will be no money spared to help in the return of his opponent, but desired the election to be decided on its merits, and on principles; and if returned he would be able to say it was fought without money. He then expressed his views on the remarks made by the editor of the Daily and others, He conld not see that tho school there was built and got into such a good state by looking into the blue sky and forgetting the ground under his feet, but by the way he fought for it. A,nd again, he directed their attention towJiat lie had done on the Town Lands Trust; also to his services to the Masterton Corporation. Their lato representative had b6en working not for the people, but for bimßelf,' He was prepared to resign at once if Mr Beetham could bring forward anything to show why he should not contest the seat, but must say that some men nad gone about making false representations as to his private affairs, and he did not like it. He wished to contest the seat honestly, but felt badly used by the Chairman of Mr Beeiham's Committe; but he Bhould fight on principle (Cheers), and if returned would be able to look back with pleasure and say he fought for the seat honestly, and on principle. Was it money they returned (Cries of No INo I) because if they wanted money he was not the man, The fact was, they wanted brains, (Cheers). He thought that canvassing for an election should be abolished, and private business should not be brought in with eleetion.eeriug and public nmttera. 'Everywhere he had spoken he was heartily supported by sweeping majorities, He would do away with the property tax and have a land and inoome tax. (Cheers.) He also touched on the abolishment of the Upper House, {he Armed Constabulary, the 'Frisco Mail Service, assisted emigration, and other subjects, and concluded by inviting any elector present to ask questions, and he would answer- them-

The Chairman said it was the duty of the electors to return a good man, and they niuafc understand their task and vote for the man they thought would suit best. (Cheers,) Mr Kingdon rose amidst great applause and asked Mr McCardle if he agreed with female electors on Licencing Committees. Mr McCardle: I ihink a woman ought to have avote as well as a man. (Cheers). Mr Wiokerson: Dp you think they should sit in the House? Mr McCardle: Perhaps you are a bachelor and want a seat in the House yourself. I would not like my wife to be able to take a seat in the House, , Mr Wiokerson,; Do you not think there iB a large amount of trade done with America through the 'Frisco Mail Service!

Mr McCardle: I think wo should look to England first.

Mr Wiokerson; Tq eveufc of your heine returned, (Mr McCardle: No event, but certain), will yuu do jour best to obtain a redistribution of seats so that the Waira* rapa may he united again and that electors will have the same power as in former thneß.

Mr McCardle: That is a good question, I would support the uniting of the district. Mr Wiokerson: Would you see that Hansard is sent free to all who applied for it J

Mr MoCardle: I dop/t know what expense it would incur and before answering would like to know the cost. Mr Wiokerson: Do you agree with free passes during the session. ?

. Mr McCardle; Yes, for the session only.

Mr Eussell, amid oheers, said he had no questions to ask, but would like to say

a few words. He was proud to Bee such interest taken by the working classes. Some of them voted for Mr So-and-So, because he was So-and-So, and wealthy, with many friends. He never supported Beethatn but always the Opposition, and that was once (laughter). He was glad to see the bold way McOardle had oome forward and hoped tbey would run him in (oheera). It was men of McCardlo's class they wanted, and he asked them to recore their votes in his favor.

Mr Ford, who was well received, said he was pleased to see that the working 'men could be stirred up to look after themselveß, They must judge for themselves whether or not Mr McOardle would be capable to represent them in Parliament (Cheers), He did not believe in telling who they would vote for, bat thought it should be done fairly, and he would ask them to consider the question well, as a man would be a traitor to his own country to vote for other than the one he thinks was the best man. Mr McOardle was practical, and he thought he might suit (choers). Mr Beetham was a thorough gentleman, but they should have a man who was used to the country. He asked Mr McOardle if he agreed with the establishment of a National Bank, and said that they were sending l| millions of borrowed money home when it might be kept.in the colony by a National Bank and we would be able to redeem our debt. He thought Vogel a good man, and ended by proposing a vote of thanks to Mr McOardle (Cheers). Mr Russell moved as an amendment that thanks and confidence in him as a representative be.added. (Oheara.) ,Mr Duffy seconded the .amendment and said that they should not be ridden over by the long-woolled gentloman. Mr Daniells then put the question whioh was carried unanimously. Mr McOardle then thanked them for their attendance and. said if elected and he did not suit, he would resign directly. He proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman.

The meeting closed at about ten minutes past nine,