MR BAIN'S MEETING.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 155, 29 January 1868, Page 2

MR BAIN'S MEETING.

A large meeting assembled at the Bolle de Union Theatre, on Monday evening, for tho purpose of hearing an exposition of the views and opinions of the new candidate, Mr A. Bryce Bain. Mr Harry Kennedy, having been voted to the chair, said lie witnessed with great pleasure the growing interest which was being taken in the forthcoming election, as too much importance could not be attached to such an event. He pointed out the important duties which would devolve on their representative, and the necessity there was for choosing such a man, as by worthily representing tlieni in the Council, would reflect credit on the district, and whose high standing and abilities were such as would ensure attention to their wants and requirements. He concluded by asking that a fair, hearing be awarded to the gentlemen who was about to address them. (Cheers.) Mr Bain who was very well received, said, he appeared before them under somewhat disadvantageous circumstances, but though last in the field, he hoped his name would be found first on the poll, Be had called the electors together that evening for the purpose of addressing them on several matters affectting the progress and welfare of: the district, with the view of soliciting their suffrages at the forthcoming election. But before doing so lie would like to explain the reason of bis occupying the position in which he then stood. When the idea of standing was first suggested to him sometime back, he declined to entertain it, being in hopes of a really good man coining forward, but as time wore on, and even Mr Hennelly retired, he thought better of it, and now presented himself to the consideration of the electors, believing that at the very least, he was quite as capable as either of the other two candidates, and certainly more eligible. Mr Bain then proceeded to his general remark's. First, he was decidedly in favor of Charleston being declared a Port of Entry. This was now a tolerably well worn cry; but none of the speakers who had touched on the subject had advanced any reasons or facts. On the occasion of the Superintendent's visit, a deputation of which he was a member, urged this matter upon him, but his Honor then said he did not think the revenue to be de-rived would be sufficient to warrant its expense, the experiment made in that way at Brighton having proved a failure. Now lie had always doubted the correctness of his Honor's information on that subject, and when in Brighton the other day had made some enquiries. He learnt that the duties collected there in one month amounted to £t3oo, and he thought the meeting would agree with him in doubting whether the salary and expenses of the solitary Custom [louse official there stationed came to anything like that sum. Again, he found here that one firm alone imported goods into Charleston, the duties in which in one month amounted to "between i 2700 and £BOO. Therefore he could not but consider the objection raised by the Superintendent to be without foundation and contrary to fact. Besides being a gai.i and convenience to this community, the declaring Charleston a Port of Entry would add materially to the revenue. The whole of that sum of £BOO was paid at Grey mouth and went to swell the revenue of the Province ofj Canterbury instead of being placed to the credit of Nelson. Another objection had been grounded on the alleged dangerous character of the port. Now he found that never sine? the first vessel entered Constant Bay, in September, 1866 and during the past twelve months alone, 370 craft had made use of the harbor—had there been a single case of shipwreck in entering. (A voice : Star of the Bailer.) Except—as he was about to add—the loss of the Star of the Buller, which loss, however, had been entirely owing to the gross carels-ssness of the master in attempting to enter at dead low water. He had no hesitation in saying that there was not another p irt on the coast, or even perhaps in the whole of New Zealand, that could boast of a similar immunity. The fact also disposed of the question as to insurance. (Cheers.) There was another subject in close relation to the last on which he would make a remark or two, and that was the improvement of the harbor. Any casualties which had happened to the shipping had been mostly occasioned by the rocks laying in the middle of the bay, and he had good authority for saying these could be removed at comparatively little expense. At the same time a supply of proper mooring gear ought to be furnished for the use (on payment), of vessels frequenting the port. If elected, he would be in favor of a sum of money, say <£soo, being placed on the estimates for these purposes. As to mining. He considered there could be no two opinions about the desirability of the present mining regulations being revised, and that too without any more delay. They were aware that a petition for the establishment of a central mining board, at Charleston, had been forwarded to his Excellency the Governor, with this object expressly in view. If that request was not acceeded to he would, if elected pledge himself to use his utmost endeavors to carry out the wishes of his constituents on so important a matter. He was not in favor of leasing auriferous land. It might answer in some poor countries, but would not do so in a rich district such as Charleston. There was no want of capital in the place, and miners could co-operate where required. He could see no objection to extra-sized claims if the rule about employing a proportionate number of men was strictly adhered to. He then proceeded to speak on the necessity of an increased representation for the South-West Goldfields ; • and with respect to the cry abont its population being merely a ' floating one,' expressed his opinion—-that so long as a man was in the the country and paid his rates and taxes like others, he was entitled to have a voice in the management of his own affairs. He was not satisfied with the financial position of the goldfields. There appeared to bo a very large revenue, but when the miners wanted any thing done, the everlasting cry was 'nofunds.' He should like to know where all the money went to. The government returns showed that a good slice was appropriated by other parts of the province, and he considered tliat to be a great shame, for a newly opened country like the West Coast required all the money it could get to develope its resources, and at the very last, should be allowed to retain and expend its own revenue. If elected, he should certainly , make it his business to probe this matter to the bottom. (Cheers.) After touching on the imperfect postal and telegraphic facilities, the candidato, who feared he was overtaxing

the patience of his hearers—(Cries of " No.") —concluded by thanking thorn for thoir attention, and expressing Lis willingness to answer any questions that might be put to him through the chair.

A long string of questions were then put and severally replied to, the questioners being Messrs Graham, lfennelly, Johnston, Klliott, and many others, but our space precludes'vis from giving more than a summary. Several, such as alterations in the tariff, taxation, &c., related to matters not coming within the province of the Council, but in reply the candidate said ho was of opinion the burdens on miners should be lightened us much as possible, as they were the main support of the country. Although declining to pledge himself to any specific reduction of the gold duty, he thought it was a subject fairly entitled to consideration, being under the impression that a direct tax of two shillings and sixpence per week was too heavy for a man working for tucker. He would also be in favor of a miner's-righ't being half-yearly instead of yearly. He would encourage as much as possiblo the settlement of the country by liberal leases to agriculturists ; and had no ■objection to the appointment of Justices 11 the Peace, believing they would be useful ■without being exjeisive. Did not consider the taking of tolls on bridges and ferries an imposition, the proprietors having by their energy and outlay, fairly earned the remuneration, and in any arrangements entered into for their being thrown open free, the •Government should make them compensation. He would certainly advocate the cutting of a track to Addison's Flat, having already done so on a former occasion, when the Superintendent visited Charleston.

Mr Connolly said lie had carefully followed the remarks made by Mr Bain, and as a miner and elector, considered that that gentleman ■was the most fitted of any of the candidates •who had yet come forward, to represent in a proper manner the interests of the miners and of the community also. He had the pleasure to propose that this meeting is of opinion that " Mr Bain is a fit and proper person to represent the Grey district in the Provincial Council." There appeared to be no want of seconders to the resolution which was put to the meeting by the chairman and declared ■carried.