THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 770, 31 January 1871, Page 2

THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

ME. DONNE AT WESTPOUT.

On Friday evening Mr Donne addressed a crowded but ordorlv meeting of tha electors in the Masonic Hall, Westport.

Mr Home, barrister, at the request of the meetirg, took the chair, and introduced the candidate, who was received with applause.

Mr Donne began by bespeaking the forbearance of the meeting, in consideration of the circumstance that he had, but a few minutes prior to its commencement, arrived from Brighton, after a somewhat fatiguing journey ; and he bespoke also some forbearance for his having occasionally to refer to other matters than questions of interest in connection with the general elections, in consequence of allusions which had been made both to his candidature and to his proceedings in the Nelson Provincial Council. He referred to the fact of his having once before been a candidate for election as a member of the General Assembly, and to Ills representation for four years of one of the Goldfields districts in the Nelson Council, as circumstances in some degree warranting his soliciting the suffrages of this constituency. Among the questions to which, as a candidate for election to the General Assembly, he might be expected to refer, there was one question which would in all probability occupy a prominent place in the discussions during the next or future sessions, and tint was the question of education. He had observed that but few of those who were candidates for election on the present occasion had touched upon this question, and some had preferred to have their views elicited by means of questions put to them by the electors. While glad to answer as many questions as might be fairly put to him on that subject or upon others, he might say that he was in favor of such a system of education as would meet the requirements of every class and denomination in the community; and should Parliament deal with the question—a question which had already excited a large amount of interest at Home and in Victoria—he saw no reason why, with the benefit of that experience, tbey should not be able to introduce some happy compromise, free from the objections of the denominational system, and also from the objections of the national system of education. It wns admittedly the duty of the State to give attention to the secular education of the rising generation, and, in his opinion, the duty of the State ended there. Necessary provision to that extent was all that they had a right to expect. The Nelson system was a system somewhat similar to that which he had named, and if such a system were to be brought forward in the Assembly, he thought it ought to satisfy the requirements of every portion of the community. He confessed that the Nelson system, as applicable to Goldfields, was uot by any means perfect. It did not provide, so fully as it should do, for education in remote districts—districts which were not in a position to avail themselves of the advantages of the Act by becoming recognised educational districts. But a system similar in its outline, yet more wide and general in its scope, was just such a system as he would be prepared to support. (Hear, hear.) Very likely there were some persons present who were of the Roman Catholic persuasion. It might be interesting to them to know that, for some years prior to 1867, members 'of that persuasion had contributed to the Educational Hate, while the Koinan Catholics were not in a position to avail themselves of the Act. At that time, therefore, the Government had. introduced a Bill, in reference to which there occurred in the Superintendent's .speech two paragraphs, which lie (Mr Donne) read. The Act met with a considerable amount of opposition in the earlier stages, and on equitable grounds he considered that that portion of the community should he placed in such a position as to avail themselves of it. He supported that, and his name was to be found among the majority of fifteen, he himself being the only Goldfields member who had supported it. (Hear, hoar.) As an evidence of the wisdom of the measure, it was now adopted in Canterbury and some of the other provinces, and, being found to work so well generally, should such a measure come before the Assembly, he would be prepared to give it the ample aud deliberate consideration which the question deserved, and which the interests of an important constituency such as this

also deserved at his hands.— (Applause.) There was another question which for years puzzled the lending statesmen of the colony, and had, in fact, puzzled the leading statesmen of the old country—that very knotty question, the Native question. This Colony had heen burdened with a debt of four and a half millions of money in pacifying the Natives and in subduing their rebellion. In other words, the taxation of the colony, in consequence of this debt, was something like 15s per head. On that question, his opinion had undergone no change, and it was that there had, in dealing with the Natives, been too much temporising. Ho thought more determined measures should be taken to repress the rebellion which had for so long a period been burdening the colony with debt, and any measures which would be calculated to crush this spirit of rebellion he would be prepared to support. There was no matter which had so retai'ded the colonization of the country, and lie thought it would be found more economical in the long run to take vigorous measures thru to continue the temporising policy which it had hitherto been the fashion to adopt.— ('Hear, hear.) Another subject deserving consideration was that of greater economy in departmental expenditure. He thought there was ample room for retrenchment in that particular, and that an eifort should be made to reduce the number of offices in existence. He did not know that he could instance any particular offices which should be dispensed with, but, in a general way, he had formed that opinion, and he should be prepared to give all necessary and proper attention to the subject. As to the Ministerial financial scheme, he must confess himself as utterly opposed to the views of his rival in this contest with regard to that particular schemo. He entertained the opinion that, if the scheme were only carried out honestly, faithfully, and with due care, there was no scheme which would have better effect in colonising this country than what was known as the Vogel financial scheme.—(Applause.) However, even if he were not in favor of the scheme, it was now the law of the country, and was, so to speak, in operation ; and, in view of the expense and trouble which had been gone to in the matter, it was nothing but fair that the scheme should have a fair trial.— (Hear, hear.) He viewed with considerable suspicion the action which had been taken alter it had received the sanction of the G-enerai Assembly, and he thought that any steps taken to upset it would really be a calamity to the country.— (Applause.) He confessed that the scheme was somewhat fraught with dangers unless it were carried out carefully, but, with proper caution on the part of the representatives, with becoming attention to the country's interests on the part of the General Assembly, he saw no reason why it should not be carried out so that great good might follow. He thought that, in one particular, it was somewhat imperfect; he thought there was not such ample provision made for settlement within the country as there ought to be; "and he would, therefore, be prepared to use his best exertions to bring about a system by means of which people could be settled on the lands of the counvry. He would use his exertions especially to procure settlement on these Goldfields. If there were an easy and simple method by means of which the people brought out under this Immigration scheme coidd be converted into a fixed population, tins country would in time become a great and a mighty country—a Britain on an exceedingly small scale. He thought that by the addition of such a system as was introduced by Grant into Victoria—a simple scheme of deferred payments —the Vogel scheme would be complete in all its points. Of course there would be more or less legislation required, but he would feel bound to carry out the main idea as much as he could.—(Hear, hear.) There was another question upon which there might be some division of opinion. He was himself an advocate of a gradual reduction of the export duty on gold, though not of its sudden abolition. The gold export duty was set forth, in the preamble of the Act, as simply a temporary measure. The lauguage used was that, owing to the great expense associated with the administration of the goldfields, it was necessary that money should be raised. Some three years ago he had brought the matter under the attention of the Nelson Provincial Council, and had proposed a resolution which he read to the meeting. The resolution did not then meet with much support, and possibly the country was not ripe for the reduction. Things had now become more settled, and one could see that, with greater economy on the goldfields, a gradual reduction might be effected. He might be asked how lie proposed to meet the probable deficiency which would arise. The ques-tion was a very natural one. He confessed that he was in favor of the view which had been taken by some of the most eminent men in the colony on the subject of taxation, and that was as to the propriety of raising reveuue by means of an income and property tax. There was a large number of wealthy absentees who were deriviug large incomes from the colony, and were contributing very little indeed to its taxation. He should, therefore, propose to meet any deficiency by a reasonable and moderate property and income tax. —(Hear, hoar) There was another matter which he approached with some amount of caution, but ho trusted that he

would be found fully and openly to express his views. Ho referred to the subject of Provincial Institutions. Three years ago ho had do clared himself an auti-Provineialist-and he had seen no reason to change, his opinion on the question. 33ut ho found a number of candidates or representatives, when addressing their constituencies among others Mr Kynnersley and Mr Harrison—expressing themselves in favor of the abolition of Provincial institutions, hut in the same breath admitting that in the General Assembly there was considerable hostility to the goldfields •—that there was the greatest difficulty in making themselves heard or felt there. They were no nearer achieving that necessity than they were three years ago, and they must insist upon some guarante'e of their interests be'ng better served by and in the General Assembly, before, as it were, they ventured to jump out of the fryingpan into the fire. If there existed this large amount of hostility towards the goldfields, he should like to ask them whether they were in a position to obtain that justice from the General Assembly 'that they required, by the presence simply of one member among seventy-eight in the House of Representatives. He was 'quite sure that a merely passing consideration of thismatterwould showitto bo palpable that, without greater representation in the House, they would be absolutely, utterly powerless, as the representatives of the goldfields had tor some time been. It was only recently that the electoral districts had been redistributed, yet what amount of justice had they got? He thought ihat until this measure of representation were procured, they had a better guarantee of their interests being attended to where they had five representatives out of a total of nineteen. The representation was not so large as it ought to be in the Provincial Council. As a substitute it was proposed to establish Road Boards and Municipalities, but was there any land in the district sold and leased ? They could not raise rates for local purposes from a mining community. They must raise it from what are regarded as settlers, but he was open to conviction on this matter, and would at once say that he was prepared to do all in his power, in due course, to get rid of Provincialism. He looked upon ifc as a cumbersome and expensive system, although a great deal too much was said with regard to expense. Some other system would be required, and they would not be without expense when reduced to Local Boards and Municipalities. If the Vogel scheme were carried, and if the means of inter-communication were extended—if roads and railways were constructed, and telegraphic communication throughout the North Island were completed—Provincialism must die a natural death. There could be no doubt about that. He would, however, be prepared, even earlier than that time, and in anticipation of what would eventually be accomplished facts, to do his utmost to assist in maturing some system preferable to our present Provincial institutions. (Applause). One question which had been touched on was the question of a Colonial miner's right. It was thought to be impossible, so long as the Provincial, system continued, to have a Colonial miner's right, but he thought a compromise might be advantageously efiected. For instance, if a miner's right were taken out in Nelson, and its holder subsequently went to another Province, all he might require to do would be to go to the Warden's office, pay a sixpence, and register it for" that Province. By adopting that scheme, it would simply become a question of accounts between the Provinces, and he saw no reason why, practically, a Colonial miner's right should not be thus obtained, and without reference to the abolition of Provincial institutions. (Hear, hear.) As regarded his own candidature on this occasion, he had been influenced in coming forward by one or two considerations. Having had a sort of political training, he thought he might do them some amount of credit as their representative ; at any rate that he would not do them any disgrace. He had devoted a large amount of his time and, perhaps, some of his means, to the interests of the Goldfields. He thought he was pretty well informed as to their requirements, and, if they did him the honor of returning him, lie considered that by having represented an important constituency in the Provincial Council, and by being also a member of the Executive, he was in a position to do them an amount of benefit which no other candidate now before them could do. in connection with the financial scheme of the Government, in carrying out the several public works, and in the matter of the expenditure for water-supply, much of that expenditure was in the hands of the Provincial Council and Executive. The Superintendent of this Province was obliged to act with the advice of his Executive. It had been alleged or insinuated that it would be a dangerous thing for this constituency to send him to the General Assembly, inasmuch as he was a joint in the tail of the Superintendent. (Laughter.) It was an easy matter to laughabout; no doubt; but he was not a joint in the tail of the Superintendent, neither did he intend to be so. (Hear, hear.) The position of the Treasurer and of Goldfields' Representative was not one of subserviency to the Superintendent— not by any means. The Superintendent had asked him to join the Executive, but it was not within the Superintendent's power to remove him, if he had the will he could only be removed by

an adverse vote of the Council. He held himself to be perfectly independent of the Superintendent, or of any other member of the Executive, and he would continue to do so. It was not until after considerable deliberation that he consent, d to join the Executive. He knew it would involve a sacrifice of his time greater than he was able to afford, and he had devoted to the duties thirteen weeks, rather than allow political charlatans to undo the work which had been the result of the labor of years, which had been undertaken in the interests of the Province. Another question to which he had not referred, and a local one, was the subject of river bank protection. He had all along been of opinion that a sufficient work for the purpose could not be constructed out of current revenue, but he thought he had hit upon a scheme which would meet the necessities of the case, lie had been in communication with the Superintendent and Executive on the matter, with a view of getting the General Government guarantee to a loan for carrying out this work. He had not heard the result, but he was informed that the Superintendent was to visit "Wellington and to place that and other matters under the notice of the Government; and if he were returned he would do all iu his power, through the advocacy of such a loan, to render the banks of the river safe and the situation of the town secure. He trusted that Westport would give him some amount of credit for the attention which he had given the question since he had been in the Executive. There were some matters to which his opponent had referred at Charleston, and to which he wished to allude, leaving to the electors to say whose word should be relied upon. The two questions which he had beeD charged with opposing were the matters of gold prospecting and increased representation. "To both those charges he (Mr Bonne) gave a blank denial. It was impossible that he could, either openly or covertly, oppose the increase of representation. He had previously been the means of securing increased representation, and his votes on the question were on record. What he did oppose was the fact of Mr O'Conor presenting to the Council a report which was not the report of the Select Committee which sat upon the subject. He objected to it as trifling with the Committee—as an insult to every member of the Committee, and as au insult to the Provincial Council as a whole ; but- he had, as they might see by the records, supported the motion for increased representation. In connection with the Committee on Prospecting, Mr O'Conor acted for the second time on the same principle, aud it became necessary again to object to this interference and misdirection of the functions of the Committee. As long as he might have a seat in the Council he would take a stand against any member iu the whole House acting upon such a system. Mr O'Conor had also moved for a Select Committee on the Licensing Ordinance, but, after the Committee had reported, he had found it convenient to be ab.-cut during the second reading and while the Bill was in Committee of the Council, and it consequently lapsed. In the early part the session he voted with the majority against the late Government and generally did so until he turned round, and combined with the old elements to destroy the new. He took au active part in a public meeting at Nelson to frustrate the Executive Ordinance, and on the following day tried to repeal the Ordinance. He worked industriously to deprive the Goldfields of any active supervision or representation; for the time being succeeded; and but for his (Mr Donne's) small sacrifices, he would have completely done so. He openly supported contractors having seats in the Provincial Council, and before that, while a member of the Council, actually tendered for certain publicworks at the Buller. In foct he (Mr Bonne) must say this of him, and he said it because he really felt \t, he ever found him one of the most unscrupu lous, tricky, pretending politicians that he had ever met. —(Applause and laughter.) While he had a purpose to serve he could cajole and flatter a section of the community, but could in another district hold them up to contempt. Such conduct was unworthy of the tiame of a public man. It was for the constituency to say whether such conduct was to be tolerated; and whether they would return a candidate with such characteristics. If it were intended to return him (Mr Donne) there would require to be direct and energetic action, and, having the ballot, there should be no reason v-hy tiie franchise should not be exercised freely and independently. Whatever might be the verdict, he would be perfectly satisfied, as regarded himself. He had an ambition to serve them in the Assembly, and he thought he could serve them with a moderate amount of success, and a reasonable amount of credit. Ho was desirous of doing his best, and it would be for them to say whom they would return. He concluded by hoping that he had, in the course of his remarks, hurt no one's feelings, and by thanking Ids audieuce for the very patient and attentive hearing which thoy had accorded to him.

Mr J. Munro put several questions as to the candidate's views on Provincial institutions, and as to Provincial officials holding seats in the General Assembly. Mr Donne recapitulated the statement of his views. He was opposed to Provincial Governments, but should like to have sotne measure in-

troduced into the Assembly for the substitution of some other system, as well as for their abolition. His appointment on the Executive was not an official or a salaried office. It might be desirable that Provincial officials should not have seats in the Assembly, but iu the present state of the country, it was difficult to see how, without disadvantage, Superintendents and others, who were sometimes the most eligible men, could well be excluded. Mr Bbowx asked if it was the fact that Mr O'Conor had sat upon the Charitable Aid Committee of the Provincial Council. Mr Dojtke said that such was the fact.

Mr E. C. Eeio, in the absence of a gentleman who, he said, had volunteered to move a resolution at the close of the meeting, proposed : 'That Mr Donne is a fit and proper person to represent this constituency in the General Assembly.' ' He had had good opportunities of observing Mr Bonne's conduct for the past four years —more especially during one session in the Provincial Council—and he felt thoroughly justified in believing him to be an upright, honest, and energetic public man, whose presence in the Assembly would, by these qualities, be a credit to himself and to his constituents.

Mr W. Pitt had great pleasure in seconding the proposition, though he would have been pleased had some other person done so. There were many persons who had been longer resident here than he was, and whom it might become better to support the motion. He thought that everyone in that room who had come there in a candid spirit must be satisfied with the exposition of his views given bv Mr Donne. He had not promised, as some candidates did, every possible thing that had been asked of him. but when skilfully proposed questions wore put to him, he had at once fairly and candidly answered them. Tho questions had obviously been prepared and put so as to catch him tripping, but the very manner in which he had met them must commend him to their support. On the previous night, they had attended a meeting, and they were twitted with not expressing an opinion. Although the gentleman who had addressed the constituency then said he never abused anybody, the very first half-dozen words he uttered were abuse, and he had endeavored to do what he had always done —to set class against class. One reason that he had not taken part in the proceedings was that a number of statements were advanced which, under the circumstances, no one cared to refute. The speaker knew that he could put down any man who had any modesty or delicacy whatever, lie ventured to think that, had either of his colleagues, Mr A. Eeid or Mr Donne, been present, they should not have heard those positive assertions made as facts which were no facts at all. With regard to Mr Donne, they knew how he had worked in the Provincial Council. They knew that they could trust him and his work much more than they could trust to the violent vociferations of what he would call an ordinary wind-bag. He did hope they would harmoniously and actively work together as parts of a constituency, and put the present candidate in for the district. It would be doing a justice to Mr Donne, and saving themselves from discredit. (Applause). Mr Munro, who was received with some hissing, said he did not rise to propose any amendment, but to take exception to some of the remarks of the seconder of the proposition. He denied that he had prepared the questions put or that ■he had put them to catch Mr Donne tripping. But he had elicited that while Mr Donne professed to be an anti-Provincialist, he was favorable to Provincial institutions, which were the bane and the ruin of the country. Mr Donne : I avowed myself absolutely and emphatically an anti-Pro-vincialist, and there can be no mistake whatever as to what I stated. A show of hands was then taken and declared in favor of the resolution, amid cheers and counter-cheering.

THE NOMINATION". The nomination took place at the Court-house, Westport, on Saturday. Dr Giles, as the Returning Officer, read the writ, and asked the electors to proceed with the nomination of candidates. There was a longpause, the proposer of each candidate being desirous of lining the last to nominate, so that the candidate might be the last to addi'ess the electors. The Returning Officer intimated several times that he was waiting for a nomination. Mr O'Conor : Might I ask if the first candidate in the field should not be proposed first ? The Returning Officer : I cannot answer the question. I know of no rule of that kind. It is open to anyone to propose a caudidate Mr J. Munro : As no candidate is (o bo proposed, I move that you return the writ, as we do not desire to return a member. The Retuiinisg Officer : If the resolution were carried I would not act upon it. I shall wait here a considerable time yet. During this interval Mr Edward Yardley ontered the Court-houso and was received with ironical applause. Mr A. J. Brown : There seems to bo some hesitation on the part of two

candidates. But another copies forth. I have much pleasure in proposing Mr Yardley.— (Applause and laughter.) Mn Bull : I beg to second the pro-

position. The; Returning Offices (after another pause) : If there are any other candidates, 1 hope there will be no unnecessary delay. In the absence of any fresh nomination I shall have to declare Mr Yardley's election completed.

Mr Yardley : Is that the decision of the Court, your Honor ? —(Loud laughter.)

The Returning Officer : This is not a Court.

Ma Munro : I suppose the election is over.

Mr Yardley : That is the view I took of it, —(Bene.ved laughter.)

The Returning Officer : It is usual that all the candidates should be proposed, aud that then a show of hands should be taken. I have merely to say that if another nomination be not given me at once, I shall declare the election completed. Mr Yardley (putting himself in an attitude to address the electors) : Gentlemen.— (Roars of laughter, during which Mr Yardley continued to speak until interrupted by the request of the Returning Officer.)

The Returning Officer: You misunderstood me, Mr Yardley. Mr Yardley : I really apologise, Sir. I understood that The Returning Officer: I shall call on you when your time comes.

Mr lYTunro : I do not like to see this election proceed in this way, and I hope the arrangements which have been made for the return of a suitable person will have more form and shape on the occasion of the election. I have very great pleasure in proposing Mr George Donne. I do this in furtherance of my desire to be strictly neutral in the matter of the election, and in view of the delay which lias already taken place. I think Mr Donne's claims to the honor of representing ns are verj r high. He has represented us in the Provincial Council —a form of institution calculated to be a training school for the General .Assembly—and we have had the benefit of numerous measures introduced by him into the Council. We have had also Mr Donne's statement of his political views, and, according to that statement, 1 think he is a fit and proper person to represent us. Indeed any of the three are fit to represent us (No, no) —and I hope any difference in their political views will be the only reason why we should select one in preference to another. I have pleasure in proposing him more especially after hearing his views on Provincialism. In the first part of his address he was not so lucid on that subject as was desirable, irat in the latter part there were greater <cogency and distinctness in the expression of his opinions on the subject.— [Mr Munro proceeded to give his own ■ views on the importance of the Proj vincial question as against the Financial \ Scheme, and upon the policy of the | General Government in introducing that [scheme. He concluded by admitting Ithat, the right of reply was considered a [material point by candidates, and that ■this had, no doubt, had weight with Mr jDonne in desiring that his nomination tshould come last, but he hoped that Mr iDonne would be placed at no disadvantage, and have a fair opportunity of himself to the legitimate Kubject of the election. I Mr Donne : I wish to raise the quesItion whether or not I am forced to |accept this proposition. Arrangements pad been made for my nomination. I pad secured a proposer and seconder, |and I apprehend I am not bound by

JlrMunro'snomiuation. When there are iwo or three candidates, and when anyone desires to take precedence, I have known it to be generally settled by drawing lots, and I have no objection to the adoption of that course, but I object to this nomination by Mr Munro, of whose sincerity I have very grave doubts. Mr Munro said that, if Mr Donne objected, he would withdraw the nomination.

The Returning Officer thought i candidate or the Returning Officer :ould not refuse a nomination by any>ne, and, with respect to this nomina:ion, he could only say that had some ither candidate not been nominated at :hat time, he would have declared Mr Yardley elected.—(Laughter.) Mr John Barnes M'Connell seconded Mr Donne's nomination, which

Hr Munro then declined to withIraw.

i Mr Donne said it was the duty of candidates to see that they were nominated by duly qualified electors, lence the necessity for arrange - lent. It was all-important that liere should be no doubt upon that >oint, else his election might be invalided. But if the Returning Officer »uld decide that the qualifications of lis proposer and seconder were valid ie would be glad to accept them. The Returning Officer said that neach case the qualification was suffiient, and he intimated that, though t was not usual for others than the andidate, or the proposer and econder to speak, he would, under ue circumstances, and as there was 0 rule against it that he knew of, ive an opportunity to the proposer id seconder of Mr Donne to address ie electors brieflv, if they thought fit > do so.

j Mr Smtrk : I beg to propose Mr O'Conor. I do so from my powledge for some years of him and pa abilities, aud from a conviction that F will go in lor the working man. fcapgbter). It's the working man's Icket bo's up for—no humbug at all.

daughter). He is going into to settle the country—(Hear, hear, and laughter) —and for no squatters. lam not a good hand at making a speech, but I know that on the polling-day he will be put up Number One. With that I leave him in your hands. (Applause and laughter).

Mr David Emanuel seconded the nomination.

Mr Yardlev;, as the first candidate proposed, addressed the electors. He spoke with a rapidity, and amid such frequent plaudits and laughter, that it was most difficult to report his remarks. He had, he said, always carried himself as a humble individual in this town. It was very likely that he could have occupied a very different position, if he chose, but he preferred to do as he had done. At the same time if his pedigree were examined—(laughter)—or if the persons who knew him were there present, he would not require to make any reference to his character. Nothing would drive him out of this contest but their yores and the ballot-box. (Hear, hear.) He entertained the highest respect for gentlemen who were b<>rn and bred gentlemen, and he was happy to state that he had been brought up in a respectable way. (Laughter.) Re could assure them that his pedigree (Renewed laughter.) If they felt disposed to return him at the head of the poll—if he could secure the Masonic Hall —he would call them together, as he would also do at all the other places, and if he did not convince them that he was fit to hold office, he would be much surprised and astonished with himself.—(Laughter.) He would not detain the Returning Officer any length of time, but would merely state a few of the heads of his programme. If any of the gentlemen chose to speak on it after, they were quite welcome to do so. He would never make a handle of what anyone else would say. He didn't require it. He got metal enough iu himself, if he only fetched it out. —(Laughter.) The reason he had not previously come before them as a candidate was because no one voluntarily came forward and proposed him.-He thanked the gentlemen who had now proposed him. He had not asked them to do so, and now r nothing but the polling would turn him out. (Hear, bear, and laughter.) They might think it presumption on his part now, but they wouldn't after they knew him.— (Laughter.) If he were returned to the Government of New Zealand, he would attempt to remodel the very constitution of the country. —(Bravo.) Instead of coming forward to ask any benefit, he would take no place but that of Mr Vogel himself.—-(Loud laughter.) He thought that at present they had got a fright fully bad Government. It was deplorable that a yoir_:g country like this —a country possessing so many of the elements of greatness —should be utterly damned by the men who ruled it.— (Laughter.) "With regard to the Land Bill —he was perfectly prepared (laughter)—they might think it a joke, but he had already, and when in Victoria, prepared a Laud Bill. With regard to Customs Duties and these matters, they were merely to him so much A B C. —(Laughter.) He had been ranked with judges and magistrates. He had been with them in his own family. He defied any man to produce a better pedigree than he could.—(Renewed laughter.) As to a Corporation Act, if they bad not got a man in the House to draw up such an Act, he could. With regard to Colonial loans, he would consolidate them all into one. Perhaps he had as much to do with these matters as the Ministry. The Navigation, Harbors, Schools, and Ballot questions, he would refer to at his future meetings. He could extend on these subjects at any length. If he had a brief in his hand no lawyer could contend with him ; but he spoke with all respect of such men. He had been brought up among them. As to the Ballot, his father before him had worked for it. If they knew his history he was sure they would (Laughter and interruption.) He would have an Act that all Government servants should be employed iu open Court; there should be no sycophants put into office. He would have another thing—that all public men should publish a local balance-sheet, buc he did not want to enter too much into these subjects on that occasion National reciprocity be thought indispensable, but he thought New Zealand should hold herself independent. The other colonies were overbearing, foolish, and extravagaut, and thsy should have nothing to do with them. He was opposed to Provincial institutions as dens of infamy, debauchery, aud seduction. Railways, tramways, schools, libraries, mechanics institutes, were all subjects on which he would have to speak, and he believed that when they heard what he had got to say, they would return him at the head of the poll. (Prolonged applause and laughter.) Mr Donne said that, having addressed the electors on the previous night on several of the more important Colonial questions which were likely to engage the attention of the next General Assembly, and having had to make some reference to particular questions which had occupied the attention of the Provincial Council during its last session, it was unnecessary for him to go over the same ground again. He had explained the motives which had actuated him in coining forward on this occasion, and he endeavored to explain how he thought he was in a position to do the district some service in the Assembly. He was desirous on that occasion, as on the occasion of his meeting, to avoid anything like contemptibleporsonauth sin connection with questions involving the well-being of a community. But if thero was any gentleman who had heard Mm on the previous night, and who was at all in doubt as to the views he had

expressed, he would ouly be too happy to clear up any matter upon which there was uncertainty. He had arranged for a proposer and seconder on tins occasion, and it would be obvious that there was necessity for such an arrangement, as, in the event of any question as to their qualification, his election might be invalidated. However, Mr Munro and his seconder had taken upon themselves to nominate him, and a3 they were sufficiently qualified, he was quite willing- to leave the issue in the hands of the electei-s. As to the sincerity of his proposer, they would be in a position to form a tolerably correct judgment ; but he did not think the question of the jn-o-po3er aud seconder had any considerable bearing upon this election. He believed, particularly under the ballot system, that the electors would exercise their votes independently, and he trusted that they would select the man in whose merits they believed, and whom they thought to be the most lit person to be returned to the General Assembly. He was not prepared to say that he did not care for the West port people, or was independent of their votes. He had been informed that that had been said of him by one of the candidates. But he (Mr Donne) valued their support, and asked it; and whatever their verdict might be under the ballot system, which he had done something in his own sphere to bring about, be was prepared to abide by the issue, and be contented. There could be none of those restraining influences which might have been exercised in previous contests. They could exercise their freedom and intelligence, and he asked them to exercise their, privileges as they thought proper. If they did him the honor to elect him, he would devote the best energies which Providence had given him in the same faithful and unmistakable mr.nner. in which he had hitherto dene. He had desired to follow his opponent in speaking on this occasion, because he should have liked to have had the right of reply ; and he did so simply because it was absolutely necessary—it was necessary in the interests of truth and right—to succeed him when he addressed any meeting in connection with thi3 election. He trusted, however, that there would be no necessity for reference of that description on this occasion.

Mr O'Conor asked Mr Donne if he would lend him his Blue Book, and, as Mr Donne was replying, he asked him why it was that the blue books (the Votes and proceedings of last Provincial Council) were not issued.

Mr Donne explained at some length tho circumstances. The votes and proceedings had been late of publication, in consequence of some delay, the causes of which were attributed by the Clerk of the Council to the Government Printer, and vice versa. He had, after repeated applications, received a telegram stating that an unbound copy would be forwarded to him. He had since received a copy, and it was possible that other copies would be in tho hands of members of the Council by next steamer, when Mr O'Conor would receive his. He had with him at his hotel, and was prepared to show to anyone, the telegrams and other evidence, by which it would be seen that his statement was correct, and if anyone found or thought he lied, he might go and vote for his rival. He was independent of the vote of anyone who doubted his word in the face of incontestible evidence.

Mr O'Conor said what he complained of was that his opponent should have his Blue Book, while he had not, and he thought it strange that his connection with the Government should have procured him that preference. He maintained this charge of neglect, and left Mi- Donne to rest there. His (Mr D.'s) friends had been very warm in their abu.-e of him (Mi O'C). Some of them had gone beyond tho bounds of decency. (Oh, oh, and laughter). That was a matter of opinion. He was not there to find fault. He was there to speak of more important subjects. He was sorry Mr Yardley had not Come forward before. Mr Yardley addressed them from strong convictions. It was different with Mr Donne. He would not utter one word against his personal character. Politically he opposed him. He did not wish to hurt a hair of his head, but he wished to guard the electors against his hurting them. (Laughter). On one or two occasions he had proved faithless to the trust. The tactics he (Mr O'Conor) adopted was to state his case openly, and this charge against Mr Donne he had made before he was a week returned from the Council. Since then Mr Donne had never answered these charges, though he had friends who were well able to do so. Seven months had passe;!, and he had not answered them. Ho would try, with the cunning of his friends, the lawyers, to avoid a definite reply. The whole legal fraternity were allied against him (Mr O'Conor) but he advised the electors to keep their eyes open They should be wel! warned by the abundant evidence which there was of the dangers of getting drawn into their clutches by the system of law which prevailed in that Court. If he went to the General Assembly he would make this known, and would make known the system of government by which they were robbed. Their Wardens, Gold Receivers, and others simply receivers of revenue. No matter on what plea, the miner was called upon to pay heavily, and there were some cases in which it was the greatest hardship. To redress these hardships —to undo these wrongs —was his desire. He asked no employment from the Government. He wanted nothing of the kind. He would not take it. He was not a person who would take a place, lie had never done so, and he never would. When it would suit him to le >ve the General Assembly and the Provincial Council, he would do so in a manly way, and if the pressuro of circumstances drove him to seek employment from the Government, he would tell the electors, " I am no longer able to act for you, but I will not accept service from another, because I know the absolute impos sibility of one man serving two masters." If he wont to the Assembly, he would feel bound to come back, and tell them what he had done. He hid nothing from them. He told them things few men would dare to say. He"ehose to be outspoken. If there was any ill it fell upon himself ; but the benefit fell upon the public. At the present time he had to accuse the Nelson Government of assisting Mr Donne. Ho accused them of advertising for tenders for the Addison's Flat and Charleston road—a road which would never be made. It was a road which could only be useful for social purposes, but had they come to that ? Were they to neglect other roads—to disregard life and limb—to spend their money on luxuries merely to prop up the Curtis Government and their nominee. There was another thing he regretted much—the disfranchisement of the Upper Buller. These people had a claim on their sympathies for this, aud for their suffering so tremendously through the system by which the law was administered. Ho hated these Warden's Courts. He wished to see the Warden a Field Warden, and to see tho work done as he had seen it in Victoria. It was no wonder that the legal fraternity were arrayed against him. Their system did not suit him. Every time the Warden left, this place he was escorted by two lawyers, and all he had to say was *' The Lord help the people who came info their hands." He would take another opportunity of addressing them, and when he was in possession of his Blue Book, he would be able to show them

the voting of the eminent follower. Then the evidence would be in their hands, and ho hoped it would lie found that he who was faithful In ftuall things would have greater confided to li'tu. lie had not tho slightest doubt Mr Donne would ptvifess politics to suit them, but as a politician he was false, and it was feeing no other man come forward that he (Mr O'Conor) opposed him. Mr Donne might have an object to gain, but he had none. Ho would return and live amoug Hi m. lie would not turn his b:ek upo i them.—The speaker continued his address by referring at some length to the constitution of the Provincial Executive—to its members being " dummies," and so on. There were some signs of impatience among the audience, and

The Returning Officer said: I must remind you, Mr O'Conor, that you are travelling from the subject. Ido not wish to restrict you in any way, but if you would be good enough to endeavor to confine yourself to matters connected with the General Assembly, it would be more in order. Mr O'Conor : If you give me the headings of what you wish me to speak upon, I will address them. Or if you wish me to leave this box, I shall do so. But I refuse to accept your dictation on these subjects. (Oh, oh-) The Returning Officer : I must remind Mr O'Conor that he has no right to speak thus to me. It is open to me at any moment to call for a 'show of hands. I will be reluctant to do so. I wish to allow the greatest latitude, and I now merely suggested that he might be wandering too mec'i into matters of Provincial Government, and that it would be better not to do so. (Applause.) Mr O'Conor • I do! not wish to contravene your authority. The only thing— The Returning Officer: You have con trarened it. Mr O'Conor : I have not done so.

The Returning Officer : As long as I hold this position, I shall insist on carrying out my duties as I think fit. (Applause). Mr O'Conor has refused expressly to obey my ruling. I do not wish to cut short his speech, but I shall not allow him to contemn my authority. I have now to request him not to extend his remarks by wandering into remote subjects. Of course I accept bis explanation that he did not wish to dispute my authority, but he did so in words, if he did not do so in meaning.

Mr O'Conob: After that display of authority I will cut my speech short. I hope this will be a warning to you. (Groans). You have been standing here for a quarter of an hour when no candidate was proposed, and I understand that the first candidate in the field should be tho first proposed. I wished to hear the charges made against me by Mr Donne's supporters—my accusers. Since I have not succeeded in doing so, I will follow him up wherever he goes. I will do him the honor of meeting him at all his meetings, not to annoy him, but rather to assist him. (Ironical Applause). I wish to be present, not for tho purpose of disturbing his meetings, but if I see a friend of mine disturbing him, I should be the first to stop him. (Groans). I want to hear those valiant pot-house accusers of mine. My intention is to follow Mr Donne.

A show of hands was taken, aud declared, amidst much applause and laughter, to be in favor of Mr Yardley. Mr Donne proposed a vote of thanks to the Returning Officer. It was seconded by Mr Yardley, and carried by acclamation.

TO THE ELECTORS OP THE BTJLLER DISTEIOT. GENTLEMEN, I have been duly nominated as a Representative in the General Assembly of New Zealand. The Fox and Vogel Ministry have not my confidence; if they can give an honest account of their stewardship they will have to do so. The Maori question must bo dealt with honestly, positively, and decisively. The Provincial institutions are worse than a curse; they are positive barriers to any local good being done. I am for free trade, so far as that all foreign goods pay scot and lot in common with ourselves, in the shape of a low fixed duty. I would endeavour to obtain increased representation for this district, and join the members of other goldfields in devising some wellconsidered scheme for the forming of water-races, tracks, roads, bridges, and mining boards. I would go farther and endeavour to show it is the most unwise policy we can be guilty of to neglect a gold-mining population prosperity goes and comes with them —one Government, one Constitution, one Code of Laws. I would endeavour that every collector of public money make out a balance sheet for the inspection of all men and every man. I would fnrther try and get an Act passed that all appointments under Government should be made in open Court, and every man's case should be heard with impartiality. With regard to our relations with the Mother Country, considering what is now going on in Europe, the English speaking race ought to maintain unity, peace, and concord. If I find a few practical statesmen in the House, thorough politicians, 1 will undertake to prepare a new Constitution Act—one that shall advance New Zealand in the scale of nations. I am, Gentlemen, Your obedient servant, EDWARD YARDLEY. I will hold Meetings at the following places, on the following days:— Charleston, on Tuesday Brighton, on Wednesday Addison's, on Thursday Giles, on Friday.