WAIPA ELECTION.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 939, 29 June 1878, Page 2

WAIPA ELECTION.

MEETING AT HAMILTON. Mk F. A. Whitakeu addressed a crowded meeting of the electors of Waipa at the Court-house, Hamilton. Mr Albert Potter presided. In opening his addre3S Mr Whitaker said that since lie had commenced his canvass he had met an opponent in Mr McMinn. He wished to allude to that gentleman particularly because he felt very deeply the kindness with which Mr McMinn had acquitted him of any intention to take a start of him in Ngaruawahia. Mr McMinn, 'he considered, behaved nobly in the matter, and whichever cf them were victorious he wished to put on record his opinion, that that gentleman was a strictly upright and honorable man. (Cheers.) They were neighbours, and did not enter the contest in that spirit of bitter antagonism which was sometimes displayed in political fights. They started togetherpretty much on the same platform, and having feelings of friedship one to another, which their contest would never alter. He wished it to be understood that they fought this battle in a pure spirit of English fairness. At the conclusion of the address ■ Mr Byron asked the candidate whether if he weut to Wellington he would feel himself bound to oppose any Government of which Sir George Grey was a member. Mr Whitaker said certainly not. The Chairman expressed a hope that in the alienation of large blocks of land from the natives the candidate if elected would endeavor to secure facilities for acquirement by men of small means, equally as well as large capitalists. In answer to a question by Captain McPherson, Mr Whitaker agreed that it might be expedient to render the registration of titles compulsory with a view to assisting local bodies in making valuation rolls and collecting rates. On the motion of Mr K. Hill seconded by Mr J. Martin the following resolution was carried unanimoasly : " That in the opinion of this meeting, Mr F. A Whitaker is a fit and proper person to represent the Waipa Electorate in Parliament, and that we use onr best endeavors to secure his return." A vote of thanka to to the Chairman concluded the proceedings.