MR J. B. WHYTE AT RANGIRIRI.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2346, 23 July 1887, Page 2

MR J. B. WHYTE AT RANGIRIRI.

Mr Whyte addressed the electors at Rangiriri on Wednesday evening in the schonlhnuae. The rn nn was crammed to overflowing, at least GO or 70 being presun:. Mr Brookes was unanimously voted to the chair, and presided over the meeting most, efficiently. Mr Whyte, who was very favourably receivad, spoke fully upon the principal political topics of the day, and, although his address lasted almost two hours, he was listened to with the utmost attention and frequently applauded. It was well known before the meeting that it was the intention of some of Mr Russell’s supporters to “ make it hot ” for him, but no signs of this were shown during the address ; on the contrary, the audience were most respectful in their general behaviour. At the close of the meeting a large number of questions were put to the candidate, and apparently answered to the entire satisfaction of the audience, as was evinced by the uproarious applause with which soma of them were greeted. After all questions were asked, an elector proposed a vote fo thanks, which lapsed for want of a seconder. Mr Whyte then said that he would be quite content with a vote of that nature. This, however, did not satisfy the meeting, and a vote of entire confidence in their old member, having been. proposed by Mr Walker, was greeted with hearty cheers. This was immediately seconded by several electors, Mr Hooten, Mr Sutherland, and several others jumping up to do so. Upon this a vote of want of confidence in Mr Whyte was proposed by Mr Lawson, and seconded by Mr Slyfield, who made an able speech in doing so. The amendment was, however, greeted with mingled groans and cheers, the former strongly predominating. The amendment of want of confidence was then put by the chairman, and at once rejected by a large majority, only four hands being held up in its favour. The motion of entire confidence in Mr Whyte was then put, and carried with acclamation. The meeting then closed with the usual vote of thanks to the chairman. Great interest was taken in the meeting by the whole neighbourhood, and the result must have been most satisfactory to our old member.

Another correspondent gives this version: —A meeting 'of electors of Waipa and Waikato, principally from Waipa, was addressed by Mr J. 15. Whyte at Rangiriri, on Wednesday, the 20th. The meeting was a packed one. The chair was taken by MiBrooks of Churchill, and the school was tilled with Mr Whyte’s Huntly and Waipa supporters fifteen minutes before time when the meeting commenced. A great many bona fide electors were unable to obtain admission. Mr Whyte spoke for two hours, and a vote of thanks and confidence was proposed in him, which received only 1G votes out of Go people present.