THE AVON ELECTION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 1928, 22 February 1867, Page 2

THE AVON ELECTION.

Mr Reeves met the electors of this district last evening, at Mr Lewis' room, St. Albans, at eight p.m. Mr Lewis was called to the chair, and briefly introduced Mr Reeves to the electors. Mr Reeves addressed the meeting, alluding to the reasons which had induced him to seek the suffrages of the electors. He believed that he was the only candidate, because although a requisition had been handed to Mr Tancred, asking him to stand for the district, that gentleman had privately assured him that he had no intention of contesting the election, but that he declined to pledge himself to 'hat course. In consequence of this ambiguous answer he (Mr Reeves) had determined to take every measure to ensure bis own election. He would consider it an honour to have a seat in the House of Representatives, and he trusted that if returned he should not do any discredit to their choice. He had been taunted with being a new man, but he assured the meeting that he had seen various phases of colonial life, although he had hitherto abstained from taking any part in public life, because his partner, Mr Ward, had taken so actiTe a share in politics, and had taken it so well. He (the speaker) might describe himself a new old man. He had watched the progress of affairs in the Assembly with the utmost attention, and believed himself well qualified to act as the representative of the district. If he did not hold this opinion, ho would not have come forward as a candidate. He begged the eclectors not to indentify him with all the opinions of the Lyttelton Times, His object was to render that paper an independent organ of public opinion, and he should ever oppose the course too often pursued bytheproprietors of newspapers of bolstering up their own private views by the instrumentality of the papers with which they were connected. (Mr Reeves recapitulated the statements which he had expressed at the late meeting held at Papanui.) With regard to education, he might say that the Assembly had nothing to do with it. He wished that it had, for then v/e should have a uniform system of education. He thought that the question ought to be a colonial rather than a provincial one. He did not think that the general feeling of the inhabitants of the province was in favour of a compulsory system of education. Here everyone was either able or willing to educate his children; or if not able could be assisted in doing it, and this he thought was all that was required. At present a compulsory system was in advance of the times. If ever a time should come when those able to educate their children neglected this duty, it would be the duty of the Government to send the children of such persons to school for them, and he should in saeh a case be prepared to support a system of compulsory education. With reference to the ballot, he thought that it was very unimportant, for the voters were as perfectly at liberty to exercise the franchise as if they went to the ballot. 'J in objections to the ballot were more matte > of sentiment than anything else. Rut if a . -cessity should arise for the ballot, or if it was the wish of the people to have it, he should vote for it. With reference to Pre-emptive Rights, the subject would come before the Assembiy, Some resolutions on this subject had been passed in the Provincial Council which only amounted to a recommendation to the Assembly to take the matter into consideration. These resolutions recommended that the rights should cease at an early period. He should go further, and should wish to see these privileges terminated at the earliest possible moment, for be could conceive no greater evil for the province than the privilege granted for wire fencing. These privileges were in direct antagonism to the spirit of the land regulations, and had the effect of virtually sealing up the land against intending settlers. The squatters had acted as the pioneers of advancement. As long as men could not be found to occupy the waste lands of the province it was desirable that they should be occupied by sheep. But this province was made for men—not sheep. As men came forward, let sheep go back. Mr Reeves concluded by expressing his willingness to answer any questions which might be addressed to liiin" by the electors.

Mr Kent stated that many of the electors were in favour of the ballot. He was not an opponent of Mr Reeves, for he was perfectly satisfied with his speech of that evening.

In answer to Mr Harrdf, Mr Reeves said that if elected he would be accessible to all the electors in order to learn their views. He objected to being the delegate of the electors, but in this instance lie was willing to be their delegate. If they strengthened his hands by furnishing him with a statement of their views with regard to the ballot, it should receive his best attention, and he would represent it in the Assembly. He was not aware that such a strong feeling in favour of the ballot existed amongst the electors. In answer to Mr Smith, Mr Reeves said that he believed that it was required by the new Act that every elector should sign the registration-papers. He was not aware that any provision was made for those who could not write. This virtual disfranchisement would serve as a motive for the Government to make every exertion to enable every one to obtain such an education as would enable him to comply with the provisions of the act. In answer to another elector, Mr Reeves said that he was not aware if it was necessary for the electors to make fresh claims, He would make enquiries on the subject, and would cither speak on it on the nomination day, or would hare the result published through the usual channels. A unanimous vote of confidence in Mr Reeves was pass d. Mr Keevks acknowledged the compliment, and proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman. Mr Lewis having returned thanks, the meeting broke up.