THE ELECTIONS.

OAMARU NOMINATIONS. The nomination of candidates to represent Oamaru town in the House of Representatives took place at the Courthouse at noon to-day. There was a good attendance of electors, but not up to the number at previous nominations in Oamaru. The Returning Officer (Mr. I. N. Watt) said that his duties being defined by statute he would strictly carry them out. There was no provision in the Act for any candidate addressing the electors, and he would, therefore, as Returning Officer, only listen to the proposer' and seconder. He objected to sitting there and being the recipient, perhaps, of dead cats and rotten eggs. Mr. Shrimski thought more of the Oamaru constituency than to believe them capable of such conduct as that implied. The Returning Officer then called upon the electors to nominate some qualified person to represent them in Parliament.. Mr. Procter had much pleasure in having to propose Mr. James Lloyd Hassell as a fit and proper person to represent the rising town of Oamaru in Parliament. There was very little occasion for him to enlarge on Mr. HaßßeH's capabilities or position. He most be thoroughly well known to nearly all present as one of the oldest, as well as the best, amongst them. He was well established here before he (Mr. Procter) came to the district 17 years ago, and then well esteemed, since which time he had never said or done anything which the most faultfinding could cavil at either in private or public. (Applause.) 1 hey must honor him for these things, and Mr. Procter believed him capable of carrying his honorable conduct into political life, and that if they trusted their interests in his keeping he hoped they would have no cause to regret their action, and he believed he was right in proposing Mr. Hassell as a 'fit and proper person to represent them in Parliament, (Hear, hear.) It was to be regretted that Mr. Hassell was not present to address them himself on this occasion, but he had beeninformed that he would be in Oamaru in time to address the electors before the polling day. Mr. Procter concluded by expressing a hope that the electors would return Mr. Hassell at the head of the poll. Mr. A. C. Paterson had known Mr. Hassell for 20 years. He had been the pioneer of several industries, and was a man of unblemished character, and was highly respected by every one who knew him. He had much pleasure in seconding the nomination. Mr. G. Jones had very great pleasure in proposing Mr. Samuel Edward Shrimski as a fit and proper person to represent the town of Oamaru in Parliament. When asked to perform this duty he had thought it very appropriate that he should accede to the request. Mr. Shrimski's actions in Parliament were very well known. They could not have a more straightforward and assiduous man to represent them. (Cheers.) He was not to be bought. For the five or six years that Mr. Shrimski had represented the district his conduct had been of the most exemplary character. It had been said of Mr. Shrimski's opponent that he had never, during a lengthy residence in this district, done anything at which anyone could cavil. He would remark that the same could be Said of Mr. Shrimski, with the addition that he served the faithfully. There was no need for him to say. anything more of Mr. Shrimski, as "good wineheeded nobush,' and Mr, Shrimski needed no advocate. Mr. Shrimski would address them on Monday evening next, when he would answer any questions ,that might be put to him/ (Applause). Mr. J. Sinclair had the greatest pleasure in seconding Mr. Shrimski's nomination. He had proposed Mr. Shrimski for the House of representatives five years ago, and up to the present time not one action of his could be questioned. Mr. Shrimski then asked for permission to say a few words. The Returning Officer did not want to deprive Mr. Shrimski of the right of speaking, but he could not allow him to make a speech while he (Mr. Watt) acted as Returning Officer. After the nomination was over be would be willing to act as Chairman, and then Mr. Shrimski could'make a speech. The Returning officer then galled for a show of hands for Mr. Hassell, and 31 were held up, and on a similar call being made for Mr. Shrimski about three times the number were held np. Messrs. Procter and Paterson demanded a poll on behalf of Mr. Hassell. Mr. Shrimski came forward and said he felt extremely proud of the show of hands, and hoped that it would be the same next Friday. He had been 20 years in the town, and he would defy any one to mention any unworthy action he had done during that time. A vote of thanks to the Returning Officer (proposed by Mr. Shrimski) brought the proceedings to a close.