The Ashburton Seat.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXII, Issue 6667, 8 September 1905, Page 2

The Ashburton Seat.

MR JOSEPH SEAL^'S CANDIDA-

TURE.

A meeting of thosa who signed the requisition to Mr Joseph Scaly requesting that gentleman to allow himself to be nominated as a candidate for the Ashbarton seat at the General Election, was held in the Maaonio Hall last evening. Over sixty electors were present, Mr W. Sparrow presiding. Mr Scaly was also present, The Chairman said he was pleased to see so many present, which proved that those who were desirous of Mr Joseph Scaly coming forward as a Liberal candidate were at least whole-hearted in the matter. Mr Scaly had been long and favourably known to the fllectocj of Ashburton. He was a farmer resident in the County, and as such he had a genuine interest in endeavouring to promote the welfare of the residents. The Chairman concluded by presenting a requisition to Mr Scaly, and by urging that gentleman to give acquiescence to the wishes of the electors whose names were attached.

Mr Scaly rose amid applause, and said he felt much flattered at the fact of having such a largely signed requisition presented to him. It also afforded him genuine pleasure to note that he was held in such high respect and esteem by his fellow electors in this County. With regard to the requisition, however, there was one thing that required much consideration, and fhat lay in the fact that the Liberals of Ashburton electorate should use their most strenuous endeavours to secure the return of a Liberal candidate. In the event of Mr John McLachlan again coming forward, and himself contesting the seat, it meant the dividing of the Liberal vote, and giving the Conservative candidate a better chanoe of being returned. It would therefore be recognised by the petitioners that he was placed in a somewhat difficult position. Before any deoisive step was taken, it would be politic on the part of the Liberals to give the question careful and full consideration, He was not aware whether Mr McLachlan had been approached with a view to withdrawing from the forthcoming contest, and he again repeated that, if both Mr MoLachlan and himself came forward, the result would be the return of the Conservative candidate. Tt had been circulated by a number of Mr McLachlan's old supporters that that gentleman would have a poor chance of being returned ia any case, but he would remind those present that Mr McLachlan had a large following. Mr Scaly said he would place himself entirely in the hands of his supporters. The Chairman said it was certain that Mr McLaohlan would lose a large measure of of support from Liberal electors, and it was the opinion of one section of the community that he would 6uffer defeat, no mattenwho opposed him. So far, Mr John McKeague, another Liberal candidate, had announced himself, so that the Liberal vote must be split in any case. Mr Bright said that there were three Liberal candidates in the field at last election, and despite this fact Mr McLachlan had been returned by a substantial majority. He did not think that with two Opposition candidates in the field the Liberals need be afraid of defeat.

Mr C. Muir suggested that a committee be appointed to wait on Mr McLachlan and endeavour to induce that gentleman to retire in favour of Mr Sealy,and stand, say, for the Ellosmera electorate, in which he resided, and was well known. The Liberals of Ashburton had, lie believed, come to recognise that the member for the district should be .a resident, aB their interests would thu3 be more safeguarded

Tn reply to a question Mr Scaly said that some six years ago there had been a rumour circulated that he was coming out as a Liberal oandidate.' On that occasion he had been approached by Mr McLaohlan, and had been induced to give a promise that he would not oppose Mr McLaohlan at that election. At the last election he again promised Mr McLachlan not to oppose him, but that promise was not given for all time. The Chairman said he would;muoh prefer Mr Scaly to give a decided and, definite answer as to whether he would allow himself to be nominated and contest the seat against all comers. The eleotion was drawing near, and a large section of the electors were anxious to know who the candidates would be.

Mr Scaly said that his supporters appeared to be persistent in their efforts to induce him to stand for the seat, and if they thought that he was sure of being returned he would yield to their wishes and allow himself to be nominated.— (Prolonged applause.)—He placed himself unreservedly in the hands of his supporters, and would do his utmost to gain the seat against all comers. Ho was perfectly aware that the signatures on the requisition represented a far greater number than appeared on its face, and this fact was to him very encouraging. — (Renewed, applause.) It was reso'ved that those present form themselves into a committee to secure the return of Mr Scaly.

A working committe3 of fifteen, with power to add to their number, was also elected, and a secretary pro tern.

It was further decided to elect a subcommittee to either write or wait personally on Mr McLachlan and endeavour to induce him to withdraw from the Ashburton contest in favour of Mr Scaly.

Mr Scaly also promised to do his best to bring the matter to a successful issue.

The oommittee decided to meet on Monday evening next tor the purpose of appointing a secretary, and to transact other business.

The Chairman and others were of opinion that when it beoime known that Mr Scaly had definitely decided -to contest the seat against all comers, hundreds of < electors would rally round him.

A vote ot thanks to the Chairman brought the proceedings to a close.