The Coming Elections.

Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 2921, 25 August 1879, Page 2

The Coming Elections.

TE AWAMUTU, this day.

REWI AND THE GOVERNMENT.

Itewi has expressed a wish to make public his sentiments towards the Grey Ministry. He has appointed to address the electors of Waipa at Kihikihi on Thursday next. The result will be a final blow to the dodges of the auti-Greyites in the neighbourhood, who have so persistently endeavoured to misrepresent the sayings and doings of tlie great Maori chieftain.

GIiAHAMSTOWN, this day, BILLY ROWK'S RECEPTION.

Mr Rowe, M.H.R., called a meeting of his constituents ou Saturday evening in the Theatre Royal. There were about 2,000 electors present and crowding the approaches. A friend of the candidate sought to take the chair, amidst calls, whistling, and yells. After some time and several appeals made to the audience forahearlug, the curtain was lowered aud the light*'dimmed. A painting was exhibited shewing a rut on its back with the words " Try Grey's Patent Vermin-killer ; a rat — dead for a ducat—dead 1" After further confusion the iiudieuae was left to find its way out of the theatre without according a hearing. Three cheers were givon to Sir George Grey and three groaus for Rowe.

WHAI.GAREI, this day.

Captain Colbeck received a unanimous vote of confidence here on Saturday. It was a very largo meeting.

TAURANGA this day. EAST COAST CONTEST.

A crowded meeting was held ou Saturday to hear Mr Allan McDonald. A hearty vote of thanks was passed. The meeting closed with three cheers for Captain Morris aud three cheers for the Grey Government.

WAR KWORTH, this day.

THE MARSDEN CONTEST,

A meeting was held to-day at Hakaru to consider what candidate shall be supported for Marsden, Mr F. H. Hull chairman. A resolution was carried, with one dissentient, "That Captain Colbeckis the lit and proper persou to represent Marsden iv Parliament." A similar resolution proposed in favour of Mr Dargaville found no seconder. The name of Sir Robert Douglas is barely tolerated.

WAIUKU, Saturday. THE FRANKLIN ELECTION.

The Fraiiinin candidates met at Waiuku before a crowded meeting iv the hall. Mr Wallace, chairman, suggested that no show of hands should be given, but a vote of thanks to all. At the conclusion the vote of thanks propo»ed to all was met by an amendment of a veto of'confidence to Sir George Grey's supporters, Messrs Hamlin and Harris. The chairman declined to put it. Great uproar and confusion followed, with cheers for Hamlin and Harris.'

OAMARU, Saturday. Messrs Heslop and Shrimskl addressed a first meeting of cleotors at the school-house, Pukcri Point.on Friday. Thero was a good attendance of settle! s. After each member had answered a number of questions to the entire satisfaction of the electors, a vote of thanks and confidence was unanimously passed.

GERALDINE, Saturday

Mr Wakefield addressed the electors on Friday night and a vote of confidence and thanks was carried unanimously.

DUNEDIN. Saturday. Mr W. S. Murray addressed the electors at Kaitangata, aud was well received, A Liberal Association has been formed in Dtnicdin. The inaugural meeting was held in an hotel, and about 40 persons were present, _0 being members of the Association. At the closo of the meeting the new organisation was formed on the basis of the measures named in the Governor's speech, with a retention of the present system of education, and nationalisation of the land was added. This latter placed on the platform was expluincd to mean that in future the land should only be leased by the Crown, uot sold.

As no candidate has come forward for Duuedin in the Grey interest, it is rumoured that the supporters of that party contemplate a coup tie main by merely nominating thciivnian aud thou getting Sir George flrcy'to address the electors on the eve of the election. The Duuediii roll does not contain the names of thoso entitled to vote under the provisions of the Act of 1875. It is slated that Mr Clayton's chances look well for Tuapoka. Mr J. C. Brown will get the Catholic block vote.

Mr John L. Gillies is mentioned as a probable candidate for Milton, where ho is very popular. A requisition, signed by 300 electors, was presented to Mr H. "S. Fish to-day, asking him to staud for Duuedin. Although not giving directly a negative reply, it is not probable he will come forward.

TIMARU, this day. Mr Woolcombc addressed a crowded meeting at Pleasant Point on Friday night. He declared himself strongly opposed to the present Government. A unanimous vote #i confidence was passed in him.

FEILDING, Saturday. Mr Walter Johnson addressed the ol.ctors on Friday night. The candidate denounced Sir George Grey's conduct siuce 1553. He spoke at great length, condemning the Thames Railway, the Premier _ telegram to West Coast settlers, and other acts of the Government. A vote ot thanks was accorded him.

WELLINGTON, Saturday. Mr Hunter addressed a very large meeting last night He spoke over two hours. He condemned the administration of tlw .Government, especially native and mmii"ration. They forsook the wise policy inaugurated by Sir Donald McLean and rushed a kit of immigrants into the colony in tbo winter mouths and on the ovcof depressed times. He wonted a re-imposition of tho duties ou timber and sugar. He said Sir George Grey should uot have so much to say. against'large land-holders," When it was him.plf who was responsiblo for the creation of that class; though he did not condemn' Sir George Grey's action in that matter,because under the circumstances of the colony at that time it was tho very -bast thing that could be done. The colony's progress would have been retarded for a long time hod not men with capita^,been induced to come here. He warnod people that the greatest care should bo exercised regarding adjusting representation,] because it arranged according to population, power would simply be placed in the hands of the big cities, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin;; while the South Island would have 53 members and the North 31. He pointed out that Wellington should not be too clamorous as to being neglected in public works expenditure, as she enjoyed a large and constant expenditure in connection with the Civil Service and other Government expenditure. They niust also remember that Sir George Grey was a Scpnrati>inist,and never pledged, himself that he would not remove tho B_iu of Government, from Wellington. He argued strongly against Sir George Grey's assertion (hat capital was not wanted in a new colony. Capital was what jt wanted most of all. He supported secular education. He was not a supporter of sir George Grey and could novor lie, Hoicousidcred the Atkinson-Pollen Government an, honest one. A vote of confidence was passed.

Mr Reid, of the 'West Coast Times,' has left for Hokitika to contest the seat.