MR CAMPBELL AT CAMBRIDGE.

Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 2923, 27 August 1879, Page 3

MR CAMPBELL AT CAMBRIDGE.

(BY TELEGRAPH.)

CAMBRIDGE, this day. Mr J. P. Campbell, candidate in the Grey interest for the Waikato electorate, addressed one of the largest gatherings of electors seen in the Public Hall here. Mr A. A. Fantham occupied the chair. He said they had met to hear the views of a gentleman who was a candidate. There never was a time when it required so much care as now in the choice of a representative, and electors should weigh well the merits of respective candidates before pledging themselves. Mr Campbell, amid great applause, ascended the platform. He said that he had come forward with reluctance, and at the urgent request of numerous personal and political friends. He thought the coming contest in Waikato would awaken public feeling and produce pet manent results. His long residence among, and intimate knowledge of, the Cambridge community decided him to address them first.' (Cheers.) In Hamilton it had bceu stated that he was goiug iv for a Government appointment. Such was incorrect. He could positively state he was not under the influence of any clique, ring, or institution. (Applause.) After touching on questions of colonial finance generally, he supported the borrowing of money for the completion of public works and the further development of the Public 'Works policy. He alluded to the special benefit felt by Waikato settlers through the construction of railways. He referred to the great unfairness which had characterised the division of public funds. If clcctcdhewould obtain redress. (I heersand " Bravo Campbell!") He believed that the North Island railways did not pay so well us those ill the South, because of the fragmentary and unfinished character of the former. The completion of the railway from Cambridge to Auckland would make the line the best paying lino in New Zealand, ami it should at once be constructed. (Loud applause). There should be a Minister of Public Works for the JSTqi th Island, Ho approved of financial separation, but not insular, and having the Land Tax machinery in good working order. He apiirovedof the system being maintained, and thought unimproved lands should be taxed more in proportion to their value than cultivated lauds. He also approved of continuing the system of nominated immigration and other immigration when necessary, He opposed Chinese emmigration, and would iilrlict a poll tax on them. He supported manhood suffrage, with restrictions, and triennial parliaments. As to the plural vote.he thought three should be the maximum, not more. He thought the Highways Act unsuited to villages such as Cambridge, which was not large enough to constitute a municipality. A new Town Board Act with extended powers was required. County Councils should have extended powers. On the land question, ho approved of the system of selling native lands by public auction through the Waste lands Board in small blocks, natives to have all the proceeds. Such a system would end the native difficulty. (Cheers.) The present Ministry ought to be allowed to carry out their policy. (Cheers.) Respectin" the want of confidence motion he dcprccatcdjthe unseemly haste exhibited by the Opposition. He would support the present Government. (Cheers). He advocated the speedy construction of the Cambridge branch line and road to Taupo. He thought the sum on the estimates for the Turanaki railway should be transferred to the construction of a railroad from Taupo to Cambridge. (Immense applause). If elected; he would endeavour to get the amount transferred at once. Mr Campbell condemned Sir W. Fox's speech delivered in proposing the no-confidence motion. Ho would use eveiy effort to get the ThamesWaikato railway completed quickly. Mr Campbell resumed his seat amid general cheers.

The Chairman invited questions. In answer, Mr Campbell said the lands were proposed to be sold on the desire of the niitives.not compulsory by Government. He would endeavour to get special grants for schools in accordance with local requires--111 tfit r : ' After Messrs Splby, Ashwell, and 'Martin had put questions; Mr 'JanieS Forrest made a brief speech aiid propo'scd 'a/ vote pf confidence ni Hfi Jaihes Palmer Campbell as a

fit and proper person to represent this constituency in the General A ssembly. There was no amendment, and the vote was carried by acclamation. Mr Campbell returned thanks for the unanimous expression of confidence they had given. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the proceedings.

HAMILTON, this day,

MR WIIYTE AT HAMILTON. I Mr Whyte addressed a crowded meeting last night, and spoke in favour of the Government measures and alteration in franchise. In respect to the land purchase system he advocated Mr Sheehan's bill. A unanimous vote of confidence was passed. \ KIHIKIHI, this day REWI'S MEETING. Letters are arriving from all p.T '■ ■"f the Waikato to hear Rewi's Bpeecl n the political situation. Rowi aays |tlu.c he is going to commence at the lirst meeting. Sir George Grey held with the natives at Whakairoirolafter assuming the Premiership. Mr Edmonds of Auckland is expected up to act as interpreter. RUSSELL, this day. THE ELECTION CONTEST. Williams and Lundon are both hero, Williams having observed a paragraph in the Star of Monday, stating that Lundon would retire if Williams agreed, Mr AViiliitms put in a memo to-day saying that he was quite willing to retire, provided Mr Woody or any other candidate who might be chosen by buna fide electors, were brought forward. Mr Lundon refused to roiiro, and stated that he had no authority from him to insert tho paragraph. Consequently the election will be fought out to the bitter end. HOKIANGA, this day. -Mr Hamilton Cumiug addressed a crowded meeting of electors in the Town Hall last night. FTe received a unanimous vote of confidence. Mr W. Sneddon has announced himself a strong supporter of the present Ministry. THE THAMES ELECTION. A meeting of the friends and supporters of Colonel Frascr, of the Thames, who has offered himself to represent the Thames electoral district in the General Assembly, was held ;it the Masonic Hotel, Coroinundel, on Saturday last. Mr George McLcod occupied the chair. After considerable discussion, Mr Thomas Hundley proposed, and Mr Furey seconded, ', That Messrs Brodic, Furey, Kyuii, Mel'arlnne, Luksi Fonton, &c.,withpoworto add, be a committee pledged to secure the return of Colonel Flutter." Mr Cadman proposed, as an amendment, that the meeting should stand adjourned till Monday night week, when it would be known who were the chosen representatives of the Government party. Mr Dooloy seconded Mr Cadman's amendment, which was carried. MrMcLeotl, on behalf of Colonel Frascr, nnuounccd that he would address the electors of Coronumdol on Saturday next. DUNEDIN, this day. Mr Macassey addressed a crowded meeting advocating tho Liberal programme, except Triennial Parliaments. He supported Messrs Macnndrcw and Sheehan, but was opposed to Sir George Grey. Ho wouldsupport the present education system, A vote of confidence was carried. WESTPORT, this day. Tho nomination of the Liberal Association was presented to Mr Fisher at a public meeting last evening by Mr O'Connor. Mr Fisher said he accepted the pledge to support Sir George Grey's policy reserving to himself a right to follow his own course iv regard to education, he being by conviction a deiiominationnlist, and would strive to amend the Act to provide for the State Support of denominational schools. Ho was much catechised on this question, but a vote of thanks and contidenco was unanimously passed. WELLINGTON, this day. Electioneering was never bo active here before. All the candidates havo large committees. All are canvassing energetically. The polling is expected to be larger than at any previous election. Mr James Mnckay will not stand for Waikato.

The Temperance Societies are pledged to support Mr Levin and Mr Hunter.