TO-DAY'S NOMINATIO.

Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 2927, 1 September 1879, Page 3

TO-DAY'S NOMINATIO.

NEWTON,

The nomination of a fit and proper person to represent the constituency of Newton in the new House of Representatives took place at noon to-day in the Congregational school-room; Ediub-jrgh-street, twenty electors beiDg iv attendance. At noon precisely the Returning Officer (Mr T. Cotter) commenced to read the usual notifications, and having done this he also road the sections of the Act bearing upon the conduct of the ceremony, lie then invited the electors to make their nominations.

Mr T. T. MascficUl had much pleasure in proposing Mr William Swanson as a suitable person to represent the electorate in Parliament. As one of tnc electors from the western side of the district he could say that the people there were wholly in accord with jMrKwanson's parliamentary actions, aud that his candidature was regarded with the greatest favour. They ■were satisfied that the gentleman' had worked hard for the conservation of their best interests, and personally he wjis glad to see that, such a tlattcriug support .was given him by Newton aud Ponsouby as the meetings held in both places recently had indicated. The present was evidently a turning point in the policy pursued towards local industries, and he was glad to know that Mr Swansou was Jin'favour of fostering the manufacture of local products,, lie was pleased to see present also a gentleman who would use his iulluence iv a, similar direction —one of the candidates for City West-Mr Stark. (A voice': No. \ Jnfortunately they were almost the sole representatives of thomauufacturing interests of the colony, aud he would be glad to see more like them who would promise to support and protect the rising industries of the countiy. Mr E. W. Morrison had great pleasure in rising to second the nomination of Mr Swanson. They were all aware of the gentleman's efforts on behalf of the district, and what he had succeeded in achieving for it. Ho had ever been the first to enter the House in the performance of his duties, aud the hist to leave it, and when there was a question upon which to divide or to take a .show of hands, he had never been known to walk out. He was a man who had never sold his birthright for a mess of pottage. (Applause). The Returning Otlicei- inquired if any elector wished to nominate another candidate.

A voice : There are no more. You had butter let us go home to dinner. (Laughter.) Mr Barnes said that the other gentleman to represent them had not yet "made his appearance in the colony. . There being no further response Mr Swansou was declared duly elected.

When the applause which greeted the announcement had died away, Mr Swansou mounted the platform to return thanks. lie said that there was no use in pretending that he was not very proud at having been for the third time returned to Parliament without opposition, ami without asking a siugle man tor bis vote. (Applause.) lie did not think that there was another man in die whole colony who could say the same thing. He had nothing now to do but to thank them for their continued couiideuce in him.and to promise that as in the past so in the future lie would do his best for their interests, lie owned himself proud of the position in which he was placed. Every man was fond of power, and if he was agood-heaited man he would lie disposed to exercise that power for the good of his fellow men. In returning to L'arliamcut he intended to get assistance from whom he could in his efl'orts for his constituency, but of course it was understood that he would stick to the Grey party so long as they remained true to (he three principal measures which they had brought the people, viz., Manhood Suflrage, Triennial Parliaments, and an Income Tax. That was the political programme betoru the country, and he would stick to it. The other details he had mentioned before, and il would suffice now to say that while he did not go the whole hog he had indicated how far he would go. However, instead of talking generalities, he would possibly please^ tticm better by expressing his readiness to answer any questions that might bo put to liitn. In answer to questions put by Messrs F. Cherry. Garrett, Joseph Warren, and Staiues, the newly-elected member declared: (1) his eal isfaction with the existing system of secular education ; (2) his opposition to au increase in the cost of govcrumeut; (I!) his belief that 200 guineas was an amply aullicieut honorarium for members; (4) his support of the Marriage with Deceased Wife's Sister Bill. He was also favourable to an amendment in the Counties Act with a view of increasing tie powers of Road Hoards, an equalisation ot the salaries of gaol and hospital officials, and the provision of some building wherein to give shelter to homeless people instead of sending them to prison. He would resist any attempt to make the Counties Act compulsory, trad thought a police officer dismissed for misconduct in one province should not bo enlisted in another, while efficient banisters .should alone be appointed to the office of Resident Magistrate iv leading cities like Auckland, Duuedin, Christchureh, and Wellington. If they were to have a poor rate it should be general and not local, for he was of opinion that the County of Eden should only bear its share of charitable contiibutious.

There being no further questions, a vote of thanks was accorded the Returniug Officer on the motion of Mr Swanson.

Mr Cotter acknowledged the compliment, and the proceedings terminated.