MEETING OF CAPT. MORRIS' SUPPORTERS.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1826, 16 April 1885, Page 2

MEETING OF CAPT. MORRIS' SUPPORTERS.

The above meeting, as notified by advertisement, took place yesterday at 3 p.m. There were about 15 present, and the aocretai-y. In the absence of Mr Olarebrough, permanent chairman, it was proposed by Mr D. Asher, that Mr Firth Wrigley take the chair ; seconded by Mr Eraser.

Mr F. Wrigley declined the honor, and proposed that Captain Tunks take the chair. Seconded by Mr Thomas Wrigley, and carried.

Captain T'unks stated that he understood the object of the meeting was to determine if there was a suitable person to be selected from the candidates now in the field for the representation of this constituency.

Mr Hromfield moved as follows — That this mooting afford their support towards securing the election of Mr W. Kelly to the seat lately vacated by Captain Morris, and use their best endeavours to secure his return as against Mr Sheehan, and that Mr Kelly be requested to address the electors at an early date and explain his views. Mr Frasor seconded the resolution.

Captain Norris read a letter from Captain Morris stating that he would not attend the meeting, and would not take any public part in the proceedings. Captain Norris at the same time apologised for the absence of Mr Olarebrough, the permanent chairman of the meeting. Captain Norria, in expressing his own views, stated that he would be disposed to support Mr W. Kelly against Mr J. Sheehan, but not against all candidates. It did not appear to him a becoming thing or a right course that this sort of thing should be initiated by Captain Morris' friends.

Mr Fraser said ho certainly would not support anyone blindfolded, nor anyone to be a blind follower of the Government to lock up our lands, &c.

Captain Kerr, E,.N., said that no one yet had had an opportunity of knowing Mr Kelly's views, and it woukl be well to know Mr Kelly's niiud before coming to any formal resolution. He should address the public and let the electors judge

Mr D. Asher proposed, as a late supporter of Captain Morris, that his friends club together and give Mr W. Kelly a block voto as the local man. Mr Thomas Wrigley explained that the object of the meetings which had been held and the present one was to find some one to take the place of Captain Morris. Major Swindley was well nigh unanimously chosen ; he, however, withdrew. At present the friends of Capt. Morris have not been able to find a candidate they can support as a body. Captain Norris said he was willing to support Kelly as against Sheehan, but he would go no further.

Mr Fraser asked if a public meeting was called would the minority be ready to follow the majority ? (No reply.) Mr Thomas Wrigley pointed out that the object of this meeting had failed. The Secretary, Mr Sheppard, then read Mr Bromfiold's resolution, which was put to the meeting by the Oh airman and carried.

Captain IsTorris moved that copies of the resolution be sent to Oapt. Morris and Mr W. Kelly. Carried. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the liieefcing.