WHAKATANE.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1839, 16 May 1885, Page 2

WHAKATANE.

[FROM OTTK OW2T COKBESPONDEITT.] The s.s. Douglas arrived yesterday morning and left the same tide taking some 200 sheep from Major Swindley'a station. The Venus, ketch, S.Neil master, managed to get to the wharf yesterday being towed from outside by a party of natives in a whaleboat. She comes from Auckland via Mercury Bay, and brings a cargo of timber for Mr H. P. Bluett and part for Opotiki, together with coal &c. The Venus left Auckland on Sunday 3rd inst. Mr "W. Kelly arrived from Opotiki overland yesterday and in the evening addressed the "free and independent" in the Theatre Royal. The attendance was very meagre. Mr GL Simpkins Jr was called to the chair. In introducing the candidate the Chairman reminded those present that Mr Kelly had represented the district from 1872-1875 and during that period had done a large nmount of good for the electorate : it not being necessary for him to enter into details, he begged the audience to give the gentleman a patient hearing. Mr Kelly in commencing his speech, expressed his regret that the assemblage was not larger, but he presumed it was owing to the unfortunate manner in which it had been advertised ; haying given.

a rather detailed account of the reason of his eventually standing to contest the seat again, and expressing his, belief 'that on this occasion Ih> must win by a large majority. The speaker then, proceeded to explain to ' the audience his views of things in general and of this portion of thej electorate in particular, pointing out that the stauding disgrace of this district was its Main Trunk Road, remarking that, while down south, roads and railways appeared to be had for the asking, here we got nothing. (Applause.) He then gave his views of the Government Native Land policy, aad expressed himself in favour of free trade in land. He desired to impress upon his hearers the fact that if returned he would not support any Government unless he found that he got a reasonable sum placed on the estimates for progressive work in liis districts. He also wished to remind them that in returning him they had virtually two members, that was himself and Capt. Morris, as he was qnite certain of forming an alliance gubernatorially with him. He expressed his opinion "that it was doubtful if. Mr Sheehaii would eventually go to the poll." The speaker then resumed his seat and the Chairman asked if there were any gentlemen present who would like to ask Mr Kelly any questions. One gentleman started to do so, but got into a rambling statement quite irrelevant, indeed the speaker had distinctly given his hearers his idea on the subject now endeavoured to be mooted, at the commencement of his address ; there being no questions to trfe asked Mr H. P. Bluett proposed A^yote of thanks which was seconded by Mr C. M. Buckworth. Mr D. McGarvey proposed as an amendment a vote 0f ... confidence. This was seconded by Mr Carter, and after taking a show of hands, declared duly carried. The vote of thanks to the Chairman was about the only spirited part of the business, indeed a better specimen of a "quakers' meeting" (politically) it has never been my lot to visit. Mr W. Kelly proceeds to Te Puke overland to-day. May 9, 1885.

C. HENDERSON,