CHRISTCHURCH NORTH.

Press, Volume XXXVI, Issue 5067, 3 December 1881, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH NORTH.

The nomination for this electorate took place at noon yesterday at the City Council offices, where a platform had been erected to accommodate those taking part in the proceedings. At li o'clock Mr G. L. Lee, the returning officer, made his appearance, and after a few minutes' delay, proceeded to read the writ, after which he called upon those present for nominations. Mr Piper said that three years ago he had the pleasure of proposing Mr Andrews, and he did bo on this occasion with equal gratification. Hβ considered him one of the etraightest men in the House, and well worthy of their support. Mr Atkinson seconded the nomination without reMr* Jameson expressed the gratification he had in proposing Mr Henry Thomson. That gentleman was an old resident, and he had been before them in a public capacity for the last ten years, during which time his condnct had been such as to merit th«ir snpport. Mr J. M. Thompson seconded. The candidates then briefly addressed those present. Mr Andrews said that he would not detain them ■with a speech. He merely wished to say with regard to his past actions, that what lie had done had been done openly and fearlessly, and, in his opinion, for the best interests of the colony. He denied being the representative of any claeß or party whatever. To further the interests of the colony waa his sole aim, and if at any time he had done otherwise it had been simply an error of jndgment on his part. He was a Liberal, and his sympathies were with the Liberals, andif returned he intended to carry out the same straight course as he had hitherto pursued. Mr Thomson said that he considered publio nominations were utterly opposed to the spirit o the ballot, and that as he had already folly explained his views he would not keep them long. He had been charged with being a thick and thin supporter of the Government, and with being their nominee. The charge was made without any ground whatever. He considered that the measures brought forward by the Government were, in the main, for the good of all classes, and deserved the eupport of the House. Hβ was not a thick and thin supporter of the Government, but he wished it to be clearly understood that, if returned, the Government, so long as they continued to act in the future as they had done in the past, conld count upon his support. He then alluded to some measures brought forward during the last session whicn had been supported by Mr Andrews, and quoted from that gentleman's speeches to show that he had acted inconsistently. He (Mr Thomson) asked them to return him. He had leisure to act as their representative, and, if elected, he would use his best endeavours to act for their interests. A show of hands was then called for by the Bβturning Officer, and resulted as follows:— Andrews ~» 20 Thomson ~. 26 A poll was demanded by Mr Andrews. A vote of thanks to Mr Lee for presiding terminated the proceedings. About 2CK) electors were present.