ELECTION MATTERS. OPPOSITION TO MR. VOGEL.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVI, Issue 4165, 19 December 1870, Page 2

ELECTION MATTERS. OPPOSITION TO MR. VOGEL.

On" Saturday morning last a deputation, consisting of Dr. Shepherd (from the Thames), Messrs. McGregor and Walter Dudley, waited upon Mr. William Nicol (Exchange Hotel) for the purpose of presenting a requisition to that gentleman asking him to become a candidate in opposition to the Hon. Julius Vogel for the representation of City East in the General Assembly. The requisition, bore nearly 40 signatures, comprising a considerable number of electors. The deputation was cordially received by Mr. Nicol in a private room adjacent to the bar. Dr. Shepherd, in presenting the requisition, made a loag and touching speech, in which he dwelt upon the peculiar qualifications of Mr. Nicol to represent the influential electorate of City East in the General Assembly. In the course of his speech he alluded to the intimate commercial knowledge possessed by his friend Mr. Nicol, and that gentleman's close attention to business ; and he said he had no doubt that, if elected, he would serve his constituents faithfully. He believed if there was any man in the , world competent to represent the district of I City East it was Mr. Nicol. : Mr. Dudley, on behalf of the deputation, addressed Mr. Nicol. He believed Mr. , Nicol had been about 25 years in. the colony. Mr. Nicol : Thirty-two. Mr. Dudley stood corrected. During that period Mr. Nicol had acquired an intimate knowledge of the requirements of the people of Auckland. Mr. Nicols conduct during the time he had been amongst them clearly proved him to be an honest man. Mr. Nicol : Yes. Mr. Dudley believed Mr. Nicol had never gone through the Bankruptcy Court ? Mr. Nicol : No— l have always paid twenty shillings in the pound. Mr. Dudley concluded his speech after a few more flattering remarks on Mr. Nicols general qualifications. Mr. Nicol in feeling terms then thanked the deputation. He was fully sensible of the honour they had conferred upon him. He left Wellington an industrious and honest lad, and it would be a source of gratification to him to return to that city as one of the highest iv the land. He regretted that press of business, and other causes, prevented him giving an immediate answer to the deputation. After consulting with Mr. Dudley, Mr. Njcoi, appointed eight o'clock in the evening as the hour at which he would meet them. This concluded the proceedings. The deputation were hospitably entertained by Mr. Nicol iv his usually liberal style.