The Coming Elections

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 117, 15 November 1893, Page 2

The Coming Elections

Mr John Stevens will speak in the Assembly Eooras this evening. The chair will be taken by Mr E. Good be* here, the Mayor. Mr F. Y. Lethbridge addressed the electors last evening at Birmingham in the Town Hall. The attendance was good, nnd the fair sex were fairly represented. On the proposal of Mr Bryce, seconded by Mr Morton, Mr Fergusson took the chair, and in introducing the speaker begged for him a patient hearing. The candidate then addressed the meeting, which was a repitition of his speeches at Feilding aud elsewhere. At the conclusion of the meeting questions were invited, and in reply to Mr P. Nesdale, Mr Lethbridge stated that he was not in favor of giving educational grants to different denominations. ' Mr Stokes asked the candidate that as he was not in favor of closing public houses in a district by a bare majority, what majority he would consider sufficient ? Mr Lethbridge replied 3-sths. Mr Morton proposed, and Mr McDermott seconded, a vote of thanks to Mr Lethbridge for his address, which was carried unanimously. The meeting concluded with a vote of thonks to the chairman proposed by Mr Lethbridge. A meeting of Mr Lethbridge's election committee will be held in Messrs James and Heaps' oflice this evening at seven o'clock. The returning officers for the Bangitikei aud Palmerston electorates give notice to-day as to the several polling places appointed for tho general election on the 28th instant. Alterations are made to-day in the itinerary of Mr John Stevens. These have beeu made necessary by the shortness of the time before the date of the election. Messrs Willis, Parsons, Carson, and Aiken are candidates for the Wanganui seat. Mr Pirani addressed a meeting of women at Longburn yesterday, and received a vote of thanks and confidence. Replying to a question, Mr Pirani said that although he believed in the teachings of the Bible, he did not think any good would be accomplished by introducing it into the State schools. Mr Pirani will address the electors in the Bnnnythorpe Town Hall to-night at 7.30. Mr J. Stevens received a vote of confidence at Marton. In concluding his address he said : — He now had something to say which grieved hmi indeed. It had been circulated, by some of his political opponents throughout the electorate that ladies should not vote for him because he was considered unworthy of their confidence. He had received an anonymous letter, of the most scurrilous production ever penned by man or woman. He had lived from 1854 until the present in this electorate, and he never expected such charges to be raised to his detriment and to that of his children. He hoped the words he had expressed would not be forgotten. He scorned anything in the shape of personalities. He invited anyone to come to his meeting and say in public anything he might have to say in respect to his private character. If they did prove him unworthy of tbe confidence of ladies and gentlemen they would know what to do at the ballot box (Applause) He was exceedingly sorry that he bad to allnde to this painful subject. Mr J P. Leary addresses the electors in the Taonui Schoolhouse to-night at 8 o'clock. The dates and localities, when and where Mr Snelson will address tbe electors are published to-day. Our readers are specially requested to note that Mr Snelson will speak at the Schoolhouse, Awahuri, to-morrow night, and at Pohangina on Friday night. We request our readers at Upper Taonui to note an alteration in the hour on which Mr Pirani will speak there. Mr John Steyens addressed the electors at the Temperance Hall, Halcombe, last evening. The building was crowded, a large number of ladies being present amongst the audience. Mr A. F. Buchanan was elected to the chair, Mr Stevens, on coming forward, was received with great applause. At the conclusion of his interesting address he was acoorded a very hearty vote of thanks and confidence by an overwhelming majority of those present, only thirteen dissenting against the vote ot confidence. A beauti" ful bouquet of flowers was thrown to Mr Stevens by a lady wbo was present at the meeting. A working committee of Mr J. Stevens' supporters was formed at Halcombe on Monday last, Mr Alex. Bell was elected Chairman, and Mr B. K. Bradbury Secretary.

(PEB PBEBS ASSOCIATION!. Wellington, Noyember 14 An effort has been made to induce Mr F. H. Fraser to retire from the City contest, but he declines. Mr Thomas Bracken, formerly member for Dunedin Central, announces himself as a candidate fpr Wellington City. He stands or falls on the question of denominational education. He favors the retention of the Railway Commissioners and compensation to publicans for loss of license, Mr Duthie addressed a large meeting to-night. He announced himself as an independent candidate, and spoke against the Government administration. He received a vote of confidence. This Day. There are now eleven candidates left for the City, all of whom are expected to go to the poll. Mastebton, November 14. Mr W. McCardle, a candidate for Masterton, addressed the electors last night. He announced himself a follower of Sir Robert Stout, and a supporter of the present Government in most of its meas» ures. He received a vote ot thanks. Nelson, Noyember 14. The Premier addressed a crowded and enthusiastic meeting to-night. He claimed the right to defend the policy of the Government. He spoke for nearly three hours, and was repeatedly cheered. A vote of confidence in the Government waß carried amidst lojid "and 'enthusiastic cheering. New Plymouth, This Day. Mr E. M. Smith addressed the electors last night, over 1000 being present. The dress circle was filled with ladies. The proceedings were prolonged owing to the supporters of the other candidates asking a series of catch questions. A motion of confidence in Mr Smith and the Government was carried.