THE NIGHT BEFORE THE BATTLE.

Feilding Star, Volume I, Issue 265, 14 May 1907, Page 3

THE NIGHT BEFORE THE BATTLE.

FINAL APPEALS. New Plymouth, May 13. The accommodation at the Theatre Royal was decidedly over-taxed tonight. The Hon. J. Carroll made an attractive appeal on behalf of the Government and the Government candidate, Mr E. Dockrill, but from the time Mr W. G. Malone, the independent condidate entered, it was quite clear that a large majority was in his favour. Mr Dookrill entered amid applause; Mr Malone received a tremendous and prolonged ovation. Cheers were called for Mr Malono, and given in the heartiest manner. The chairman was Mr C. E. • Bellringer. Mr Carroll urged that the struggle was between Government and Opposition. The presence of a third party made the fignt more interesting, but there were only two political divisions in the colony. He quoted figures to show that during the past ten years an average of £35,000 per annum had been spent in the district, whereas during the Atkinson Government's tenure of office the expenditure had been but £3700 per annum. He appealed to the electors not to divide €heir votes. The effect of such a course would certainly be to return the Opposition candidate. He eulogised the unblemished character and the useful services of Mr Doekrill, the Government candidate, and resumed his seat amid applause. Mr G. S. Smith, son of the late member, moved a vote of thanks to Mr Carroll, and confidence in Mr Dockrill and the Government. Mr Malono was asked to speak. He said he regretted the motion was not rjttt in a form that he could subscribe to. However, he was fully in accord with the portions of the resolutions expressing thanks to the Minister and confidence in the Government. Mr Carroll was very anxious that the votes should not be split. He (Mr Malone) pointed out that there was no need to split them. (Loud laughter and applause.) Some one called three cheers for Mr Malone. These were given in the heartiest possible manner, and less hearty cheers for Mr Dockrill followed. The chairman then put the motion, but not a great many hands Were held up in its favour. There was a laugh. The chairman's request for "On the contrary," was heard by only a few, bo the motion was declared carried by a large majority, amid sounds of dissent. The Minister replied, again impressing on his hearers the necessity for a united vote. They must vote together for one man, and that man Loud shouts of "Malone! "Malone 1" followed and continued till Mr Carroll sat down. Mr Dockrill spoke, expressing confidence that he would be returned at the top of the poll, on account of his services to New Plymouth and his loyalty to the party. . "A vote of thanks to the chairman was carried. Then more hearty cheers for Mr Malone, and less hearty cheers (mingled with groans) for Mr Dockrill were given. . Mr Massey spoke at Oakura in the afternoon, and at New Plymouth Drill Hall in the evening. His speeches were mainly on the perennial subject, the Land Bill.