MR, HUTCHISON AT MANAIA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 181, 5 December 1881, Page 2

MR, HUTCHISON AT MANAIA.

There was a large attendance at Lloyd's Hotel, Manaia, on Saturday night.

Mr. A. C. Milpe was called to the chair, and said that Mr. Hutchison had been successful in most things that he had under taken since he commenced his professional career, and that he (fcbe chairman) bad no doubt; that the qualities which had contributed to his success as a lawyer would also aid him as a member of the House of Eepresentatives.

Mr. Hutchison's speech was in the main a recapitulation of former speeches. He nenied that the sum of £72,000 had been expended within the year, as in reality this expenditure had been spread over fifteen months. In lespect to the native lands, he was in favor of freehold as against leasehold. On the education question, he thought his opponent had been making promises, to catch votes, quite at variance with his past opinions. During Atkinson's career, he had never attempted to repeal the Act which he now called oppressive. His (Mr. H.s) opiuions were plain, honest, and candid ; and he would sooner lose his election than gain a seat at the expense of conscience.

In reply to a question, Mr. Hutchison thought that both the Maoris and the gentlemen in England bad too much land.

Mr. Heudy asked whether Mr. Hutohison would make inquiries into the great number of claitua Co vote, which had been, smuggled off the electoral roll.

Mr. Hutchison promised to see to it. Mr. Glenn moved a vote of confidence aud thanks in the candidate. He thought it was time the electors had done with old fossils from Taranaki. Mr. Hutchison's determined opposition to the Property-tax alone should commend him to. the elotoi's, as it stopped improvements,

and prevented capitalists from employing labor.

Mr. Hughes asked would the candidate be in favor of deferred selectors being allowed to select land more than once, if after taking up a five or ten acre allotment.

Mr. Hutchison thought there was no sound reason why a man should not be allowed to select land more "than once, or why he should not be allowed to take up the full quantity allowed by law, viz : 320 acres.

Mr. Hendy askgd whether a percentage of interest should not be returned ?

Mr. Hutchison would be in favor of a rebate being granted on the ordinary principles which governed such matters in commercial circles.

Mr. Thomas Scott seconded Mr. Glenn's vote of confidence ; which was put to the meeting, and 28 hands were lield up in favor and 11 against the proposal.

A supporter of Mr. Hutchison made the numbers 32 and 8. In either case, not half of those in the room voted.

The Chairman said the vote was carried almost unanimously. Mr. Hutchison briefly returned thanks, urging every voter to come to tbe poll.