DUNEDIN ELECTION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XVII, Issue 977, 22 March 1862, Page 3

DUNEDIN ELECTION.

The nomination of candidates to fill the vacancy created in the representation of tins oity in the Provincial Council, took place yesterday, nt noon, outside the Resident Magistrate's Court House. A crowd of persons hud assembled on the ground, numbering perhaps about two hundred. The Sheriff, John Gillies, Esq., officiated in the character of Returning Officer, and inaugurated the business of the day, by declaring the purpose for which thoy had mot together, after which he read the writ and the notice in due form. Upon this Mr. Switzer nominated, and Mr. W. 11. Reynolds seconded, Thomas Dick, Esq., as a fit and proper person, &c. Mr. Lloyd proposed, and Mr.Macfarhne seconded, Major Richardson. Mr. Dick in briefly addressing the constituency, observed that they were all aware of the circumstances which induced him to resign his seat on a recent occasion, but as the reason which influenced him to that action had now passed away, he reappeared before the electors, as a candidate for their suffrages, and would pledge himself, in the event of being returned, to a faithful and vigilant discharge of the political responsibilities imposed on him. As an earnest of his sincerity, and in exposition of the principles which actuated his opinions, he confidently referred to his former votes in the Council, and appealed to his general conduct, as a recent representative. ; Mr. Kettle asked the candidate if he was fuvor-! able to an unconditional separation of the Middle '• Island of New Zealand from the Northern Pro-! vinces. ; Mr. Dick replied in the affrmntive. ; Major J. L. C. Richmond then addressed the assembled electors. He explained that he had only come forward at the latest, moment because he observed that no address to the electors had been put forth. He had no wish to oppose Mr. Dick, but he \ did not now feel justified in retreating from a con- • test, and if defeated on this occasion should try; again. He believed that there were good reasons why the Superintendent of the province should be present at the next" meeting of the General Assembly, as there were important questions likely to seriously affect this province. He might mention separation, the southern boundaries, military expenditure, and others. If elected, he would act independently in every respect. He thanked the electors for their present courtesy, and took occasion to refer to the kind support he had received when he stood as a candidate for the office of Superintendent. He invited questions as to his political programme, and with regard to the question of separation, he said that he would not promise to agitate for a separation from the Northern Island at all hazards, or until some solution of the native question had been arrived at.

Mr. McGlashan —Do you consider that the business of the Provincial Government could be prorerly conducted during the absence of the Superintendent ? ■

Major Richardson.—Before answering that question, I would ask Mr. McGlashan if he thinks that the public business was properly conducted, on one occasion, during the temporary absence of Capt. Cargill, which extended over five months.

Mr. Mc6lashan.—l have only to say that very great; inconvenience has arisen from the absence of the Superintendent at Auckland, and I would wish to have from the Superintendent a declaration of his real sentiments on that subject. (Cries of order, order.)

Mr. McGlashan persisted in speaking, buFfrora" the disturbance prevailing at the time, hits remarks were utterly beyond the power of reporting.

At one lucid interval, Mr. McGlashan's voice became distinctly audible, from the stentorian vehemence with which he again commenced in the following terms : —

/ Does the Superintendent suppose, considering all the business conducted by- the — (here was a renewed uproar, and the latter clause of the interrogatory was drowned by a very Babel of wordy warfare, rendering the confusion worse confounded, until a voice from the left ejaculated :— Mr. Gillies I Mr. Gillies! I must call you to order. •

Returning Officer.—Your proper place is there, sir, (pointing to the .centre division of the semicircle in front.

Major Richardson.—l appear here as a candidate to go to the General Assembly; and what answer can-I give to what has been asked. It is for the electors to declare their verdict in their choice; and if : they say I ought to go, I go; if they say I ought not, then lam > prepared to remain where I am. I tell you that if. there is to be any battle, lam prepared to fight; but if there is no one to fight, why then I must remain quiet. (Laughter.)

Mr. W. H. Reynolds.—How would you propose to conduct the affairs of the Provincial Government during your absence ? :

Major Richardson.—l decline to answer that question, because I am bound to act by the advice, and with the consent of the Executive Council. I am perfectly aware that there is a great deal of business to be met, but I shall only communicate my opinions to the people who are entitled to ask them.

■ A Voice.—Do you consider that the electors have no right to ask that question ? Major Richardson;— They have that right, and lam prepared to answer. . A Voice.—Do you think the electors will have confidence in the Executive Council during your absence? An Elector.—Are you aware if any of the Superintendents from the other provinces have gone up to the General Assembly. Major Richardson.—l think Mr. Peatherstone, Superintendent of Wellington, has. I know that Mr. Morrison was not successful. An Elector. —Are you aware* that Mr. Morison , formerly occupied a seat in the Assembly ? Major Richardson.—Oh ! yes, lam aware of rt. The candidate said, amid some disturbance, that he was sensible there would be some opposition arrayed against him, but this was only his first campaign, and he was resolved not to flinch, but to fight it out. Here the Returning Officer called for a show of ; hands, and declared the division to be— Dick ... ... ... 15 Richardson 15 j One person in the crowd vociferated that this judgment was incorrect—that 16 had declared for I Dick; and another individual requested that the ; show of hands should be taken over again. i Considerable disturbance prevailed at this crisis lof the proceedings, when Major Richardson said, in a loud voice, I demand a poll. • Mr. Dick—Oh ! yea, sir, I demand a poll. | The Returning Officer then snid the poll wilf I take place, on Wednesday, commencing at nine(o'clock, and will close at four o'clock, in the jury [room. The state of the poll will be officially declared at half-past four on Wednesday afternoon . from this place. ;[ The proceedings terminated at a quarter to one. —Daily Times, March 28.