KAIAPOI.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1636, 14 March 1866, Page 3 (Supplement)

KAIAPOI.

The nomination of a candidate to represent the Kaiapoi district in the next General Assembly took place in the new Court-room of the Kaiapoi Court-house on Feb. 15, at 12 o'clock (noon). About 60 electors were present. Dr. Donald, the Returning Officer, having read the writ for the election, called on any person to nominate a candidate. Mr. A. A. Dobbs said he had great pleasure in proposing Mr. William Thomas Locke Travers as a fit and proper person to represent the district in the next General Assembly. He thought that at the present time and in the present crisis of affairs, they required a gentleman of some political experience and well up m the business of the General Assembly. They were not merely in want of a man to look after the district alone,as in thu Provincial Council, but to attend to the wants of the province at large. He believed Mr. Travers to possess the qualities named, and also that he would never be absent from his post. He had, therefore, much pleasure in proposing him, and hoped they would return him. Mr. Charles Oram briefly seconded the nomination. Mr. J. Wylde said he had much pleasure in proposing a candidate whom he hoped they would support unanimously, as, in a matter of this kind, they required a man of some intelligence, and also one who was interested in the district and province. It would not do to return men who were equally interested in other provinces as well as Canterbury. In addition to this, they were in duty bound to themselves as men, to return some one out of their own district, and not to let it be said that they were obliged to go out of it to find a person capable of representing them in the Parliament of New Zealand. It would be a disgrace to them to do so. The gentleman he had the pleasure of proposing as a candidate was Mr. Joseph Beswick. Some persons would no doubt be surprised to see him do this, as he generally differed very materially from Mr. Beswick in some matters. He thought the electors ought to be very glad to obtain a ma.n in their own district ready to give up the time, and incur the expense, in going to Wellington as their representative, especially when all were so busy in their own affairs. He was not fully acquainted with Mr. Beswick's views, but he believed him to be totally opposed to Mr. Travers's land scheme, which he (Mr. Wylde) thought was one of the most mischievous schemes that could possibly be introduced into a province, and would tend to upset the existing regulations and prosperity of the whole province. He would never support a man who advocated Mr. Travers's scheme, as it was only a plan to give runholders a pre-emptive right to purchase at a nominal sum. If the electors merely wanted a politician, then they must take Mr. Travers, but, if they wanted a man who would work zealously and indefatigably in the cause of the province, and not (equally interested in the success of others, then they ought to take Mr. Beswick. With reference to separation, he believed he might say that Mr. Beswick was not entirely opposed to it. There had been a, great deal of nonsense on this point, and it was said, that a man must be either for or against it, and that there was no medium. It would, however,be a great mistake to send up a candidate pledged to support separation. He had great pleasure in proposing Mr. J. Beswick as a fit and proper person to represent the district in the next General Assembly of New Zealand. (Hear, hear.) Mr. W. C. Beswick seconded the nomination. No other candidate being proposed, the Heturning officer called upon the candidates to address the electors, if such was their wish. Mr. Travers, amid applause, said it was bo recent that he had addressed the electors on both local and general politics, that he should not enlarge much on his views, hut

for the information of those who had not yet heard him, he would give a slight outline of the leading questions of importance. He had no hesitation in saying that lie was entirely opposed to separation on any grounds whatever. (Hear, hear). He was opposed to it as a matter of principle, and not of expediency at all. He should, if elected, go to the General Assembly entirely opposed to separation. He believed that the question would never have been raised had the Government of the country been properly conducted, but it had been hampered by the commander of the Imperial forces and had otherwise been ruined by misunderstandings between the heads of Government, lie believed if the members of the Middle Island went up to Wellington prepared to support such a policy as that initiated by Mr. Weld's Ministry, they would yet come well out of the difficulty. He never kuew the Saxon race being in any position, where, if they were united and determined they could not free themselves from danger; if not divided amongst themselves by petty dissension. He should go up, if elected, to support the self-reliance policy and retrenchment, instead of imposing fresh taxation on the country. When he considered the way in which the present minister (Mr. Stafford, who had promised retrenchment) was going on, he was astonished. Instead of fulfilling his pledge, he was in fact imposing fresh burdens on the population. Mr. Travers here alluded to the way in which Mr. Stafford had undermined the Weld ministry. He knew from the commencement that Mr. Stafford intended to turn out the Weld ministry. He had however done so in a very underhand way, and taken advantage of Mr. Weld's weak state of health, to harrass and oppose him at every point. Had Mr. Stafford, however, overthrown the Ministry in a fair and statesmanlike, manner by moving a vote of want of confidence openly, then he would not have censured him. Mr. Travers alluded to the manner in which £100,000 had been granted to Auckland by Mr. Stafford, from the country, without a proper Ministry, and without waiting for the country to send him his advisers. If he (Mr. Travers) was elected, he should watch narrowly the conduct of the Government, and get the present existing differences concluded without overburdening the country by fresh taxation, and he vould go pledged not to support Mr. Stafford until he had returned to his former self as a straightforward politician. With reference to his land scheme, that really was a provincial affair, and had little to do with the General Assembly election. Mr. Wylde had paid him several compliments. He would now pay him some. Mr. Wylde was a clear sighted and intelligent man, but he had strong prejudices. (Mr. Wylde: Hear, hear.) Mr. Travers then concluded his address by stating his willingness and desire to serve the province faithfully, and recommending the electors, if they believed him to be aiming at self-interest, to elect Mr. Beswick instead ; but if they believed him to be honourable and straightforward, then he hoped they would place him at the head of the poll. (Applause.) Mr. Joseph Beswick next addressed the electors, and was greeted with applause. He felt at a considerable disadvantage in addressing them after the eloquent speech they had heard from Mr. Travers. He would, however, give them a simple unvarnished statement of his opinions, and give his reasons for claiming their suffrages as a candidate to represent them in the next General Assembly of New Zealand. (Hear, hear.) About three or four years ago he had made his first antrance into public life by becoming the representative of the Mandeville district in the Provincial Council. He had been requested to do so, and of course he was prompted thereto by a little ambition as well. He had, however, striven to do his duty from that time to this, and believed that his exertions had resulted in some benefit to the district he had represented. When it was rumoured that Mr. Wilkin intended to retire from the representation of the Kaiapoi district in the General Assembly, several gentlemen of the district had called upon him, and asked him to offer himself, being a resident, for the vacant seat, and thus prevent them having to go out of the district in search of a candidate. He at first refused, but afterwards finding that no other gentleman in the district came forward, and that Mr. Travers was in the field, he complied and placed himself in nomination. If he was returned, he should certainly go opposed to separation ; but he would not go positively pledged to any course. He would go to deliberate on the best means to save the country from the impending financial ruin. If, however, he saw a scheme proposed that would be calculated to endanger our land fund, he should most certainly go in for separation. He however, wished the electors to send him unpledged, and trust to his judgment in any question that might arise for or against separation. He would support any measure introduced to bring those present members of the Government who had so dangerously advised the Governor, to the bar of the House, and punish them, together with Mr. Stafford, for having abused their pesition. He was opposed to Mr. Travers's land scheme altogether, as it was in his opinion the most mischievous scheme ever proposed in any country. The present land regulations had been the most successful of any introduced into any province, and been the admiration of all the neighbouring provinces, who had more or less tried to adopt them. He therefore thought it would be unwise to upset them. The scheme of Mr. i Travers did not benefit the working man. I It would have the effect of drawing a line across the province beyond which the tide of population would never extend. With regard to the pre-emptive right question, he thought no man ought to have one unless it wasjfor a homestead, and for large improvements. This should, however, be allowed, as it was only fair that the sheep-farmers, laying out their capital, should have some sort of protection afforded them. He should be glad to support in the Provincial Council and General Assembly, if returned, any scheme which would remedy the evil. Mr. Beswick concluded by apologising to the electors for not being able to address them previous to the nomination; but it was so late when he issued his address, and he had been so busy canvassing the outlying districts which he thought was the first duty of a candidate, that he had been unable to do so. He hoped the electors would accept his apology, and return him at the head of the poll. The show of hands was then taken, and declared by the Returning Officer, .to be in favour of Mr. Travers. A poll being demanded for Mr. Beswick.. A vote of thanks, proposed by Mr. Travers and seconded by Mr. Beswick, to the Returning Officer, terminated the proceedings at 1.30 p.m. The polling took place on Feb. 16. It opened at 9 a.m., and was conducted both at Kaiapoi and Rangiora with much spirit up to the close. At Kaiapoi several traps were called into requisition to convey the voters who resided at a distance to the poll. The supporters of each candidate (amongst whom Messrs. Oram of the Pier Hotel, on the part of Mr. Travers, and Mr. M. Dixon on the part of Mr. Beswick, were the most energetic) were very active, and, as at all elections, vied with each other in their endeavours to bring m the voters as expeditiously as possible. 1 he front of the Court-house was occupied during the day by several knots of the enthusiastic supporters of cach candidate, who warmly discussed their respective merits and made it a point to seize upon each new arrival and attempt to convince him of the superior merits of their man. As four o clock approached the excitement became more intense, and was increased by the fact of no state of the poll having been published during the day, thus confining the question as to who had a majority to vague surmises, which were in favour of one candidate or the other according to the creed of the informant. Mr. Beswick seemed to receive the greatest portion of his support from the outlying districts. During.the afternoon several traps arrived from Christchurch, with voters, • amongst which was one of Cobb and Co's., 1 with four horses and containing about twenty voters, all of whom polled for Mr. Beswick. i Amongst others we noticed Messrs. W. Wili son, J. Ollivier, &c., &c. The crowd greatly ■ increased during the afternoon, about 200 j persons being present at the close of the poll.

The official declaration will not take place until Monday morning. The members are, we believe, as follows:— Kaiapoi, Beswick 86 ... Travers 71 Rangiora, „ 15 ... „ 22 101 93 Majority for Beswick ... 8 On the numbers of the Kaiapoi poll being known, three cheers were given for Mr. Beswick. After the state of the poll had been received from Rangiora, the electors, candidates, and supporters adjourned to the Kaiapoi Hotel, which was crowded. Champagne was produced, and several speeches were made by the gentlemen present. Mr. Ollivier proposed the health of Mr. Beswick. For his part he rejoiced to see the result of the poll. Mr. Beswick had done all in his power to advance the interests of the province in the Provincial Council and he would do the same in the House of Representees. Mr. Beswick returned thanks. He would endeavour to be as zealous for the interests of the district in the Hous« of Representatives, as he had endeavoured to be in the Proincial Council. The healths of some other gentlemen, including that of Mr. W. Wilson, were drank amid loud cheering, and the meeting broke up. — The official declaration of the result of Friday's polling for a member to represent this district in the House of Representatives took place on Feb, 19, at nine a.m., in front of the Kaiapoi Court House, and in the presence of the immense number of four electors, one reporter, and a policeman. Whether it was that the inhabitants of the town had not yet arisen from their slumbers, or whether all interest in the matter had fully subsided, we cannot say ; but certain it is that even the number above named would not have been present had they not been specially hunted up for the purpose by those obliging individuals, " the gentlemen in blue." In announcing the numbers, Dr. Donald stated that a mistake had occurred in adding up the Kaiapoi tot, which should have been 84, instead of 86, for Beswick, thus reducing the majority in that gentleman's favour to six. Cheviot Election.—On February 19, the election of a member of the House of Representatives for the Cheviot district took place at Messrs. Rhodes and Wilkin's wool-shed, St. Leonard's. There was a very small attendance of electors, and no opposition to Sir David Monro, who was proposed by Mr. Rutherford, seconded by Mr. J. Shrimpton, and declared by Mr. Birch, the Returning Officer, to be duly elected. Timaru Election. —We learn from the Timaru Herald of Feb. 23, that the nomination of a member to serve in the General Assembly for this district took place on February 20, at the Court-house. The candidates were —Mr. Alfred Cox, proposed and seconded by Messrs. LeCren and Turnbull respectively, and Mr. Nathan Fisher, proposed by Mr. Taylor and seconded by Mr. Butterworth. Both gentlemen addressed the electors. Mr. Fisher ultimately withdrew from the contest, whereupon the Returning Officer declared Mr. Cox duly elected. Mount Herbert Election—The election for Mount Herbert took place on Thursday, the 22nd inst., for a member of the House of Representatives, at the residence of Charles Vigors, Esq., at the Head of the Bay, Port Victoria. At 12 o'clock the Returning Officer, Dr. Donald, read the writ, and called on the electors present to nominate candidates, when T. H. Potts, Esq., proposed William Sefton Moorhouse, reminding the electors oi the long experience of Mr. Moorhouse in the General Assembly, also his constant and praiseworthy attention to his duties during his Superintendency of the province. He remarked upon the present critical condition of the colony, and the importance of sending men of experience and energy to represent them. Mr. Charles Fitton seconded the nomination. No other candidate appearing, the Returning Officer declared William Sefton Moorhouse duly elected. Mr. Moorhouse, in returning thanks to the electors for the unsolicited honour conferred on him, assured them that, when he received a requisition signed by nearly every elector in the district to represent them, he cheerfully complied with their request, and pledged himself to devote his best energies to faithfully serve them and do all in his power to advance and protect the province and colony. After a vote of thanks to the Returning Officer, and Mr. Vigors for the use of his premises, the meeting, which consisted of many of the principal voters of the district, gave three cheers for Mr. Moorhouse and separated.

CITY CANDIDATES AT THE TOWN HALL.

A public meeting, called by Mr. Bishop, the Chairman of the City Council, took place on Feb. 20, at the Town Hall, to hear the various candidates for the representation of the City in the Provincial Council give an exposition of their views. Mr. Bishop took the chair. Mr. Bishop stated the object for which the meeting had been called, and invited Mr. Ollivier to explain his views first. Mr. Ollivier spoke on the questions of guarantees for General Government loans and provincial emigration, stating that he was opposed to the course which had been taken by the present administration in these matters. There seemed to be some probability now that the new elections would not take place till May ; this was to be regretted, as political excitement would be unnecessarily continued. The Superintendent would have done much better to have complied with the request of the public made through the Council, that the elections should take place as soon as practicable. He would now touch on the educational scheme which had been initiated by Mr. Tancred; he had opposed it, and all that was done was that land was set apart for the purpose of establishing a college at some future period; Mr. Tancred, however, wished to establish such an institution as in his (Mr. Ollivier's) opinion would not be re- 1 quired for many years to come. Encouragement should rather be given to existing schools than an attempt made to provide education for one particular class. He did not believe that the high public schools of England had done so much good as was said, and he regretted that an endeavour was being made here to promote the teaching of the classical languages, to the exclusion of more useful branches of learning. He would now allude to the new land scheme of Mr. Travers; if he was returned again, and it should happen that that scheme was brought forward, he should oppose it. (Cheers.) He knew there was some fault in the system of granting pre-emptive rights, but that was no reason why the land laws should be altered. They had been adopted _ after long consideration, and were intended to be unalterable. If these laws were changed, they need not look for any further investment of foreign capital in these lands. He had been asked whether he thought the crime and disease existing in the province arose from the facilities with which intoxicating liquors were obtained. He thought it did not arise from any facilities which the law gave, but certainly he was of opinion that nine-tenths of the crime and misery of mankind arose from indulgence in intoxicating drinks. He had wished when the new Public House Act was passed to have a clause inserted, by which persons could object to the granting of licences, but his wish was not acceded [to. With regard to the future, he could not say, if Mr. Lance was elected, that he would support him, for he did not know who would be his advisers, but he would support any of the three candidates who got in and appeared to be pursuing a proper course ; he would not, however, consent to any further such lavish outlay as had been going on for the last few months. Mr. Travers had said he would resign, if elected, and his scheme was not accepted ; but this was a piece of clap-trap, for the matter could only be brought forward in the General Assembly. In conclusion, Mr. Ollivier said that if he was elected he would endeavour to give the people the same satisfaction as heretofore. (Loud applause.) Mr. Hawkes said that he came before the i public with a clear conscience, as he had , never allowed himself to be influenced in his

votes by personal considerations. Four years ago he was an untried man, but he made a pledge then and he trusted that he had kept it. Un general principles he had agreed with Mr. Ollivier, and if lie went into the Council again he would endeavour to do his duty by the public. With regard to education, he thought that Mr. Tancred's scheme was premature, but he had given his consent to the set'ing apart of lands for the purpose of forming an endowment. He was opposed to Mr, Travers's land scheme, and believed that if adopted, it would ruin the province. With respect to emigration, he fully concurred in its being partially stopped, and, if returned, he would not agree for some time to come to voting such large sums of money for this purpose. When the West Coast field was discovered, he was ordered there by his doctor, and found it a good place for investment, and he had endeavoured on every occasion to draw the minds of the people there towards those of the inhabitants of this side. In the late session, Mr. Hall brought in resolutions for the sale of land on the West Coast, but they were wholly unnecessary, as the Governor had power to withdraw land from the goldflelds. Besides, the land included in the resolutions was rich in gold, and it would only have created difficulty to have passed such resolutions. In conclusion Mr. Hawkes said that if he was returned he would endeavour to give as much satisfaction as he had done formerly. (Applause.) Mr. Luck said he had never been a member of the Provincial Council like the preceding speakers, but thinking he had some claim on the people he had come forward. He had watched the gradual growth of the city from its beginning, and took much interest in its affairs. He was of opinion that the land regulations should not be altered, as any material change would break previous compacts. He was of opinion, however, that the law relating to pre-emptive rights had beea very much strained. With respect to the public works he thought they ought to be carried on as far as practicable with the means at their disposal. He was of opinion that every > hild, with few exceptions, should receive a compulsory education. He thought that immigration should be better regulated and carried on more gradually. The same question had jbeen put to him, as to Mr. Ollivier respecting intoxicating drinks; there was no doubt that they produced evil, and he considered that if two-thirds of the residents in a district objected to a licensed house, it certainly should not exist. He was of opinion that some measure should be introduced in the Council for the conservancy of the rivers of the Province. An Ordinance was brought forward, some nine or ten years ago, for securing a loan from the Canterbury Association by alienating tbe Town Reserves. It would have been much better to have kept them for the city, as they would have been a large source of income. He was of opinion that the Government would do well to make roads through these reserves. He was in favour of the introduction of anew Municipal Council Ordinance, and also of a new Police Ordinance, for they were much required. He would also desire an amendment of the Gorse Ordinance, and of the Building Ordinance, in consequence of the dangers arising from fire. In conclusion, Mr. Luck said that, if returned, he would do his best for the interests of the city. (Applause.) Mr. Wynn Williams said he had not heard the subject of taxation alluded to by previous speakers; it was one of the most important of all, and as heavy taxation was imminent, he thought members should be returned to stay it. (Mr. Williams then quoted from an article in the Press on the enormous cost of government in New Zealand in proportion to the population.) To effect this object the money procured to carry on the public works should for a time be expended on the various municipalities. The public works should, in fact, be temporarily stopped, and the monej be used in lieu of rates. A sum of £15,000 had been spent on the Provincial Council Chamber ; that money would much better have been spent in the way he had mentioned. He agreed with the last speaker that the Municipal Council Ordinance was a bad one, and required amendment. (Mr. Williams then pointed out defects in it.) It was untrue that he objected to pay rates; what he wished was to pay just rates. He was in favour of Mechanics' Institutes and working men's clubs, and thought they should be supported by Government, yet the present Administration refused even paltry grants of £50 to these institutions, and spent £15,000 on an ornamental building with painted windows and stone pillars, far too grand for the purpose, and wholly beyond the resources of the province. Working men's clubs would be of great utility, as they would form committees to look after the political status of tbeir class, and see that their names were properly registered. He was of opinion that the land regulations required some slight amendments, especially in that clause relating to pre-emptive rights. This could only he done in the General Assembly, and members should be returned in the Council to recommend the alteration. He would now allude to Mr. Hawkes, as he had a right to do, in his public character; that gentleman had been looked on as the member for Westland rather than Christchurch. After a few more observations, Mr. Williams concluded amid considerable applause. Mr. W. Wilson said that he had the honour of representing Kaiapoi for three sessions, and had given the utmost satisfaction to that district; and he was now coming forward as a representative for this city. Mr. Wilson then enumerated various services which he had done for the public in the Council in former sessions. (Interruption.) Mr. Wilson said he would not continue in the face of this interruption ; he then concluded by replying to some remarks which had fallen from Mr. Williams with regard to the rates. Mr. Garrick said that some of the previous speakers had the advantage of him in having been able to allude to past services; others also had the advantage of him in having touched on all the novel and inviting subjects they could find out. He had been two years in the city, and had borne a good character, and if he was returned he would do his best for his constituency. He thought th§ first question to which they should turn their attention was that of finance. As to politics, he considered there were no real politics in provincial matters; what the Provincial Council had to do was to expend and distribute the public money; finance, therefore, was the great question, and he would study so as to wipe off" the present debt of £100,000, and avoid debt for the future. He could not agree with the scheme of Mr. Travers for getting money when it was seen that their Waste Lands regulations had worked well so far as compared with those of other provinces; they should not be altered, except so far as regarded the granting of pre-emptive rights. Already the proposal of this alteration had begun to do mischief, for it was said that capital was being held back in consequence. Without a reasonable taxation no public works could be carried on ; but he thought that the present Municipal Council Ordinance did not distribute the taxes justly. In the abstract, he was in favour of immigration, but at the present time he considered that the public revenue should not be taken to bring in further population. In education, he thought those should be helped who were not able to help themselves; firstclass schools should, however, be established ultimately, for he was of opinion that although Greek and Latin did not pass current in ordinary life, the effect of the mental training by those means was never lost. Mechanics' Institutes should be always assisted by Government, but he would go further; he would readily join in a vote for the establishment of a public library, as in Melbourne. With regard to public-houses, he had a great horror of drunkards; but as it was generally agreed that public-houses must exist, he thought their establishment Bhould be controlled.' The present law, by which a public-house was bound to be established on the requisisition of ten householders, was simply monstrous. The sale of liquors should be regulated, but he did not think that a majority should coerce a minority to pursue a certain course, as would be the case if anything like a Maine Liquor Law was established. There were public works which must be gone on with, for , the contracts were signed, and they should do

their best to meet them. He must avow himself as a thorough Separationist—(applause) —but he thought it unfair to attempt to prejudice his election by charging him with supporting such views, for it was not a Provincial question ; he hoped the electors would therefore be content with his assurance that, if he found himself likely to go against his constituency, he would resign. In conclusion, Mr. Garrick said he would do his best for the constituency if elected. (Loud Applause.) Mr. Travers, who spoke throughout amid repeated interruptions, said that he understood that the six candidates were the only ones coming forward, and he was led to ask Borne of them one or two questions. The subject which he had brought forward had been the cause of the dissolution of partnership between himself and his late firm, for he meant to devote his time to supporting it and making it known throughout the province. He did not believe the statement made by the Press that capital had been held back owing to his declarations. (Great interruption.) Mr Ollivier said it was getting late and no one wished to be kept there all night; he would suggest that the meeting be adjourned. Mh. Travers, after making several ineffectual attempts to obtain a hearing, moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman. Mr. Moorhouse said amid a great deal of interruption, he would take an early opportunity of meeting Mr. Travers, and discussing the whole of his scheme. A vote of thanks was given to the Chairman, and the Meeting then dispersed.