THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 4618, 2 December 1875, Page 3

THE GENERAL ELECTION.

MR MONTGOMERY AT LITTLE AEALOA. Mr Montgomery mot the electors at the Schoolroom, on Tuesday evening, Mr J. B. Barker in the chair. The Chairman said, although not pledged either way as to his votes, he had great pleasure in taking the chair, being desirous to hear from Mr Montgomery a review of his action in the late Assembly, and a sketch of how he proposed to vote for the future if elected —in fact, what he had done and what he was going to do—and would call upon that gentleman for his address. Mr Montgomery was much applauded on rising, and plunged at once into his subject, treating first on the list the Abolition of Provinces Bill. His remarks were somewhat similar to those he made at Akaroa, {fully reported in last Saturday’s issne of this journal, to which he referred his hearers more than once in the course of his speech, and particularly in reference to the defence he had made against the statement that his Government had allowed the Board of Education to overdraw £16,000 beyond the £90,000 voted by the Provincial Council, He said he believed they would find that the nine months he was in office he got nearly as much for the District as it had previously received for twenty years. An elector wished distinctly to hear if Mr Montgomery meant to assert that it was the duty of the State to provide funds to educate the children ? Mr Montgomeey : Yes, most certainly. The Chairman said if anyone desired to ask farther questions, be was sure Mr Montgomery would have pleasure in replying. He had been much interested with what bad already fallen from that gentleman. So many subjects had been touched upon, that with his defective memory he could not allude to, but he might say that he entirely coincided with the views propounded on Education—(hear, hear) —and the allocation of funds for the maintenance of main roads throughout the Province. No other question being put, Mr BAEKEE said he had great pleasure in proposing—“ That the thanks of this meeting be given to Mr Montgomery for his address.” Seconded by Mr Jonas Parson, and carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the meeting.

ME MONTGOMERY AT PIGEON BAY. Mr Montgomery addressed the electors on Monday evening lost, in the District schoolroom. There was a very large attendance of electors. Mr J. Pitcaithly was voted to the chair, and briefly introduced Mr Montgomery to the meeting, Mr Montgomeey was warmly received, The substance of bis speech was similar to that delivered at Akaroa. Daring his address which occupied over an hour, he was heartily cheered, and after resuming his seat, the Chair--112211 aiked if any one present had any questions to ask Mr Montgomery, No questions being asked, Mr J. W. Marshall said: If in order, would ask Mr Montgomery what could be done with regard to the mail, as next year it was only going to run twice weekly. Mr Montgombe? said he thought that a petition was the beat course to take. It was agreed that the Road Board appoint a man to go round and get the petition signed, and forward it to Mr Montgomery, who pro.mised to present it in the proper quarter, as he could see it would be a great loss to the Peninsula. Mr Hemingway moved, Mr Fibmstoh seconded, a vote of thanks to Mr Montgomery for his address that evening, which was uhanimously carried. Mr Montgomery moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman, which was duly acknowledged, and the meeting then separated.

MB WASON AND MB JEBSON AT QEEENDALE. Mr Wason and Mr Jebson met the electors of this District on Thursday night. Mr Wm. White was voted to the chair, and with a few brief remarks, introduced the candidates to the meeting. Mr Wasob, who was received with applause, spoke at some length, reiterating the opinions he had previously expressed, and which have appeared in our columns before. At the close of his speech, the following questions were asked : Mr Adams : What opinion do you hold regarding protection ? Mr Wason : I am in favour of free trade, pure and simple. Mr Adams : State your opinion on the " Marriage with Deceased Wife’s Sister’s Bill?” Mr Wason : I can see no objection to it. Mr Adams : Would you vote in favour of it? Mr Wason : I would. Mr Gough : Do you think one system of works applicable for both Islands ? Mr Wason: I do not think there is so much difference between the two Islands, as to necessitate two separate systems. Mr Gough : State your opinion on the railway tariff F Mr Wason : I wish to see the tariff as low as possible, as railways should not be regarded as paying speculations, but as a means of opening up the Country. Mr M'Ceostib: Are you of opinion the runs can be put up to auction P Mr Wason : Most certainly I am. Mr M'Ohostie : Would you vote for them to be put up to auction P Mr Wason: I would j and farther, if no other person should bring in a Bill to give effect to this I would do so myself. I decidedly object to their being let by tender. Mr Jebson then addressed the meeting, and was asked the following questions : Mr Mobgan : If elected, how much would you tax for Education ? Mr Jebson : I would put no tax on at all for Education. „ . . Mr Mobgan : Do you advocate financial Insular Separation.

Mr Jbbson : Yes; Cook’s Strait to be the boundary. Mr MoSa an: If Separation took place, would it not damage the public credit P Mr Jbbson : It would not impair our credit. Mr Beown j Did you believe the statement of the Provincial Government as to the bankrupt condition of the Province. Mr Jkbson ; I believe a fairer statement of the financial position of the Province was never made than that made by the present Provincial Government. Mr Beown ; Were Mr J. N. Tosswill’s figures correct ? & Mr Jbbson : I considered Mr Tosswill’s figures as a blind. Mr Beown : Which of the statements was correct, tho Government’s or Mr Tosswill’s. Mr Jbbson: Both. Mr W. B. Tosawiii having shortly addressed the audience, A vote of thanks to the candidates and Chairman concluded the meeting at a late hour. ME WAKEFIELD AT TEMUKA. The Timam Eerald reports that Mr Wakefield, one of the candidates for the seat in the House of Representatives for the District of Geraldine, addressed the electors at the Crown Hotel Assembly Boom, Temuka, on Monday evening last. There was a numerous attendance, ;Mr Wakefield made a lengthy speech, in the course of which he declared himself an Abolitionist. At the conclusion of his address, a motion to tho effect that Mr Wakefield is a fit and proper person to represent tho Geraldine District in the House of Representatives was put and carried.