THE PROVINCIAL ELECTIONS.

Marlborough Express, Volume IV, Issue 201, 30 October 1869, Page 4

THE PROVINCIAL ELECTIONS.

LOWER WAIRAU. Ou Monday last the official declaration of the poll was made in the Council Chamber by the Returning Officer. The numbers were the same as given in our last. Mr. Eyes said he had purposed addressing the electors, but although few were present yet some were among his auditors, but the unfavourable state of the weather had prevented many from attending. It was usual for members, when returned, to thank their constituents, and he did so heartily for the honor shown to him. It was not his own deserts that placed him at the head of the poll. There was an older settler than himself, and he should have preferred to have seen him occupying that place of honor. He was happy to say all had passed off quietly. It had been attributed to Mr. Sinclair of having used undue influence, which, however, had been denied in the public prints ; and he could assure them that nothing could be further from the truth. He would just allude to a circumstance where a remark made by himself at the nomination had not been correctly reported by one of the papers. Alluding to a circular issued by Mi - Sinclair, he was reported to have styled it an electioneering dodge ; what he did say was that he would not style it a dodge, and did not wish to attach such a meaning to it, but sought to infer that a candidate might pursue an extreme line of conduct. Mr. Sinclair came forward to support him, and his only object was to secure his election and the good of the district. He did not see why there should be any ill-feeling in these matters because there was a slight difference in opinions. The only cause of annoyance that he was aware of was where persons had broke their pledges, and lie was sorry to say there were some who had done so on this occasion. He felt highly flattered at this renewed expression of their confidence in him, and hoped he would deserve it. (Applause.) In conclusion, he was really sorry the other candidate was not returned, whom he should like to see in the Council, as he was a thoroughly honest and straightforward man. (Applause.)

Mr. Sinclair said that he had little to add to what he had before stated. He was sorry that the other candidate (Mr. Redwood) was not elected j but when we got our due share of representation he trusted to see him in the Council. He was proud he had so many Catholics among his supporters. In the circular which he wrote, he did not seek to reflect on the Superintendent, who was bound by formalities and restrictions. Mr, Eyes came into office when there was an exhausted treasury, and therefore he could do but little tor the district, but he should be glad to sharpen up his colleagues, especially in matters affecting Education and Education Reserves, which we were almost entirely without, except a few at Picton, He should endeavor to press these matters in Council. Mr. Eyes deserved all credit for the exertions he had made to obtain justice for the Province in the Assembly. Referring again to the late election, he said it would have been an easy matter to have let Mr. Redwood in, and as far as his feelings were concerned he would have been glad of it, but his friends called upon him to come forward at the present juncture and assist them. He again thanked them for the honor confered upon him by his election. (Applause.) A vote of thanks to the Returning Officer closed the proceedings. upper WAIRAXJ. The Nomination of Candidates for the District of Upper Wairau took place on Monday last, at the School-house, Renwicktown, Owing to the inclemency of the weather only about 25 persons wei-e present. The Returning Officer, Mr. C. Griffiths, having read the writ, and explained the object of the meeting, called upon the Electors to nominate two candidates to represent them in the Provincial Council of Marlborough,

■ Mr. R. D. Mclsaac proposed, and Mr. J. Me Aula y seconded Cyrus Goulter, Esq. Mr. Wm. Bkydon pi'oposed, and Mr. J. Gee seconded Alex. Monro, Esq. Mr. John Gibson proposed, and Mr. I. Gix ? ford seconded Edmund Paul, Esq. Mr. Goulter then addressed the meeting. He said his remarks would he merely a recapitulation of what he had previously stated at late election meetings in that district. He was in favor of reducing Provincial expenditure, and salaries, and of amalgamating offices wherever it was possible. He wished it distinctly to be understood that he did not go in as an office seeker. By the last Appropriation Act, £7,943 had been voted ; he saw his way clearly to save £3,000 per annum for public works, roads, and education. He was in favor of a small compulsory Road Tax, to be levied all over the Province, for the maintenance of trunk lines of road only ; for instance, those on which a mail is carried. Other roads he would call district roads, and leave their maintenance to the settlers ; the road through the Kaituna sadly wanted attention ; he would advise that tenders should be received for making this road ; that say £3OOO should be spent upon it, and that the same should not be paid in cash, but in land, of which there was a large quantity unsold. By following up this course, a good road might be obtained to Havelock, and eventually to Nelson. He advocated good roads, but not overtaxing for them. With regard to Education, he thought a small rate should be levied over the whole Province to support it. All should contribute according to their means. The present system was out ot the question. He would encourage all local industries ,flax-dressing, agriculture, &c. He would dike to see an import tax on corn, and duty taken off tea, sugar, &c, as an equivalent. He would like to see General Government expenditure reduced in the Province ; there was large room for it. He thought one man might do what three were now doing. Mr. Gibson asked Mr. Goulter .what was his opinion on the advisability of a ferry across the Opawa ? Mr Goulter thought it a very good suggestion. In reply to another question, as to whether he would support Mr. Eves for the Superin tendency, he said he would not oppose him. Mr. A. Monro said he had little to say they had not heard at former meetings. lie was in favor of liaffib taxation, «r.cl tL,»t money being expended as judiciously as possible. He was disposed to support Mr. Eyes for the Superintendency, who was a clear-sighted and good business man. He agreed with what Mr. Goulter had said with reference to reductions and the amalgamation of offices, both in the Provincial and General Government departments. He would like to see officers with good salaries and plenty to do. Eor the support of Education he would advocate a Property Tax, over the whole Province; he also thought the Government should set aside land as school endowments. He was in favor of a compulsory rate for the maintenance of Roads, both trunk lines and district. He would like to see a trunk line of road to the Top House ; this would open a direct communication to the Upper Buller, and the gold fields. One central board, he thought, should manage the trunk lines of road, which should be as far as possible. Other district Boards should manage the less important roads; each district about the size of their electoral district; the rate to be compulsory, but each ratepayer to have the option of paying the rate or working it out on the roads. "With respect to the Drainage Bill, he thought all members of the Council should look favorably upon such a measure ; but none excepting those directly interested should be rated to any extent. He would support all local industries, and trusted the Government would hold out some inducement for the introduction of a Woollen [Factory. He also agreed with Mr. Goulter upon the advantage of a duty on corn.

Mr. E. Paul next addressed the meeting. He said they had a great grievance the other side the river—he referred to the maintenance of the road. He considered that the road through the Spring Creek district should be the trunk line to Nelson, as the W airau river was very rarely impassable, whereas the Opawa was frequently so. He thought district road boards should be supported by a small compulsory tax. He agreed with a small import duty on corn, to enable the farmers to contend against the foreign markets. He thought the Council might reduce Provincial expenditure a little more. He should support Mr. Eyes for the Superintendency, as he had a high opinion of his policy and integrity. As to Education, he saw nothing so very objectionable in the household rate; he would oppose any heavy taxation, but he would rather increase the household rate

than have a property tax. He did not believe in what was said about the poor man; he did not see why the landed proprietor should pay to educate his laborers’ children. He thought at the present rate of wages the laboring man was very well off. He maintained there were no poor men—or rather, masters and men wei’e all poor. Several questions were asked the three candidates by various electors, which were replied to satisfactorily, and much was said as to which were the best roads to maintain as main trunk lines. A show of hands being called by the Returning Officer, the result was: — Mr. Goulter ... ... ... ••• 9 Mr. Monro ... ... ... ••• 9 Mr. Paul . ... ... ••• ••• Mr. Paul demanded a poll. A vote of thanks to the Returning Officer terminated the proceedings. The Election came off on Thursday. Tire numbers polled at the several pollingplaces were as follows : —-

—Messrs, Goulter and Monro are therefore elected. AWATERE. The nomination of two members to represent the district of the Awatere in the Provincial Council, took place at Blarich, on Monday last, at noon. The weather being unfavorable, the attendance of electors was somewhat limited. The Returning Officer, Mr. Thomas Porritt, having read the wiit for the election, called on the electors present to nominate any candidates they might have to propose. Mr. Mow at, after expressing his regret that their former representative, Mr. A. P. Seymour, had not offered himself for reelection on this occasion, nominated P. R. Mcßae, Esq., and said that he labored under the disadvantage of not having that gentleman’s authority for proposing him as a candidate, since, owing to the late inclement weather, he had been unable to reach home in time to be present on the occasion. He had, however, little doubt that Mr. Mcßae would stand, and that, if re-elected, he would, as he had ever done, serve the interests of the district to the best of his ability. Mr. Joseph Sweetlove, in seconding the nomination, said that, though ignorant of Mr. Mcßae’s qualifications as a politician, he could vouch for his being “anexcellent gaffer,” an expression of approbation which elicited much applause from those present. Mr. Mowat then said that he should have great pleasure in proposing R. Beaumont Esq., provided that that gentleman was able to give satisfactory replies to certain questions bearing upon important local interest*; and proceeded to enquire whether Mr. Beaumont was favorable to raising the price of wool 1 Mi'. Beaumont replied, “ slightly !” Mr, Mowat then asked if the candidate had any political antagonism to bushrangers'? We regret to say that, in consequence of the uproarious demonstration with which this query was greeted, our reporter was unable to catch the reply. We are, however, informed by those who were in more immediate contiguity with the principal speakers, that Mr. Beaumont was understood to answer in the affirmative. The last enquiry had reference to Mr. Beaumont’s sentiments with regard to a speech lately delivered at an election meeting by Mr. George Dodson, and reported in the Express, in which that gentleman enunciated his conviction that “ the sheep-owners must be kept down.” Mr. Beaumont was of opinion that the best curative treatment which could be recommended for Mr. Dodson would be to present him with a large sheep-run, even at a very low rent. Mr. Mowat then asked for an expression of the candidate’s sentiments with regard to a Provincial Railway, to which Mr. Beaumont replied that he would advocate the formation of a line of railway through the Tayleur Pass—at all events as far as Starborough—with a probable extension to Elaxbourne, and also of a branch line to Altimarlock. Mr Mowat having thanked Mr. Beaumont for his courteous replies to his “ little questions,” expressed his entire approval and concurrence in that gentleman’s political opinions, and concluded by proposing him as an eminently qualified person to represent the district in the Provincial Council. Mr, T. Maddock said he had much pleasure in seconding the nomination ot this candidate, entirely coinciding with him in his views, especially with reference to the Awatere railway scheme ! Mr, Beaumont, in consequence of the doubt that existed as to whether Mr. Mcßae would stand, begged leave to propose Henry Wharton, Esq., as a candidate,

which was also seconded by Mr. Maddock. Mr. Wharton not being present at the nomination, was unable to give an account of his political views, which, however, are understood to be strictly in unison with those of his proposer, especially as regards the treatment recommended for Mr. G. Dodson. No other candidate havingbeenproposed, the Returning Officer called for a show of hands, which, appearing to be equal, a poll was demanded bv Mr. Beaumont on - his own behalf, to be taken on the following Wednesday, and a vote of thanks having been given to the Returning Officer, the proceedings, which were characterised throughout by the greatest good humor and bonhomie, were brought a conclusion. We understand that .this election has created much excitement both in town and country, several horsemen having been seen traversing the plains at their utmost speed on the following day, charged, as is surmised, with important and critical missions in connection with the contest. The election came off duly at Blarich on Wednesday. The polling is as under : Mr. P. Mcßae ... ... ... ••• 8 Mr. R. Beaumont ... ... ... ••• 7 Mr. H. Wharton Nil. Messrs. Mcßae and Beaumont were declared duly elected. WAIRAU VALLEY, Mr. T. Carter, and Mr. J. Ward were nominated on Monday last, and as there was no opposition, declared duly elected ; and so far as we have bear’d, without being pledged to anything. QUEEN .CHARLOTTE SOUND. On Monday last, on the nomination of Messrs. Gaby and 0. Thompson, A. S. Duncan, Esq, was duly elected withoutopposition. In returning thanks for the honor done him, he said he would do his best to represent the district. He would simply say that any measures to reduce the expenses of the present system of Government would receive his support, and also the maintainance of roads and bridges. He would resign at any time when a majority of his constituents desired it. CLARENCE. The Nomination for this district comes off on Monday next, at Kaikoura, when it is understood no less than four candidates will be brought forward—Messrs. Ingles, Pasley, Davidson, and W. Gibson. Mr. Ward has forsaken his old love after proposing anew, and secured a resting-place in the morequiet retreat of the Wair an Valley, Mr. Buckman having beee induced to give way for the purpose.

Renwick. Kaituna. Total. Mr. Gonlter ... 29 3 .. . 32 Mr. Monro ... 25 3 .. . 28 Mr. Paul ... 18 8 .. . 26