MEETING OF" MR. CURTIS'S SUPPORTERS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 78, 3 April 1867, Page 2

MEETING OF" MR. CURTIS'S SUPPORTERS.

Last evening, a meeting of the supporters of Mr. 0. Curtis, called by advertisement, without signature, took place, at the old Post-office, Hardy-street. The meeting was to have been held at the Provincial Hall, but the electors on reaching that place, were requested to repair to the old Post-office. When about 60 or 70 persons were assembled, Mr. C. Elliott, who appeared to be "major domo" ofthe proceedings, moved that. Mr. W. W. Wells, M.H.R., take the chair, which the hon. member consented to do. The Chairman- said the object of the meeting was to agree in the selection of a good man to succeed Mr. Curtis in the Provincial Council, now that he was elected Superintendent. It was desirable on that occa^o i n , | ; to decide on a person in whom the electors could confide, as being likely to supp"6rt in the Council the views and. policy of the newly elected Superintendent. He would be happy to hear ; what the electors present had to say upon the subject., '...." Mr. Huddleston said he had a gooctfrhan to present to ..the notice of the electors, ;One wh<j liao^^ffi^warm supporter of Mr. Curt&. "J^i^p^t\Mr. Albert Pitt.^ It wasC^elflinoi^^lie was a good man,/andoneifiV^yery way capable of promoting the ;.sn.JfeeKes^'^of -. Nelson. • • He .-scß'cely thought aisster cpuld be. ; found, . o§e independent' of : cpf party,' a good man of business, and- quite suited to the office, the duties of which he 'would be required, to discharge. " ' ! An elector seconded the nomination of Mr. Pitt. After a pause the Chairman inquired if the electors had any other gentleman to propose. An elector whose name did not transpire, then proposed Mr. W. W. Wells. The Chairman said he felt obliged for the compliment paid him iu proposing him as a candidate for the Provincial Council, but he begged to state that circumstances would prevent him from attending to his duties in the Council, although the electors should think proper to elect him. He expected shortly to leave the country with his family, aud this, connected with the necessity for attending to his public duties in the Assembly, compelled him to decline the proffered honor. It would not be possible for him to discharge the duties that would be required of him in the Assembly and Council also. Mr. York proposed, and Mr. Joseph Sherratt seconded, Mr. James Mackay, of Wakapuaka, as a fit and proper person to be a member of the Provincial Council. The Chairman allowed a long pause to ensue, to see if the electors would propose any other candidate. Mr. Flood suggested that it was somewhat premature to commit' the meeting to a choice of candidates. .... Mr. Clements said, before proceeding to a show of hands, he thought it right to state that many of the electors were not

well acquainted with the object and intention of the meeting. Till Mr. Curtis had formally resigned his seat in the Council, it was premature of that meeting to move and second the nomination of candidates to succeed him ; when the office was vacated by Mr. Curtis, it was time to do so. He also questioned if it was legal for that meeting to choose candidates, as a meeting for such a purpose should be called by the Returning Officer by advertisement. This meeting appeared to hiin altogether irregular and premature. He might be wrong, and would like to hear an expression of opinion upon the subject. They came to that meeting, and found candidates proposed to succeed Mr. Curtis, without being certain thflt he would vacate the seat. [A cry of "bosh."] . It was desirable to wait the decision of . the Returning Officer, as what they were doing that night might all be undone by any elector who should then another person. He thought-' it : desirable the matter should be fully discussed before a show of hands be taken. The Chairman said he viewed this meeting in the light of a private rather than in that of a public meeting. The electors were, invited to consult and arrange respecting the choice of a suitable successor to Mr. Curtis, in consequence of the expected vacancy. It was not a public meeting at which the electors were expected to pledge themselves to anyone. Mr. Curtis's committee had met and used their influence to return him, aud they wanted to return a member to the Council who would support his policy and views there. This appeared to him to be the sum, substance, and purport of the meeting. [Cheers.] Mr. Mackay said he found himself quite by accident in town that evening, since arriving he hacl been asked if he would allow himself to be placed iu nomination. . He said he would not if other gentlemen were, or if Mr. Wells, or Mr. Sclanders were to come forward. It appeared that the only gentlemen proposed were Mr. Pitt, and himself. He had nothing to say against Mr. Pitt, and very little in favor of himself. He had supported Mr. Curtis, from the moment of nomiuation, all through the electiou, till he went to the poll, aud he had supported him on pergonal grounds, and was prepared to give adhgsjon to his principles. He had been enabled to make such arrangements- in reference'to the management of his private affairs, by .leaving them in the hands of a trustworthy person, as would allow him, if the electors could not find a better man, to resume his old seat in the Provincial Council, and fight the battle of progress. [Cheers.] He felt that at Golden Bay, and in the country wherever he had been, the complaint of stagnation prevailed, as was , evident at Motueka, where a larger majority was obtained for Mr. Curtis than was anticipated by anyone. His desire in going into the Council was to support 'Mr. Curtis, in his policy of progress, to the fullest possible extent, which he would not fail to do if the electors returns him in Mr. Curtis's place. His best services were at their command, and he would be prepared to assist in carrying out many things he had previously supported — the harbor improvements for instance, and not forgetting the railway. If, however, they could find a better man he would be happy to waive any rights he might have to their support, and give way to him. [Cheers.] Mr. Huddleston stated that he had asked Mr. Pitt if he would sit, if. elected ; and that gentleman said he would have great pleasure in coming forward, if the electors wished him to do so. If elected he would support Mr Curtis in carrying out all measures that had for their object the advancement of Nelson. [Cheers.] The Chairman asked if he should take a show of hands for the two gentlemen proposed, or regard the meeting as merely, for the purpose of ventilating the question ofthe election, and for preliminary matters. Mr. Cooksey remarked that he thought it would be better to leave further proceedings till Mr. Curtis had given his reasons for the steps taken. No doubt the committee had been actuated by proper motives, but it would be better for the public to be more fully informed j if they were, no' doubt, the meeting would go with the committee. He doubt6d if the meeting was in possession of the" actual reasons why they were called together. An Elector: The chairman has explained the reasons. Another Elector ; It would be better to leave the question open, and wart till

another time. If the electors were shown the real state of things, they would, no doubt, concur. Many have been disappointed at not being able to get in at the Provincial Hall. Mr. Cooksey: We have the greatest confidence in Mr. Curtis, have no doubt of the purity of his intentions, ancl that his conduct is just and honorable in the matter. If he were to explain the matter it would have a good effect on many outsiders, who are somewhat mystified at present. Mr. Huddleston : The reason Ave could not have the Provincial Hall was, that it was previously engaged by the Harmonic Society. Mr. Disher: I thiuk it would be well for Mr.. Pitt to be present, before a show of hands is taken, to explain his political views. I and many present would like to hear an exposition of his principles. Many of us would like" to hear what he has got to say. [Hear, hear.] Mr. Elliott said the object of the meeting had been secured to a great extent. He thought it uriadvisable to bring the matter to a conclusion that night. Two candidates had been proposed, but it was possible that, after a little more consideration, others would be proposed, who would probably be more acceptable to the geueral body of electors. There was no necessity for hurry in the matter, as the election of Mr. Curtis was not yet declared, nor his seat in the Council vacated, nor would it be till to-morrow week. He thought if the meeting were adjourned till, say, Friday week, it would give more time for consideration. A mistake had evidently been committed in reference to the way in which the meeting had been convened. The ** supporters of Mr. Curtis" had alone been invited, instead of the electors generally. It would be better to hold a meeting at which all the candidates would be present, and state their opinions ; those who had then been proposed aud the others who would no doubt be proposed. These could attend the meeting and explain their views, as Mr. Mackay had just done. It was uot fair to the candidates not present to proceed further till they had an opportunity of explaining their views, and telling the electors what they were prepared to do. If the meeting adopted this view he would move an adjournment until Friday week next. In the mean time the committee would provide a suitable room. Mr. Huddleston said the Governor might be expected at the Provincial Hall on the 9th, but the Oddfellows' Hall or Temperance Hall might be taken for the purpose. After a conversation the following resolution, moved by Mr. Elliott, was carried, " That the present meeting be adjourned to a future evening, of which notice shall be given." The meeting then broke up, thanks having been proposed to the chairman.

lt appears that his Excellency Sir G. Grey, intends to visit Nelson, after all, and that he may be expected to arrive on or about the 9th inst. We publish below a copy of a letter from hon. the Colonial Secretary, to his Honor the ActingSuperintendent, which sets the question at rest, and shows that the Governor really intends to come. It will be remembered, that at a public meetiug held a short time ago, a committee was appointed to communicate with the various public bodies, and to make arrangements for giving the Governor a suitable reception. This committee took action at once, through their secretary, Mr. Kiugdon, the public bodies have been written to, and favorable answers have been received from all. We have no doubt that the reception will be worthy of the occasion, and that the people of Nelson will not be behind the people of the other provinces in demonstrations of respect towards the Queen's vicegerent iu these islands. The following is the letter referred to above: — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, Ist April, 1867. Sir — I have to inform your Honor, that it is the intention of his Excellency the Governor to visit the Province of Nelson, at as early a period as is consistent with his Excellency's other engagements. So far as can at present be foreseen, it is probable that the Governor will arrive at Nelson on or about the 9th instant. I have, &c, E. W. Stapjfojrjd. To his Honor -the Deputy - Supehintenjdje vr, Nelson. The following cases were heard by the Resident" Magistrate to day : — Sigley v. Rowlands, claim £1.6, judgment by consent, to be paid in instalments of one and

two months. The adjourned case of D. Moore v. Harvey came on again. Mr. Moore's clerk produced the deed of assignment, which the Magistrate held was prior to the date of the set-off pleaded by defendant. Defendant said plaintiff had promised the amount of the set-off. His Worship said this -was the ground of a separate action. Defendant must pay £2 lis. 6d. the amount claimed, and plaintiff to return the goods left for sale. A case Richardson v. Robinson was postponed for a week to secure the attandance of Mr. Harris, who, Mr. Helps the Bailiff said, bad served the summons, but was not at hand to prove service.