CITY WEST ELECTION.—NOMINA-TION OF CANDIDATES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5395, 3 March 1879, Page 5

CITY WEST ELECTION.—NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES.

The nomination of candidates to fill the seat in the House of Representatives vacated by the elevation of the Hon. Patrick Dignan to the Legislative Council, took place on Saturday, at noon, in the large room of the Young Men's Christian Association, Albert-street. The attendance of electors was very large, the room, which is estimated to hold 400, being densely crowded. The KETtJRNTG Officer (Mr. Tbos. Wayth Gudgeon), in opening the proceedings, said he was a stranger, and comparatively unknown; but the electors might be certain of the election being cDnducted in a strictly fair and impartial manner. He then read the advertisement announcing the meeting. He called on the electors in the ordinary form to nominate their candidates for the vacant seat. [A "Voice: "You should read the writ."J—'The .Returning Officer read the writ. Mr. A. Black said that the custom was that the candidate first in the field should be the first nominated. Several of the electors, however, said there was no rule on the subject, and that it was quite optional which candidate should be first proposed.—[A Voice: Where is Father Hennebery?J—This question caused a momentary excitement. Mr. Eyre : There, you are beginning with personalities already. There was an evident disinclination to begin, and there was a general call for Mr. Peter Dignan. Mr. Dunninohau at length came forward and said : Mr. Returning Officer and electors of the City West, —You all know the occasion of our being here to-day. It is tbat the constituents of this, one of the most important electorates in the colony, shall nominate a, fit and proper person to fill the seat in the House of Representatives lately occupied by Mr. Patrick Dignan. That gentleman is known to us all. It was to his exertions that we are mainly indebted for Sir George Grey's return to public life, and for the fact that his Government is in power at the present time. Upon the occasion of his elevation to the Upper House of the General Assembly, a fitting opportunity occurs to introduce his son, Mr. Peter Dignan, to the electors, and to ask the constituency to return him as their representative in Parliament. I have no doubt he will give you satisfaction equal to that which his father has given. I therefore propose Mr. Peter Dignan as a fit and proper person to represent this electorate in the House of Representatives. (Cheers.) Mr. Leahy, in seconding the nomination, said : It gives me very great pleasure to second the nomination of Mr. Peter Dignan to represent the interests of the City West in Parliament. It would be useless for me to occupy your time to speak of the services rendered by the Hon. Patrick Dignan to this constituency. I have now the honour to propose one of the song of Auckland, who, as far as honesty and integrity will go, never will disgrace us, as a chip of the old block. X will not take up your time further. But I may add one word more, which is, that if you should do Mr. Peter Digcau the honour of electing him. as your member, when he returns to you to give an account of his public conduct, the same will be said of him as has been said of his father, that he served you honestly, faithfully, and well. (Cheers—cheers.) Mr. J. C. Firth next came forward and said: Mr. Returning Officer and gentlemen, eleotors of City West, —It has been stated by one of the gentlemen who nominated Mr. Peter Dignan that we have met together to exercise a most important duty — namely, to fill the vacancy caused by the elevation of Mr. Patrick Dignan to the Upper House of the Legislature. In tho exercise of that duty, I propose Mr. David Goldie—(cheers) —as a fit and proper person to occupy the vacant seat in the House of Representatives. I need hardly say, gentlemen, that Mr. Goldie is no stranger among us. He is a business man. He has been long before us at the Council Board of this city. He has long been recognised as a faithful, honest, and capable servant of the public. (Hear, hear.) He is not, I believe, ambitious of senatorial honours, but at the call of duty—at the request of a large number of the electors of this constituency, he has corue forward, and now asks your suffrages upon the strength of that invitation. (Cheers.) Any gentleman, I think, might be proud of representing so important a constituency as Aucklaud City "West. This constituency has never sent representatives to Parliament to urge its own private purposes. Auckland City West has no logs to roll, no axe to grind, no petty job to perpetrate. When it has spokcu — and it has spoken more than once—it has spoken for the general welfare. It has disdained the paltry and petty rote of serving its own euds first, while utterly disregarding the welfare or success of other portions of the colony. I say this, with truth in all respects, tnat the constituency of Auckland City West is one of the most important in the colony. Nearly twenty years ago I had the honour to represent thi3 constituency in Parliament. I may say that during the time of my service in that capacity, I was never asked by an elector of City West to obtain or to seek a billet for him. If there is one characteristic of this constituency more distinguishable than another, it it is that of perfect independence. It had no ; favours to ask of u Ministry in time past, and , it has no favours to ask of a Miuistry now. I (Hear, hear.) While it has refused to be animated by petty and small motives in the exercise of great privileges, on great questions it from I timeto time greatly inlluenced the people and ! politics of this colony. It has not be silent upon ! the great question which is before us to-day ; and j on this question, if I mistake not, this constituency, as on previous occasions, will make its voice hoard throughout the length and I breadth of the land. (Cheers.) That question is simply this : Shall wo retain the present exI cellent system of secular education, or shall we : return to denominational oducation? That b I the matter before us. That is the question which we shall have to decide, or help to decide, | to-day. (Cries of "No, no;" 4 'Yes, yes"; cheers, and counter cheers.) I say yes, that is the question. (Cheers.) After twenty years of struggle in this city, chiefly on this question of secular or denominational education, it was finally determined in favour of the secular system. (Hear.) I may remind you that it was in the Auckland Provincial Council that cliis Educational system, which gives a free secular | and, if necessary, compulsory education to every child in the country, first became law. (Cheers.) It has subsequently become the law of the colony. Well, then, the question now before us is : Shall this work be undone? (Loud cries of "No, no.") Our Catholic fellow-citizens have endeavoured to secure certain advantages —and they have a perfect right to do so if they can. Although I am sorry they should have taken such a course of action, still they have the right to take such line of action ; but, on the other hand, I say it is the business of the great body of the inhabitants of the land to prevent such a misfortune happening to this colony. (Hear.) It is the business of those who desire the real and permanent; welfare of this colouy to take care that this great system of education, which is now conferring such inestimable benefit on the children of the whole community—that this secular education, —I do not like this term "secular," "civil" is a better term, for it is an education by the State of all the children in the country without respect of creed. I say it is the business of every man to take care that this civil education which is being bestowed on every child in the country shall not be disturbed. (Loud cheers.) During the last session of Parliament an attempt wCs made by the introduction of a bill known as Curtis's hill—[A Voice : "Mr. Curtis, if you please."]—to return to denominationalism. (Cries of "No, no.") What happened ? You may probably be .aware that in a few days several thousand signatures were obtained to a petition praying the Houses of Parliament not to iuterfore with the existing system of education. Thanks to your efforts, aud also to the efforts of the electors of other constituencies, that system was not disturbed. (Cheers.) Again, our Catholic fellow-citizens have declared openly that they mean to go in for denominational education. They have also declared—and in this I think they have made a great mistake —tint they mean to give a " block vote" against every candidate for a seat in the General Assembly who refuses when there to vote for dcnominationalism. (Cries of "No," and "Yes.") Now, I think we have been very moderate iu this city. We have allowed our Catholic friends to send representatives to the Assembly—they being in a minority. Nobody can say that the City West has not shewn fair play to our Catholic fellowcitizens. But they now come forward, and say we mean to vote in block to secure for ourselves certain advantages—they have, in effect, pitted their force against the uuited force of the rest of the community—more especially in this part of the City. Cries of "No," and "Yes." I hope that 011 this question, which you will be asked to decide at tho polling booth, you will give an answer that will be heard by all the inhabitants of this colouy, so that they may understand, whatever else may happen, you mean to stick fast aud true to the present system of education. (Loud cheers.) In doing this, the electors of City West will be" conferring a great public service. While many smaller constituencies in the colony think they are exercising their electoral privileges in a proper manner by going in for a road here, and a bridge there, participating in " the plunder," as it has been the fashion to call it, I am proud to say that this great electorate has never demeaned itself by seeking anything except what was conducive to the general welfare of the colony at large. That is the case I hope to-day. We are not here to scramble for this little object, or that little object. We are met to pronounce upon a great principle, we are going in for that principle ; we are going to oppose opinions and a policy on this matter of education, that we believe would be injurious to every child in the country ; we are goins in for a fair stand-up, and I hope a good-humoured, political fight in defence of the opinions we entertain. If we are beaten at the poll, then we shall say we are rightly served, and if our opponents are beaten let them say the same. It is not fair to ask a candidate to shew his colours, whether he be orange, green, or grey. £ hope we are above all such small things upon a question like this. We are not here to decide what men are or may bo. We are hero to decide whether your

children—all our children—shall receive an educatiou calculated to make them the earnest, successful, and intelligent men and women of the future. That is the question which this ' constinuency, occupying, as it does, the fore- ! most rank in the colony, is now called i upon to decide* As the question whether . you will have denominational or secular, or rather " civil," education has come once 1 more to the front, I hope this time it may be decided once for all. I only know ( that denominational education would do again ' r what it has done before; it would have in every village, perhaps three or four schools, in which a very inferior education would be given—(Criesof "No, no"; "Yes, yes.");—it . cost in the end a much larger sum of money, ; and, as a result of such a state of things, the minds of the children attending those schools would be starved, while they would be brought up the mere creatures of bigotry. (Cheers, and interruption.) In the town schools I know it would be different; for, in the towns there are a sufficient number, both of Catholics and Protestants, to have good schools of their own. But this constituency has never taken a narrow or selfish view of its own interest, and it refuses to do so now. We know that even for Catholic children in country districts we are doing what is beat by opposing denominationalism. We say, by the course I recommend that you should take, that we will not leave them in the hands of rival creeds. We ask that the Catholic children in out-districts thall not be deserted. If denominational education were restored, the Catholics in the country districts would be in a worse position than thoy are now; they would ■ have to accept an inferior education, and be themselves powerless between rival denominarions. I say, then, that we should not, by promoting a system which might be serviceable to a great many people in the towns, do what is equivalent to abandoning all Catholic children in country districts. (Cheers.) Will you, then, have secular education, or rather " civil " education, for I have already told you the reason why I do not like this phrase "secular," which does not accurately describe what we are now contending for? Will you have for your children—for all the children of the colony, the advantages which a great system of State education, - free from all disturbing opinions of class or party, is calculated to bestow? Or will you have denominational education, and abandon the struggle of twenty years, abandoning at the same time the children in country districts to the influences of rival creeds? I feel certain how you who hold the highest electoral position in the colony will pronounce on this great question. I feel certain you will say, " We will stand by secular education ; we*have done with denominational education for ever." (Loud cheers.) Mr. Dooniit said : I have much pleasure in seconding the nomination of Mr. David Goldie as a fit and proper person to represent Auckland City West. After tho speech that has been made by his proposer, there is nothing for me to say. Mr. Firth has gone over the issues in diipute very fairly and clearly. This question of education is now, as has been said, the question of questions, and I hope the City West will, on the present occasion, decide that question once and for ever. I support Mr. Goldie. because I know him to be a man of energy, and that whatever he proposes to himself to do he will do it well. I know that he goes in to support this question of secular, or rather " civil" oducation, and that he will do so with whole-heartedness and effect. He will not abandon the question to please friends or to obtain office. These are the reasons which influence mo in giving him my hearty support. It has bsen stated within the last few hours that the present system of education is a failure, that it will not work, and that it is near an end. I wish those who make this stat«ment had gone round with us through the schools of this city last Wednesday. If they had done so they would be convinced they had made a mistake. I say it is a complete success. (Hear, hear.) Thousands of children aro now receiving an education that will enable every one of them to take his or her plaoe in society—rich and poor and middle class are all being prepared for tho duties which they shall have to discharge in life. Mr. Firth put.the matter right when he said they were receiving a " civil" education. As for Mr. Goldie's merits generally, I think you will find him an energetic and pains-taking representative. He is a man who knows a gooddealabout public affairs, aud is well qualified to look after tho interests of the public. He has x>roved himself in other public positions where he represented his fellow-citizens to be thoroughly efficient and indefatigable in the discharge of his duty. When the City West some time ago required a man to represent it in Parliament, Mr. Goldie retired in favour of Mr. Tonks. I therefore think that Mr. Goldie has some claim upon the electors. I think the electors have acted fairly as well as wisely in requesting him on the present occasion to come forward. He has come forward, and I trust tho City West will support him on this all-important question of education. (Cheers.) The two candidates being nominated, there was a pause before cither of them presented himself to the electors. Mr. Dig.van ascended the platform, and was received with very general cheering. He said: Gentlemen, electors of City West, —I may say, in addressing you, that this is roally and truly my first public appearance. (Cheers.) For that reason I hope you will excuse any hesitancy in my manner of getting through it. I will, however, do my best. Of course against the array of talent and the strong powers which aro opposed to me, I should consider myself at a great disadvantage, or, as somo would say, knocked iuto fits, in regard to what I may have to say. Notwithstanding this, I am not afraid to go to the poll. (Cheers and counter-cheers.) We have beeu told that the only question we have to consider is the question of education. But that is for the electors to say. It is not for a few leading politicians to say it. I say it is not the only question which has to be considered. If that» were the only question, why have we not heard of it before ? If the present system of education be so good that no one had any right to complain, how is it that there have been complaints from several quarters? Why not have left tho whole matter iu the hands of Parliament, and if Parliament could not deal with it, then it might be sent back to the constituencies ? Why do we hear all these things said which have been said here today, when, if thero was a desire to dnal with tiie question, the Parliament would be tho proper place to argue the matter out ? If the existing system of education be good, surely it might be allowed to rest upon its merits. What have I dor.e to cause all this stir? [This query seemed to excite considerable merriment, for it was followed by loud peals of laughter.] I will tell you what I did. A vacancy for the City West occurred. Certain electors asked me if X would come out. I did not care particularly about it. I had no desire to shew that there was a scarcity of politicians. I am not frightened, now that tho offshoots of old grievances arc to be allowed to crop up. (Cheers.) As soon as it appeared that I was likely to come forward, twenty or thirty other persons went about to try aud find another candidate. When I saw that, I was determiuod that I would try it. (Cheers.) That being the case, a canvass was commenced on my behalf, and a good many of the electors have promised mo their support. Afterwards I was interviewed upon this very important question of education. I was asked what I thought about j it, and what was my opinion about certain J thiugs that were proposed—certain changes in ! the system that were to be proposed in the j next session of Parliament. I told them I did not think this education question would come up | in the next session of the Assembly, but, if it docs, I do not see why I should not give these proposals, or whatever they may bo called, a fair consideration. Why should I deny a large number of the electors of the colony the chance of having their claims heard? (Cheers.) Having told them this, they at once started off to get some one to start against me. As to Mr. Goldie, I have nothing to say Against him. (Cheers.) As to what I shall do on this subject of education, I say at once that I will vote to have the question re-considered. (Cheers, and counter-cheers.) No matter how good it is ; uo matter how mauy people are in favour of it, so long as there aro persons in this colony upon whom it operates harshly, I will vote that they shall bo at least heard. The men that were sent to Parliament before now, wc aro told, were sent with definite opinions upon this subject. But I deny that tho question has been fairly determined by Parliament yet, and, until that is the case, I do noc see why you should deliberately say "We aro the strongest party; we will not give you what you ask, and take it if you can." I say that if there are persons who arc prepared out of their own pockets to establish schools, and if these schools upon inspection should be found up to the mark, why should they be excluded from tho public advantages you profess should be given to all? Why should not such schools be allowed to have a ccrtain grant if, as I said, they are up to the mark? It is said we must have education. I admit that, and I will go in for education aB strougly as anyone here. (Loud cheors.) But I say there are many persons who cannot avail themselves of tho present system, and they should not bo shut out from the advantages which you say all ought to have. (Hear.) If these people build schools, if it bo found that tho education in these schools is quito up to the mark, why should they receive no assistance at all ? Now, lam prepared, if I have the opportunity, to say that their claims should be considered. (Cheers.) But I also believe that there are otherquestions besides this question of education that will be brought before tho Assembly in its next session. It is strange that this is the first time in a City West election—and I have seen some of them— ! —when uo other things but this one subject ;is to be mentioned. I suppose that is looked upon as a very good sign. I had almost inl clined to give way when I saw such unanimity lof protest against me. But, here I am. j (Cheers.) What will become of this question of education when you put your candidate in ? It will probably be forgotten. Mr. Goldie says he will exercise an independent judgment. When we heard that Mr. Goldie was a sup- | porter of Sir George Groy—[A Voice ; You are both going in for Grey.] Well, I do not see that I need Bay anything further. If any gentleman wishes to ask me a question, I will do my best to answer it. (Cheers.) Mr. A. Black : You said you are going in for denominational education ?

l Mr. Digxan* : I did not say so. » Mr. A. Black : If Mr. Curtis's Education f Bill comes into the House, will you support s that bill? : i /-i es * [Mr. Dignan read Mr. I I Curtis s bill.] r Mr. Staines : Will you vote for manhood , suffrage, and shorter duration of Parliaments ? b Mr. Digxan :As for manhood suffrage, we t have that virtually. The shorter Parliaments r can be, perhaps, the better. But these are i matters of detail, and I would not pledge l myself specifically. ® i Mr. Goldie next came forward and was re--5 ceived with loud cheers. He said : Mr Returnk iog Officer and electors of the City West,—ln , coming before you on the present occasion, I > need hardly say that the position is not one of s my own seeking. When "I was in Christchurch t a short time since X received a telegram from 1 some friends, asking me to stand for the vacant t seat in the House of Assembly, and I at once s distinctly refused. I asked them, in reply also ■ by telegram, to get someone more acceptable . to the City West, and who would be more suit- . able than myself. I believe my friends did their , best to get someone else, and that is shewn by ' the list of gentlemen who were asked to stand ' for the vacant seat. Mr. Swanson went to these t gentlemen himself, and here is the iist of ' - At r- W- Aitken (of Sliortland-street), i Buchanan (City Councillor), Mr. Brett \r ~ Evening Star), Dr. Campbell, Mr. Firth, • ir ,K Hesketh . Sir. Hurst, Mr. B. Ireland, -I' gaaca, Mr. MaaeHeld, Mr. T. Morrin, Mr. ! /\V J l ' , , f l ' Nathan, Mr. Peacock i 'ni '° r Auckland), Mr. Richmond, Mr. 1 Thompson Mr. Von der Heyde, Mr. J. L. ' Wilson (Herald), and Mr. J. M. Clark. It was - not until these gentlemen had refused that I allowed myself to be put forward. I am not > required to make a long speech on political j matters, because the only question that affects i the present election is this one of education. , Four years ago, when I was elected to serve in the Provincial Council, I was in favour of > secular and undenominational education. I ' ! a I 6 never seen any reason to alter the opinion i I then held on the subject. I am in favour of L undenominational education for three reasons i (1.) Because I believo it to be iu harmony ; with the views of the large majority of the - people. (2.) Because I believe the present > system of education the only one the State • can legitimately support, it being no part of - the duty of the State to teach religion or to l advance funds for that purpose. (3.) Because were denominational education in vo»ue it : would, in my opinion, lower the standard of • education, by the establishment of a number of small and inefficient schools. For these three reasons I have always opposed denominational education, and I am prepared to do so now. I feel satisfied on this question, that if religious doctrine is to be taught in our schools bv various denominations, the effect will be injurious to general instruction, which is more immediately tho object for which they are established. If it be said that lam opposed to Roman Catholic schools, I can only say that I am opposed to denominational schools of all kinds, as compared with the present system of public schools and I desire that the Roman Uatholics should be on the same footing as all other denominations —as ourselves, in fact. (Cheers.) I cannot see a sufficient reason for Catholics refusing the advantages which the State offers to them as well as to others. Tho only objection which I can conceive of their ; having to the Government schools is one in connection, perhaps, with the books that are f used for the purpose of giving secular • instruction. It may be that there are in some • of the historical books used statements of » facts which are repugnant to Catholic people. But if that is the cause of their refusing the , education for their children which the country i offers them, let them go in for putting these thiugs out of the school, and I will go with ; them that far. In Victoria ther® is no history . taught in tho public schools for that reason I ■ am quite prepared, if this be the only objection they have, to let these parts of history be exi pelled from the mean, of course, those f statements of historical events which give them I offence. I have no wish that they should have to i bear anything that is repugnant to their religion. If they object 'to the books used, that is not a ■ reason for doing away with the whole system of secular education. There is a provision in the Act that parents can insist upon their children being removed during the teaching of history if they please. I will go with the Catholics as far as they please in that direction, but thoy must give some better reasonfor doing away with the system altogether. I will support them heartilyagainst anything calculated to afford them ground of reasonable complaiut. Iu connection with Curtis's Bill, we are told it 13 not denominational. Perhaps not. You will, no doubt, see that it provides for secular education only. But it gives the right to local committees to elect their own teachers, without any vetoing power in the Ceutral Boaid of Education. "\\ hat docs that mean? It means that in particular districts a few persons shall i exercise all control, and that the education I will be entirely what they may make ' Wc heard of certain schools estab- . lished in Nelson, which gave to the scholars a better education than any other schools,—so much so, that even a great number of Protestants sent their children there. The reason why these schools were so successful was because the masters gave instruction for the love of the thing,—they did not want any money in payment. Mr. Shechan said these men were very good men, —very good indeed, —the holiest of nieu. They were a body of French priests, belonging to a certaiH Order, who had no desire to make money, and were actuated only by the desire of doing good. What would be the effect of Mr. Curtis'a bill? Id ia this irresponsible power in the hands of local committees for special ends that I wish to prevent. If local committees shall appoint their own teachers, wc know who the teachers will be like. We can quite understand what is likely to take place. For these reasons lam prepared to take \ my staud to-day against denominational educatiou, and if I should hereafter think fit to alter my views on this subject, I will come before the electors and return the trust they confided to me into their hands. (Loud cheers.) Mr. Barton* : I wish to ask Mr. Goldie a question. It is this; If Sir George Grey and the Government should approve of Mr. Curtis's bill and support it in the Assembly, will you support him and his Government? Mr. Goldie : Most decidedly I shall oppose them. Mr. Leaky mounted the platform, aud after some excited remarks to a Mr. Stevenson, who, he said, was laughing at him, demanded a poll for Mr. Dignan. Mr. SJoldie was called on to answer some further questions, and said : With respect to other matters, I may state that I will not be bound to any party. Mr. Tonks went down to Wellington tied by certain pledges, and when he got there, happening to deviate—and I think he was wrong in deviating—he was prevented doing the good hemighthavedone. If I am returned. I will go down to Wellington independent on all subjects outside this one of educatiou. You all kuow that I have supported Sir George Grey for the hist four years, aud I am prepared to follow him again, so far as I consistently can, but no farther. (Cheers.) The Returning Officer said the next business was to take the show of hands, which he called for. About thirty hands were help up for Mr. Dignan, but a perfect forest of hands were raised for Mr. Goldie. The Returning Officer said there was no doubt in whose favour the show of hands was, and declared it to be in favour of Mr. Goldie. He announced that a poll would be taken on Tuesday, the 4th of March, between the hours of 9 a.m. and -4 p.m. Mr. Leahy moved, and Mr. Doonin seconded, a vote of thanks to the Returning Officer, which was carried. Most people thought the proceedings had terminated, when a sccue occurred that almost battles description. The Returning Officer was preparing to leave, when Mr. Duuningham, who proposed Mr. Digan, went to the table and said, "I'm the seconder" (referring to Mr. Leahy's demand for a poll oil behalf of Mr. Dignan). Mr. Swanson, however, had gauged the true state of tho case, and rushed to the table to demand that Mr. Goldie should be declaimed duly elected, on the ground that according to the Act the poll should have been demanded either by the candidate or " not less than two electors." The somewhat animated tenor of this colloquy brought a perfect rush of electors to the Returning Officer's table. A cross-fire of excited contradictions was exchanged by people who had very little notion of what was actually passing. The Hon. Mr. Dignan next weut to the table aud asked whether it was tho intention of air. Goldie's friends to take a mean advantage of their opponents ? This brought up Mr. Firth, who addressed the excited crowd in the following form : There has been some informality on the j )ar t of "our Catholic friends." This phrase appeared to arouse the dormant prejudices that were evidently awakened by the mention of Father Henuebery's name at the commencement of tho proceedings. Mr. Firth, not thinking, perhaps, of the surging wrath that was around, criecfc n out, " But we are not going to take advantage * our Catholic friends—(Oh ! oh !) —in that way ; we will meet them at the poll and we will give them a good beating." Mr. Peter Dignan mounted tho table that was on the platform, and deprecated the introduction of the religious element. Mr. Swanson next got up, and said this questiou of education must now be decided, he hoped, once and forever, and in a way that the whole country should see what was being done. Mr. Goldie next mounted the table, evidently with pacific intentions. Meanwhile there was a storm of objurgation pervading the whole place. The electors mounted to the forms, aud indulged in every conceivable form of demonstrative protest. Not one in ten had tho faintest idea of what was going on. The Returning Officer was hemmed in by the eager disputants. Mr. Patrick Darby next mounted the table and read an extract from a newspaper,to the effect that the English Denominational Schools of the London district gavo a more efficienteducation at one-third less cost than the seculaf schools. Gentlemen actually shook their fists at each other, and pounded the table, which was doing no harm to anybody. Mr. Swanson still adhered to his demand, that Mr." Goldie should be declared elected. But no such declaration was made, and the Returning Officer again announced the poll to -ake place on Tuesday morning, after which he crowd dispersed.