THE ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6213, 15 October 1881, Page 5

THE ELECTIONS.

On Monday evening Mr. Harris, M.H.R., intends to address the electors of Franklin North in the Public-hall, Otahuhu, at 8 ° 'bur Hamilton correspondent writes :— "There is little or no truth, it is believed, in the report that Mr. W. L. Rees ishkely to contest Waikato with Mr. J. B. Whyte, the sittine member. Mr. Whyte is perfectly secure against any outside candidate, and has so thoroughly earned the confidence of the electors by his assiduous zeal in behalf of their local wants, and his straightforward conduct as ii member of the legislature that the idea of bringing out even a local candidate to oppose him has never been entertained." Some of the Coromandel electors took the opportunity last night of meeting three of the candidates for that district to interview them on subjects of interest to the district and province. The candidates present were Messrs. J. Mackay, J. C. Young, and P. H. Blackmore. The question raised was in regard to insular separation. All the candidates declared themselves as opposed to this project, expressing themselves in favour of the unity of the colony. Mr. Young, to whom was assigned the duty of reply, pointed out that the separation sought for would lead to an increase of that taxation which was so heavily bearing on the colony, and which was now almost more than they could support. He considered the interests of a united colony were more to be studied at this juncture, and that candidates of a liberal mind should oppose insular separation, and maintain the unity of the colony. He pointed out that the question of separation was raised simply for the purpose of creating local jealousies, and alluded to other difficulties which would arise. The three candidates present were thoroughly in favour of the view that separation was not desirable. [by telegraph.—press association-.1 Gisbornk, Friday. Mr. M. J. Gannon contests the Gisborne election. . Wellington, Friday. Mr. Price, a candidate forTcaro, addressed the electors this evening. He advocated the non-alienation of the Crown lands, and proposed a system of leasing by which a fair rental would accrue to the colony, and tliß capital of small farmers instead of being devoted to the purchase of land which would be utilised for fencing and stocking of farms. He favours the imposition of a tax on land already sold, on a graduated scale, on a similar basis to that in Victoria. He believed in an income tax on all incomes above £200 per annum. He would do away with the Customhouse, as being a relic of feudalism, and spoke in favour of free, secular, and compulsory education. He was opposed to the Representation Bill, as an Act which only went in one direction. He would vote for the payment to members of the Lower House only, and for reform of local government. He thought the Upper House should be elected the same as the House of Representatives. At tho conclusion a vote of thanks was accorded to the candidate.

CiuasTCiiCRCH, Friday. Mr. Wasou addressed the electors of Wakanui district at R.ikaia last night, aud received a vote of 30nfiilcr.ee. Timakc, Friday. In Mr. Waketicld's speech last night, a mistake was made by the telegraph operator at Temuka, who sent "He owned to having to having tried to take the wind out of Sir George Grey's sails in the matter of local government," instead of "He denied having tried, &e." Dunedin, Friday. Captain Scott was favourably received at Roslyu. He announced himself a thorough free-trader and a supporter of the Bible-in-schools, and said he would give the Government an independent support. Mr. Murray addressed his constituents at Milton last night. A motion was moved that the meeting endorse Mr. Murray's action during the past session. To this was afterwards added that Mr. Murray be invited to offer himself for re-election. An amendment was moved thanking him for past services and address, but considering that there are two local candidates in the field he should retire. Twenty voted for the amendment. The motion was carried by a large majority. I.N-VERCARGILL, Friday. Mr. P. T. Finn, tho well-known barrister, will contest Nokonui in the Liberal interest. As showing the interest taken in the contest for this seat, it may be mentioned that one gentleman recently forwarded to the registrar of electors between 400 and 500 claims for enrolment, the bulk of them being obtained from the north-eastern part of the electorate. Mr. Shanks, who has hitherto been regarded as doubtful, is now definitely out for Mataura.