MEETING OF ELECTORS AT OTEPOPO.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1043, 23 August 1879, Page 2

MEETING OF ELECTORS AT OTEPOPO.

A meeting of the electors in the southern part of the county was held in Otepopo Schoolroom last night. There were about 40 present, and on the motion of Mr Falconer, Mr Gemmell, who was one of those instrumental in getting the meeting called, was voted to the chair. Mr. Gemmell explained that there was considerable dissatisfaction with the present members, who represented the town only, to the neglect of the country interests, and it was thought that if a good man could be brought forward for the country, the electors there could, by a block vote, return him ; at all events the meeting would do good by showing the views held by the country part of the constituency. Mr. Falconer said the present members represented both town and country, and though they could return anyone they wanted, he must also represent the town, and this would continue until there was a redistribution of seats. Though the present members may not have exactly done all that was wished, yet they had been as well represented as could be reasonably expected. Mr. Presland proposed, "That Major Steward is a fit and proper person to represent us." This was seconded by Mr. H. Murcott, Mr. D. Booth said there was no doubt of" Major Steward's ability, but there might be other gentlemen equally fit. He referred to Mr. Smythies, who had been spoken about.

Mr. Smythies said he had atten 1 ;d the meeting only as a listener, and was utterly unprepared with any speech that would do justice to himself or the cause. He said his time was not so much occupied but that he could devote three or four months a year to his country if a majority of the electors wished him to do so. He then, at considerable length, gave his views on the various measures agitating the public mind, and declared himself a thorough supporter of Sir George Grey and his measures. In answer to Mr. Falconer, Mr. Smythies said he would advocate the opinions of his constituents although diametrically opposed to his own convictions. Mr. Munro could not sec anyone who would make a really good member, owing to district jealousies. 31ajor Steward was soapy, but Mr. Smythies was even soapier. The only gentleman he could think of was Mr. William Murcott, and he doubted if he would be elected. However, he had great pleasure in proposing him as a fit and proper person to represent the district. This was eventually seconded by Mr. Culling. The Rev. Mr. Ryley said one of Mr. Steward's measures should make the meeting emphatically declare against him. He referred to the granting of aid to Roman Catholic schools. This, he contended, was a return to Denominationalism, pure and simple ; for every other class would want the same concession, and a number of small schools would spring up, with badly paid and inefficient teachers ; and rather than that he would go in for the present system of pure Secularism. He would move that the meeting should support the present members, provided they gave a pledge to support the Permissive Bill and the reading of the Bible in schools. This was seconded by Mr. Falconer. Mr. Murcott said he regretted chat no landed proprietor had come forward, because the country had been practically disfranchised and its interests sacrificed ever since Major Steward had been returned. He declined to be nominated, as the influence of Oamaru was so great as to leave little or no hope of his return. Mr. Presland proposed a vote o, thanks to the gentlemen who had taken the initiative in calling the meeting, as it would be productive of good. Mr. Ryley thought to separate without voting would be to stultify themselves. Mr. Munro thought they had come together to try and get a country member, and they had. found themselves beaten. On a show of hands being taken, eight voted for Mr. Ryley's motion and five for Presland's. Mr. Falconer moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman, which was unanimously carried.