THE WAITAKI ELECTION.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1044, 25 August 1879, Page 2

THE WAITAKI ELECTION.

MESSRS. HISLOP AND SHRIMSKI AT PUKEURI. Messrs. Hislop and Shrimski, two of the candidates for the representation of Waitaki, addressed a meeting of the electors at Pukeuri Point Sclioolliouse on Saturday evening. There were about fifty persons present, and the chair was occupied by Mr. Thomas Duncan. The candidates addressed the meeting at some length on the leading topics of the day, but°as it will be necessary for us to report the remarks of the members fully when they appear before the main body of the electors at Oamaru. we refrain from doing so at present. At the conclusion of their addresses, several questions were put to the candidates. The chairman asked Mr. Hislop if he was in favor of any alteration in the relations existing between Education Boards and School Committees, with a view to more clearly defining their duties. Mr. Hislop replied that lie was in favor of an alteration being made which would give the Committees more power and render the Boards more representative in their character. Mr. Shrimski, in reply to Mr. Goodall, said he had supported the Local Option Bill, and would again do so if elected. He would also support a measure to more effectually put down sly grogselling. In reply to the chairman, the candidates stated that they deemed it impossible to have a satisfactory system of government in regard to the railways, and it was desirable to have some means devised of administrating the railways, but individual members of the House had very little influence in this direction. Several" other questions having been answered satisfactorily, Sir. Craig proposed, and Mr. Stalker seconded, a vote of thanks to and confidence in the two candidates. This was carried unanimously, and a vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings. MR. STEWARD AT DUNTROON. (from. OUR OWN correspondent.) Mr. W. J. Steward addressed the electors in the Schoolhouse on Saturday evening. Mr. T. Meeking occupied the chair, and on introducing the speaker referred in very complimentary terms to Mr. Steward's past services while in the House. Mr. Steward spoke for about an hour and a half, and was attentively listened to throughout, and the applause was .requent. His speech was a_ very telling one, and quite took his audience. He evidently understands what he talks about, and neither indulges in abuse or clap-trap. Mr. Steward answered a number of question —such as to his remedy for sly grog-selling, the constitution of the Upper House, Bible in schools, education, etc., and was applauded for each answer given. Mr. M'Bean then rose, and in a neat speech proposed, "That this meeting has every confidence in Mr. Steward, and that he is a fit and proper person to represent us in Parliament." This was seconded by Mr. A. A. Smith, and carried unanimously, a great many in their enthusiasm holding up both, hands.