THE MATAURA ELECTION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 5268, 7 January 1879, Page 2

THE MATAURA ELECTION.

(Peh Associated Phess Special Wibe),

_ Invercaegill, 6th January. The nomination of candidates for. the representation of Mataura in the House of Representatives took place to-day.

Mr H. Jaogeiw proposed Mr Shanks, stating that he hud known that gentleman for a long time, aud thought he would look after the true interests of the district were he elected.

Mr Hugh Cahswell seconded Mr Sbaiiks' nomination. He referred to the creditable niannor iv which Mr Shanks hud filled many iinporlaut public positions. Ha was a gentleman who had never held extreme views, aud he had no djubt but that he would do full justice to all their interest*. The qualities Mr "Shanks possessed, combined with hia knowledge of the district generally, entitled him to their enthusiastic support. Mr S. Mabton nominated Mr Andrew Kinross, merely remarking that he would leave that gentleman to explain his views himself. Mr Richards seconded the nomination in a Bpp'-cli highly eulogistic of Mr Kinross. Mr Shanks then intimated that as he would bavo an opportunity of addressing1 the electors on a future occasion, ho would not trouble them with any remarks.

Mr KiNiiosa, after some iutioductory remarks, said the one great matter underlying the present contest was the laud question. One party was endeavouring to monopolise the land, and the other to open it up for settlement. The land monopolists would have brought forward a candidate of their own if they had not thought there was one in the field already who met their views. He had always done what ho could to prevent land monopoly. They had to decide whether they would elect a candidate who wished to see evory man got a home of his own and equal laws for everybody, or one who would support a policy calculated to promote the creation of an ariatourauy in the Colony like that of England. Tlia increase of Itivereargil.l wa3 due to (ho settlement of the country, aud had the land round it continued to be runs it would only have beou a miserable village, and working men would have been walking about begging a day's work from tho mnholdera, He denied that Sir George Qrey created clasfi legislation. He would support the extension of the fran. chiso to females. He alluded to Mr Shanks as " the conservative bandidate."

Tho show of hands was slightly in favour of Mr .Kinross, and a poll was demanded on behalf of Mr Shanks,

Mr Shanks addressed a meeting of the electora at Appleby tonight. During' hu speech he supported the principle of a man being able to borrow on the security of improvements on his land held ou deferred payment. All the restrictive clauses should still remain in force, buthe should be able to pledge the labour and da'pit'al he had Eunk to obtain the necessary means to go on.' He 'ijdyooated a land tax, ajid i would like to sco an income' tax joined to it. He believed in manhood suffrage as a theory, but it would be difficult to carry out. He approved of limited immigration. With regard to education, ha thought the presest syete.ro gfywld be allowed a fq-ir trial,

, After referring to other questions, he wad interrogated freely by his auditors. Finally *efeting passed «, resolution to the effect tnat Mr Shanks wbb not a fit or proper person so represent the Mataura district.