THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11598, 5 December 1899, Page 6

THE GENERAL ELECTION.

SUDDEN DEATH OF A CANDIDATE.

FEILDING, December 4,

Mr T. R. Taylor,' the Government candidate for the Rangitikei seat, died suddenly at his farm, Kiwitea, this morning. He was well known and much respected on this coast, having been connected with various local institutions during his long residence hero.

THE MAORI SEATS.

AUCKLAND, December 4.

The following seven candidates; have been nominated for the "Western Maori electorate: Henare Kaihau (sitting member), H. Patene,. W. Ngapaki, To A. Nikitmi, Te Hauheu, W. iJipango, and Takarangi Mete Kingi.

CHRISTOHURCH, December '1

Tame Parata and Taitaha Hape were nominated for the Southern Maori electorate. On a show of hands being taken there were: For Parata 8. for Hape 20. The poll takes place on the 9th inst.

THE PREMIER'S TOUR

WANGANUI.. December 4.

' The Premier addressed a crowded meeting at noon at the Oddfellows' Hall, which was packed with workers and ladies. The speech throughout evoked frequent applause, and closed with a brilliant peroration, claiming the confidence and continued support of the people of New Zealarftl at the polls on Wed nesday. A unanimous »*o|e of thanks and confidence was carried amidst thunders of applause and cheering and"waving of handkerchiefs by.the women portion of the meeting. The Premier left for Otaki by the express.

(Per L kited Pkess Association.)

AUCKLAND, December 4.

Mr Dnimia retires from Ohinemuri in favour of Mr Jackson Palmer, the Government candidate...

PALMERSTON NORTH, December 4. Mr D. Buick, the Opposition candidate, addressed his final meeting in the Theatre Royal, Palmerstoh, on Saturday evening. Mr Buitik met with a good reception, and received a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence.

WANGANUI. December 4. Mr A. D. Willis, the Government candidate, addressed a. largely attended meeting in the Drill Hall to-night. At the conclusion a voto of thanks and confidence was declared carried. WELLINGTON, December 4. Mr R. G. Knight, a candidate for the Suburbs, addressad a large meeting at Pctovie to-night. The proceedings were very disorderly, and the rowdy element practically took charge of the meeting. Mr Knight-ann-ounced, that he was asupporter of the present Government.

NOTES FROM WELLINGTON.

(From Our Own1 ConßEsroxnsxT.)

WELLINGTON, December 4. A third attempt has been made to patch up a Government ticket for the City, but has again failed. Various changes were rung on the Liberal candidates in the field at a meeting on Saturday evening, but none of thorn were regarded as satisfactory to the workers present. Ultimately a vote was taken, and general surprise was expressed at the result, for one of the principal Government candidates was easily beaten by an outsider.

The Nelson Mail says there arc civil servants in the Nelson district who have token steps to have their inclusion in the electoral rolls cancelled in order dhat there might not be a possibility of suspicion that they voted the " wrong way." ; at Napier, .Mr Pirani said:—•■ " The Premier's wife came to Palmevston'to work up the women's interest in the Government candidate, and Mrs Sohoch, paid official visitor of *he Porirua Asylum, came on the same mission, but she found no lunatics in Palmerston and had to go back."—(Laughter.)

The Nelson correspondent of the Post today states that the election there is lively to prove a close contest, if it does not result in the defeat of the Ministerial nominee, Mr Graham. ' .

Mr Taylor, the candidate who died suddenly yesterday, was at one time in business as a butcher at Marton. A few years ago he became a farmer in the Kiwitea district, and identified himself with all public movements. He is supposed to have died from fatty degeneration of the heart. The election will ' now, of course, be postponed, but it will take a very strong man to beat Mr. Lethbridge, whose supporters were absolutely confident of his return against Mr Taylor. A vote of no confidence in the Government was carried at a meeting addressed by Mr John Duthie at Woodville on Saturday. He advised the electors to put in a man who would not be tied down to Seddonism. The Post correspondent- wires that the general opinion is that ..the contest will be a. good run, with the Opposition having a little the best of it. •

The Post says:—"When the committees of the triple alliance met at the Exchange Hall on Saturday night an embarrassing rumour went round the room that some emissaries of the Government party were present for the purpose of spying out the resources and Teaming the tactics of the advocates of reform, and the first quarter of an

hour or so was spent by different. speakers in giving hints tb the intruders' that their room would be preferred to their company. Hints were, however, lost upon them, and by-and-by one speaker intimated that unless they made themselves scarce without further ado they would be asked by name to retire. Then there arose to .his feet a- gentleman who proved to be none other than.'the chairman of the committee of one of the nominees of the Government. It was in vain that he pleaded that ho had a right to be there, because they were all working for the same cause. The meeting insisted upon his\ withdrawal, and its chairman taking out his watch, gave the unabashed politician a timelimit within which either to vanish or to bo ejected by force. Then, with many a scowl; at a committee that was so determined not

to take into its confidence a spy from the enemy's camp, the unwelcome visitor strode

to the door. The other emissary, the conductor of one of the women's societies which, have flourished as engines of Seddonism in the city, had seen the wisdom of withdrawing at an early stage of the' discussion."

The presence of young men around the gates of Buckle street (Wellington) Catholic Church distributing leaflets- containing the Pope's opinions on prohibition brought forth a strong protest from Archdeacon Devoy at mass yesterday morning. The Archdeacon ordered the distributers of the leaflets from the precincts of the church, and in the church spoke in strong terms of the political aspect. of the Prohibition party in Parliament. Leaflets were also distributed outside St. Mary of the Angels in the evening, and there again the Archdeacon protested against the action of the prohibitionists in carrying on their " political canvass " at the doors of the church.

A LIVELY MEETING AT GREEN ISLAND.

Mr A. C. Boptg revisited Green Island last evening and delivered a second political address to the electors of that district. The audience, which was fairly largo at the beginning of the meeting, gradually increased in numbers until" the Volunteer Hall was crowded. Mr John. Blair accepted the position of chairman. Interruptions were frequent from the outset, and the chairman singled out Mr C. Samson as an offender in this respect, and remarked that it was a disgrace for a person who was a J.P. to behave in that fashion. Mr Begg, despite these interruptions, succeeded in delivering his speech,- which was upon tho «ime lines as those recently delivered by him at Outram and Mosgiel, being a review of an address of Mr Carncross's. There was a good deal of cheering and counteiyeheerine; when Mr Begg was referring to his connection with Messrs Robert Campbell and Sons, and the Chair--man appealed to the audience to give Mr Begg the same patient' hearing as had been extended to Mr Carneross on his visit. ■ Jlr Garncross, who was present, also asked for a fair hearing for Mr Begg.. These requests, however, were not much heeded,-and there was considerable commotion when Mi; Begg made reference to Mr Lee-.Smith in connection with the same question, .and Mr Lee Smith, mounting a form, rather excitedly said, '' I will answer him by-and-bye." ■ There were several passages, at arms between the speaker and Mr Carneross. The electors, however, who had an inclination for a lively meeting, had it satisfied when it came to the putting and answering of questions.

The Hon. A. Lee Smith said that alter the remarks made by Mr Begg lie would like to ask a few questions, and first of all he wished to make a few preliminsry observations.—The Chairman: Ask a question.—(Uproar.)

Mr Ben:s: I have paid for this hall, and did not do so to enable Mr Smith to make a speech.-—(Ohesrs and uproar.)

After a good deal of shouting and stamping Mr Smith was understood to ask if Mr Begg had said that lie (Mr Smith) had done him out of his billet.

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Mr Begg, in replying, stated that Mr Smith had, by his question in the theatre, put himself in the position of showing that ha possessed knowledge which he had no right to possess. The extracts from Mr W. Campbell's letter which lie had read showed that somebody had been intriguing and putting these things together. It certainly looked as if Mr Smith knew of what was going on.— (Applause and lueses.)

Mr Lac Smith again attempted to speak, but a- general uproar ensued, and the chairman, on trying to quell il, was told to "sit down." Mr Smith said he heard il stated in the streets of Dunedin that Mr Begg was to sever his connection with Messrs Camphell and Sons. In Parliament also it had been slated that- there had been- v enormous loi'sss in connection with the company's properties in New Zealand.

Mr Begg said the letter of Mr Campbell's that he had-read showed that he was perfeovly satisfied-with the management. Ow , ing to p. heavy fall of snow all the stations sustained very heavy losses that year. But certain shareholders had: been told it was not for the benefit of the company to have' a man in his position, unless he- was a friend of the• Government. ■

Mv Lee Smith, on again rising/was greeted with cries of ''Sit down." After a short interval he obtained a hearing, and, speaking warmly, he said if Mr Begg could prove that he had directly or' indirectly done anything to induce the shareholders of the company to oust Mr Begg from his position he would give £500 to any charitable institution Mr Begg might, name.—(Cheers.)

Mr'Begg: How did Mr Smith come to know of my leaving Robert Campbell and Sons' before I.did? ' .

Mr Lee Smith: It was the talk of the street. Accept ray challenge or else withdraw. ..Or, if you will put your statement in such a, way that I can prosecute* you, I "will do so. —(Applause.)

Mr.. Begg: I had. information from the chairman ■ .

Mr Lee Smith: I knew nothing. I neither wrote nor spoke to anyone. You judge me by yourself.—(Cries of "Sit down" and-ap-plause.)

Mr Begg: I had'information from the chairman of the company that overtures had been made to certain shareholders in Dunedin because I was not a, friend of the Government. Mr Lee Smith: ; Stiek to me, Mr Begg. \Mr Begg: Overtures I)ad been made on be-

-.alf of Mr Smith'for-him to obtain the posi:ion of manager" of the company. Mr Lee Smith!' You said I made overtures. Mr Begg: 1 did not say that. Mr Smith is I'ery angry, and,; ha is' saying things he'will regret. - - "'. '• ■ ■'■■

Mr Lee Smith:, You are a cold-blooded person, and wonld^make anyone angry. After some further sparring between Messrs Lee Smil.h and Begg, Mr W. Carncross, who is opposing Mr Begg in his candidature, got up, receiving some applause as he did so. Hi? stated that he had' attended SlSfr Begg's meeting, because at1 that late stage he could not have any other opportunity of replying to him. -• '.'•'. .•';.:

The Chairman rose to speak, but received a rather hostile There were cries of '"Sit clown," whereupon he told the audience they could appoint another chairman if they chose. ".'•.•>'.'"■

Mr Carncross then asked Mr Begg if he had stated that .-ho (Mr Carncross) had made a personarand offensive remark about him.

Mr Begg: I did say ro, and I say so again. Mr Carnoross:-': You inferred that a certain paragraphs concerning you had'been published in the editorial columns of Lhe Advocate. •"; '*•■■■-

Mr Begg: Under the heading of "Communicated," but-we can pretty well guess where these paragraphs emanate from. Mr Carncross: I had no more knowledge of it than that lamp. And I now aric you to point out any portion of my speech as being abusive of you.

Mr Begg^ It is full of it. Take the statement in, ■ which you infer I had been dishonest with reference to Campbell and Co.'s estate. -.!•'. .

Mr Carneross: I defy you to point that out. Mr Begg thereupon read a portion of the address, which ho contended cast a reflection upon his honesty. ;■■

Mr Carncross: I did state there were errors. Will you deny that? \ : Mr Begg: 'The errors were nofc made by me.

After some further questioning on the same subject, and also with regard to Bushy Park estate, Mr Carrieross asked why Mr Begg did not prosecute him if his speech had been so full of foul slanders. ■ '

Mr Begg stated he was not so fond of law. Tho Hon. A. Lee Smith: You will get enough of that soon.

Mr Begg said he thought these personalities should be avoided.—(Hear, hear.) He was 'going to refuse to answer any further questions by Mr Carrieross, who, he'considered, had abused the leniency., the audience had shown him.—(Applause arid uproar.) Questions' concerning the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, arid other matters were then ■ put_by other persons .in the audience and replied to. The chairman and Mr Carncross having had a set-to ;with regard to (the marine scandal, '■'■'/' ■ • /•' • '"'

Mr Harraway said he was sorry at, the feeling that had been displayed, but he was particularly sorry that • a member of the Upper House of-the colony should come and interfere in'the election-of a member for the Lower House.—(Cheere.) . The members of that Houge should be above party, and not trouble about any Ministry in power. He moved a vote of thanks-to and confidence'

in Mr Begg, and also that he was a fit and proper person to represent the constituency because ho was opposed to the present Government.—(Applause.) .'

Mr Howie seconded the motion. ! ' Mr Lee Smith, amidst cheering and disturbance, said he had yet to learn "that because he was a member of tho Upper House he was denied the right to reply to scandalous remarks concerning- himself which had bean made by the-gentleman on the platform. He ■ wn3 sorry to have to call him one out of courtesy.;—( Hoots and uproar.) He moved as an amendment that in consequence of the abusive addressI,'1,' and"; the shifty and unsatisfactory way in- which he has replied to the ' questions put to;him, Mr Begg is.not a fit and proper person to represent the Taieri electorate. —(Heo.r, hear v and applause.) Mr C. Samson seconded the amendment. A hrgis number, of hands were held up far the amendment, and a considerable number for the motion, but the chairman not having an opportunity of counting, made no declaration, and the meeting broke up in a: somewhat disorderly fashion. . _

Mr Lee Smith.; called for-three cheers for Mr Carneross as' the audience moved out, and thes'S were given by a large number of those present. Outside further cheers were given for" Messrs Smith and Carncroas, and soon the street was. occupied by little knots of people, who busily discussed the liveliest political meeting yet held in Green Island.

The Government candidates, Messrs Millar, Arnold, and Barclay, will address the electors in the Garrison Hall this 'evening at 8 o'clock. The 'gallery ■will -be. reserved for ladies and gentlemen accompanying them. ■ The Hon. John M'Kensiie returns thanks to the electors of Waihemo for returning him unopposed, a.nd thereby obviating the worry of a contested election. He hopes to pay a visit to each portion of his electorate before Parliament meets for the purpose of making himself acquainted with the requirements of each locality. Messrs Scobie Mackenzie's, Alex. Sligo's, and Charles Haynes's Central Committee will meet at the rooms, Moray place, this evening, whan a lull attendance is requested. To enable ladies or invalids to be called for and driven to a. convenient polling booth to-mor-row their names and addresses should be handed in at the committee rooms. Mr 0. R. Chapman has a notice to the electors of tho City in our advertising columns this morning. • Mr A. R. Barclay addressed the Woodhaugh electors last night. Mr Lawson occupied the chair. On the motion, of Mr Lewisham, a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence in Mr Barclay and confidence in the Government was carried amidst applause. Mr J. F. Arnold addressed*a meeting at St. Albans Hall, ICaikorai Valley, last evening, there being between 80 and 90 -electors present. The candidate spoke for about two hours and' a-huarter, ".nd was patiently listened to and frequently applauded. At the conclusion of the address Mr .T. Smyth moved a, most hearty vote of thanks to the candidate for his address and confidence in him as one of the most fit and proper persons to represent them in Parliament. This was seconded by Mr T. Ellis and carried/unanimously. 'The chair was occupied by Mr J. M. Craigib. A combined meeting' of all the committees of tho Liberal-Labour candidates was held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Rattray street, last evening. ■ The hall was crowded (o the doors, and the meeting was one of the most enthusiastic nricl united committee meetings ever held in Dnnetlin. A large number of ladies were 'present. The Chairman said the reports handed in from lfre various secretaries spoko volumes for the. work done unselfishly and patriotically by the voluntary canvassers, and the return of the Government ticket for Dunedin Citjr was now, he said, practically as-

surcd. The final meeting of Mr C. R. Chapman's Ladies' Committee, which was held last ovening, was, notwithstanding the rough weather, very largely attended. Tlioro were fully 50 ladies present, and arrangements were made for every polling booth in the city. The meeting separated after a, vote of thanks to the president (Mrs R. N. Adams), with a general expression of opinion that Mr Chapman would, be the surprise of the election, and

head Ihe poll. Mr C. R. Chapman's Central Committee had a well-attended meeting last evening, and the final arrangements for the poll were completed, pending to-morrow's final com Vied meeting.

Mr John "White, Opposition candidate for "VVaikouaiti, addressed the electors in the Mechanics' Institute Hall, "Waikouaili, on Friday, every seat being occupied, and a number standing, the attendance being about 180, including very many ladies. The Mayor (Mr it. Mill) occupied the chair. At the close of Mr White's address he answered a number of questions, inviting all present, whether electors of the district or not, to question him ff desired. Mr J. Kendall moved, and Mr All--ccck seconded, a hearty, vote of thanks to and confidence in Mr White as a fit and proper person to represent the district in Parliament. Mr Davis rose to propose an a<rvrr;o amei.^inient, but for some time coidd not gtt a hearing until Mr White requested the audience to allow him to,"speak. He then proposed, and Mr Thomson seconded—" That Mr White be thanked for his address, and that the meeting affirm their continued confidence in the «resent Government." The.motion was earned almost .unanimously, only about six hands being held up in .favour of the amendment. The meeting is described as being one of the largest and most enthusiastic held in Waikouaiti for many years past. At Seaclif? on Saturday night Mr John White addressed about 100 electors of the Waikouaiti district, including a number of ladies. Mr John Porteous, chairman of the County Couucil, occupied the chair. Mr White spoke for an hour and three-iiuarlers. and after satisfactorily answering a number oE questions, Mr Masterton moved a vote of thanks to and confidence in Mr "\\hile'as a fit and proper person to represent the electorate, and of no confidence in the present Government. This was seconded by Mr William Crawford. A vote of-jthanks only was proposed by Mr Pullar and seconded* by Mr Wilson. Only one hand was held up in favour of tlie amendment/ after which the motion was put and carried unanimously. Mr White held a meeting at Merton on Saturday afternoon, Mr John Duncan occupying the chair. A vote of confidence was carried on the motion of Mr M'Leod, seconded by Mr Barr. On Friday, night Mr Finlay M'Leod spoke to a large audience in Tapanui Hall, and was attentively listened to, ■ and frequently applauded. At the conclusion he received a unanimous vole of thanks^ and confidence. At Owaka on Saturday might he addressed the largest and 'most', enthusiastic political meeting ever held there, and again received a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence. The same vote was also carried for the Government, and three.-, cheers were given for

the candidate and the. "Seddon_ Government. The returning officer for \vuihcmo on Friday held a sitting-under the Licensing Poll. Regulation Act for the purpose of selecting two persons to appoint scrutineers, etc. Tho Revs. J. Oliver and James Clarke, on behalf of persons in favour of no-liceuse, were the only nominations received,, ancl. were duly appointed by the returning officer. An Invereargill telegram states that the candidates for Invercargill are to be assisted in their last ■meetings—Mr Hauan by the Bon. J. G. Ward and Mr Kelly by Mr John MrxGi-egor. ex-M.L.C. • Our Arrowtown-correspondent telegraphed yesterday that the Hon. J. G. Ward was to speak there at 5 p.m. and at Queenstown at

8 p.m. .--•■; ■ ','-.- A supplement to the Gazette was issued last night,' fixing the 15th .irist.--.as the date for the LyHelton election.

MEETINGS TO-NIGHT. Garrison Hal!.—Messrs-Millar, Arnold, and Barclay. Naumann's Hall.—Mr A. Morrison. Caversham Kail.—Mr.1 W. H. Warren. ' Town Hall, Port Clialiriers.—Mr J. White. Highcliff (2.30 p.m.).--Mr E. G. Allen. Ravensbourne (8 p.m.)7—Mr E. G. Allen. Soutabriclge (7 p.m.).—Mr J. Crawford Anderson. . • ' . ■ • . , „. Milton (9 p.m.).—Mr J. Crawford Anderson. K.aitangati\.—Mr J. Allen. Committee Rooms, Moray place.—Messrs I Mackenzie's, Sligo's, and Haynes's commitiees. - / Committee rooms, Dowling street. —Mr C. R. Chapman's comriiittees.