THE MATAURA ELECTION.

Otago Witness, Issue 1416, 11 January 1879, Page 20

THE MATAURA ELECTION.

(Pee Associated Pbess Special Wirs). Invercabgill, 6th January. The nomination of candidates for the representation of Mataura in the House of Representatives took place to-day. Mr H. J aggers proposed Mr Shanks, stating that he had known that gentleman for a long time, and thought he would look after the true interests of the district were he elected. Mr Hugh Cabswell seconded Mr Shanks' nomination. He referred to the creditable manner in which Mr Shanks had filled many important public positions. He was a gentleman who had never held extreme views, and he had no doubt but that he would do full justice to all their interests. The qualities Mr Shanks possessed, combined with his 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 speech highly eulogistic of Mr Kinross. Mr Shanks then intimated that as he would have an opportunity of addressing the electors on a future occasion, he would not trouble them with any remarks. Mr Kinboss, after Borne introductory remarks, said the one great matter underlying the present contest was the land 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 fi9ld already who met their views. He had always done what he could to prevent land monopoly. They had to decide whether they would elect a candidate who wished to see every man get a home of his own and equal laws for everybody, or one who would support a policy calculated to promote the creation of an aristocracy in the Colony like that of England. The increase of Invercargill was due to the settlement of the country, and had the land round it continued to be runs it would only have been a miserable village, and working men would have been walking about begging a day's work from the runholders. He denied that Sir George Grey created class legislation. He would support the extension of the franchise to females. He alluded to Mr Shanks as " the conservative candidate." The 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 electors at Appleby to-night. During his speech he supported the principle of & man being able to borrow on the aecurity of improvements on his land held on deferred payment. All the restrictive clauses should still remain in force, but he should be able to pledge the labour and capital he had sunk to obtain the necessary means to go on. He advocated a land tax, and would like to see 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, he thought the present system should be allowed a fair trial. After referring to other questions, he was interrogated freely by his auditors. Finally the meeting passed a resolution to the effect that Mr Shanks was not a fit or proper person to represent the Mataura district.