TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 1920, 4 December 1890, Page 19

TAPANUI.

December I.— On Wednesday evening Mr Revell, E.M., attended at the courthouie to appoint returnIng officers for this and other suburban localities for the ensuing election in the electorate of Tuapeka. School Examination.— On Monday aad Tuesday last Inspector Taylor examined the pupils attending the local uohool, with the following results :— Percentage of passes of those presented, 57 ; percentage of passes of those examined, 94 ; class subjeats, 68 ; additional marks, 82. Before leaving the inspector complimented the staff on the efficiency of the pupils. The order, attention, and manners were repotted very good. Political.— On Friday evening Mr Valentine revisited this district and addressed the eleotors in the Athenaeum. There was a good attendance. The Mayor presided. Mr Valentine gave a short description of his electoral tour, stating that he was fully convinced that he would be returned. A number of questions were put to the candidate, which he gave his opinion upon. Mr Valentine might have gained a few more friends had he refrained from using a few phrase* which he did— suoh as telling the eleotors that he waa satisfied that he had all the respectable members of the constituency with him, and he trusted that on the|poliing day they would distinguish the brummigem ware from tbe sterling ■ilver. Mr J. O. Brown, the other candidate, is also confident of success. The merits of both men have been put before the public previously. A great deal has been said about Mr Brown, but the candidate has defied anyone to come face to face with any of their charges, either private or publio ; but none has dared to do so. On that account we must conclude that the charges are unfounded. Hi* greatest enemies are those who know nothing whatever about him. This is the last opportunity of offering any opinion upon the election, and as the power is in the electors' hands it is hoped that they will roll up on Friday and vote according to their conscience, and not be led by any party.

Salvation Army,— On Wednesday and Thursday evenings a sptcial go was on In the Army In the form of a reception and farewell meeting. On Wednesday night there was a larga turn out, this being the first appearance of Major JKolfe in Tapanui. The Athenaeum was engaged for the oocasion, which was fairly filled. Addresses were given by Major Kolfe and Snslgn Newbold, which were of a thoroughly stirring description ; also a solo from the major entitled the •' Wounded iinner's rest," which was highly appreciated. At the close of the speeches all were invited to take part in a coffee supper, and a large number accepted the invitation. There was a plentiful supply of good things, which were liberally distributed by the local officers and soldiers of the corps. On Thursday night the meeting was held in the usual place, being principally In commemoration of Ensign Newbold's farewell. The hall was well filled, and a fair collection was taken up. She ensign in a moßt eloquent address bid the people of Tapanui farewell. In doing so he said that although he had to go to pastures new this place would ever remain dear to him from the many associations he had formed. Major Bolfe followed In true Salvation style.

Matobal Election.— On Wednesday last the poll took place for the office of mayor. The candidates -were Mr J. B. M'Alister and W. Sinclair. The contest was keen and spirited, each candidate doing all he could to defeat hiß opponent. A large crowd gathered together opposite the town clerk's office to hear the result. Mr W. Quin, returning officer, appeared a little after 6 p.m. and gave the result as follows:— For J.B. M'Alister, 41; W. Sinclair, 23; informal, 3 ; majority for J. B. M'Alister, 18. Mr M'Alister, who was present at the declaration, briefly addressed the ratepayers, thanking them for the honour they had again conferred upon him, this being the third time they had reposed their confidence in him, and he could assure them that in the future, as, in the past, he would do all he could for the interests ot the borough. Mr W. Sinolair arrived shortly after the declaration, and, amid cheers from the crowd, was called upon to address them. In doing so he stated that he bowed to the decision of the ratepayers, but if everyone had remained true to their promises the result might have been different. However, he did not grudge bis opponent the billet, which, as he had told them in a previous address, was not a rosy one. He had great pleasure in thanking the 23 ratepayers who had entrusted him with their support.— (Cheers.) Mr John Gunion proposed a vote of thanks to the returning officer.