THE TUAPEKA ELECTION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2106, 5 July 1894, Page 23

THE TUAPEKA ELECTION.

Our Lawrence correspondent telegraphs : — " The Hon. Mr Larnach has had enthusiastic meetings and received unanimous votes of confidence at Millei'a Flat and Roxburgh. Large working committees have volunteered at each place." Our Roxburgh correspondent telegraphs that Mr Larnach had a cordial reception there. A Central Otago correspondent telegraphs: — "Mr Scobie Mackenzie had a well attended meeting at Poolburn on Saturday night, and received a unanimous vote of confidence. On Monday Mr Mackenzie met the electors at Ophir, at noon, and was well received. A vote of confidence was proposed by Mr J. W. M'lntosh and seconded by Mr John White, which Mr Leask desired to make more emphatic by proposing — • That Mr Mackenzie was the most fit and proper person to represent them.' At Mr Mackenzie's request the amendment was withdrawn until Mr Larnash was heard. The motion was then carried amid cheering."

A very curious story comes to us on excellent authority from Lawrence, and which accounts for the length of time Mr Rawlins remained in the field ttr Tuapeka. It appears ttmt Mr Rawlins was encouraged by the opponents of Mr Scobie Mackenzie to continue the contest, they offering to pay his expenses and accord him support at the same time. The offer of payment of was declined, but Mr Rawlias took the proffered support iv good faith ; and it was on his discovering that much of this was not genuine that he properly decided to leave the field. It would seem, therefore, that there was something in the nature of a conspiracy to keep Mr Mackenzie out of Parliament, of wh : ch Mr Rawlins was the unconscious object. On Mr Rawlins's retirement becoming known, the election was fixed at a date that would make it impossible for Mr Mackenzie to go over the ground. It would be surprising indeed if such conduct towards a prominent public man were endorsed by any constituency in the colony. Mr Scobie Mackenzie addressed a crowded meetiDg of the electors at Clyde on Tuesday evening, and received a vote of confidence. A vote of thanks only, proposed as an amendment, was lost.