A JOLLY MEETING.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 4440, 16 July 1887, Page 3

A JOLLY MEETING.

Thus the Oamaru Mail heads its graphic report of a meeting in the Teesircet hall on Thursday night for the purpose, of bringing out a working men’s candidate. One Mr Firth came forward and he seems to have kept the electors in merry mood. After a good deal of speaking of a vague character, Mr M’Dowell asked why proper resolutions had hot been framed to place before the meeting. A voice : So they were, but Bob Blair has used them for stuffiing a sofa.

Mr Andy Dlneen having, through an open window,discovered Mr George Jones, there was a general cry for Jones, who, as he was admitted by the back door, was greeted with cheers and various calls—his views, a violin solo, and “ Tell us all about it.” Later on a call for Lemonade Harry (whosoever that individual might be) was not responded to. Mr Joe Greenfield suggested an adjournment to the Royal, presuming Mr Frith would stand. An exhibition of a bit of blue ribbon by Mr Frith settled the matter.

The Chairman : Mr Frith will answer any questions put to him. Replying to another question whether their present member would not do for them for another term, Mr Frith said there was nothing to show that he had done anything for them.

Being asked whether he thought £IOO enough for a representative. Mr Firth said he thought £l5O little enough. A man could not afford to get someone to manage his business and keep a wife and family, on less, Mr Oalderwood : The man that needs a manager to manage his bit of business in Oamaru had better stay at home, A voice : Ah ! but you’ve only a cow to look after.

A voice : Are you in favour of abolishthe duty on soft soap. Mr Firth : Yes, if it tends to make you any cleaner. In reply to another question Mr Frith professed that he was in favour of the Bible being read in schools. A voice : Which Bible ? The Greek,

Being asked if he would favour a tax on all Cheap Jacks coming into the country. Mr Frith said he certainly would. A voice : If you become Premier of New Zealand will you accept a Knighthood 1 A voice: Rather, you can safely answer that question. Being asked concerning his dealings with Sir R. Stout.

Mr Firth replied that all the dealings he had ever had with him was seeing him shake hands with a gentleman at the railway station. A voice : Oh ! oh ! Then you must have been the chap that did the “ get ” into the refreshment room.

Shortly after the good humoured but utterly farcical meeting broke up in jovial style.