MEETING AT WAIMATE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 4441, 18 July 1887, Page 2

MEETING AT WAIMATE.

In response to a circular sent to a number of electors in the Waimate district asking their attendance at the County Council Chambers on Friday afternoon last to consider the best means of securing the return of a suitable local member for the district, abouty eighty electors attended.

His Worship the Mayor presided. Mr Sinclair, in opening the proceedings, said they had met to try and see if they could find a local man to represent them in Parliament. He hoped that the meeting would be unanimous as far as possible. He called upon Mr Slee, who had issued the circular.

Mr Slee said that at a casual meeting of electors it was suggested amongst other things that they should endeavour to obtain a local man to represent their interests, and he had written out between 250 and 300 circulars to the leading men of the district, hence the present meeting. By doing this he had not intended that it should be a private meeting, but everyone was welcome. Personally ho knew nothing, and cared less, for politics, and ho was sure there were men present more able to discuss the matter than himself. Mr 0. Y. Clark stated that he was again in the field, and having had thirty years practical experience of the requirements of the electors, he thought himself justified in coming forward. Retrenchment was necessary, and he hoped as an intelligent community they would take care that they would not be gulled by anyone, and considering his lengthened 1

knowledge of the district, he thought he knew whiU w;>s required. le would take an early opportunity of adressing the

electors. Mr F. M. Rickman said thsfc he was not coming before them as a catdidate, but lie would like to advise the eleitors to take time to consider the matter -.horoughly before promising support to my candidate, for, as a settler of thirty-nur years’ standing, he knew something of the electors’ requirements, and uiless the affairs of the colony, for the nextthree or four years, were managed skilfuly, New Zealand would be “up a tree,” md the people as well. He was in favoured any candidate provided he upheld econony. Mr Thomas Evans spoke at gome length, and caused considerable atusement by his remarks. He was stroigly in favour of strictly local governmint. Travelling from this subject, he dvelt upon educational affairs, roads md bridges, etc.

Mr John Manchester thought tie meeting was called to talk over the matte;, and see what could be done in the way o’, bringing out a local member to represent their interests at the forthcoming election, and also to see if the feelings of the electors were in harmony with those of their member, Mr Steward. This step was necessary, seeing that the boundaries had been altered, and the Wairaate electorate had taken in a large area of new country. Consequently new names had been added to the roll. He was not a candidate there that afternoon. The financial affairs of the country required very careful handling. In such a serious position, it was no use pulling long faces. Now was the time to take care what they were about. A man for whom he entertained feelings of respect had been on the wrong side of the House lately, and if a measure, which Mr Steward had supported, had been passed, the country would have been further burdened to a great extent. Rigid retrenchment, from the Governor downwards, was required, and unless that were adhered to, the community would be unable to meet their financial engagements. He would be pleased to support anyone whom he thought would be a worthy and competent candidate to look after the interest? of the electors. With a view of making arrangements to hold meetings, he thought a move should be made by those present for the purpose indicated.

An elector present proposed that Mr Alphens Hayes should be nominated. * A Yoice : We have had enough of the two late members of the County Council, who were put out of office through corruption—Steward is the man. Mr Thomas Evans again came forward and reiterated his previous remarks. Mr Rickman thought it would be best to appoint a Committee to arrange meetings throughout the district, and thus give the electors an opportunity of hearing the views of probable candidates.

Mr Black supported the suggestion, whereupon Mr Hayes thought it would be much better for his Worship the Mayor to convene a public meeting one night during the week, and thus an opportunity would be afforded to the electors of hearing the candidates’ opinion.

Mr T. Evans seconded the amendment.

Mr Wrigg : I beg to propose that this meeting adjourns until Mr Steward comes down here. It is nothing less than trying to undermine him.

Mr Rickman withdrew his motion in favour of Mr Hayes’ amendment. Mr Hayes did not intend at that time to discuss political matters, but he hoped their present member would be at the meeting. A Yoice : So he will. An elector : Who is going to pay far the kerosene '{ The Chairman : Put it on the rates.

An elector : Oh, no, you don’t. It was ultimately decided to call a public meeting in the Library Hall on Thursday evening at 7-30.

A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceedings.