THE COMING ELECTION.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 8660, 24 October 1896, Page 2

THE COMING ELECTION.

ME F. H. SMITH AT PAREOEA. Mr P, H. Smith opened his political campaign as a candidate for the representation of Timaru with an address to the electors in the Pareora Schoolroom on Thursday night. Mr Anstey presided. Owing to the very short notice the- attendance was not large, but included several ladies, Mr Smith spoke for about an hour. Me adversely criticised the Government policy of botrow-

ing. of bolstering up an unsound bank, their seizure of sinking funds, and some of their labour legislation. He condemned Mr Seddon’s acceptance of a directorship of a mining company, and thought Mr Hali-Jones had-neglected his own district in the allocation of the million loan. He gave the Government some credit for an attempt to settle, the land, but thought there was still room for much improvement. Whilst admitting some improvement under present control, he thought the working of the railways should not be undertaken by the Government. He was in favour of grants to efficient Catholic schools, and of free secondary education by means of scholarships. He hoped before long to see women admitted to Parliament, fie opposed Direct Veto and Prohibition, but thought the police force required reorganisation. He stood as an independent candidate, and would prefer to follow a leader like Mr Rolleston rather than either Mr Seddon or Captain Russell. Mr Smith was well received and occasionally applauded, and at the close of his - speech satisfactorily answered a large number of questions of a general, local, or humourous character, and on the motion of Mr Besley, seconded by Mr Black, he was accorded a hearty vote of thanks, a similar compliment to the chairman terminating an orderly and interesting meeting. A number of settlers in the Hook district met at the schoolroom on Thui'sday night last to hear Mr Duncan Sutherland, one of the candidates for the Waitaki seat. Mr W. J. Hai’die was voted to the chair. Mr Sutherland spoke for over an hour. At the conclusion of the address a number of questions were asked and answered to the evident satisfaction of those present. A vote of thanks and confidence was proposed by Mr Herstlett and seconded by Mr Newlands, who congratulated the electors in having the opportunity of electing such a practical man as Mr Sutherland is. The motion was carried unanimously and a vote of thanks to the chairman closed the meeting.

(By Telegraph.) AUCKLAND, October 23. Major Harris is out for Franklyn, and Mr Cadman for Ohinemuri, WELLINGTON, October 23. Mr F, H. Fraser, a former member of the Honse, is being requisitioned to stand for the City of Wellington. NEW PLYMOUTH, October 23. Mr E. M. Smith addressed the electors to-night. He strongly supported the Government, He received a vote of thanks and confidence. CHRISTCHURCH, October 23. Mr W. W. Collins, M.H.R., was entertained by the Women’s Political Council at a largely attended social gathering this evening.^ At a meeting of the National Association to-night, it was resolved to support Messrs Charles Lewis, H. J. Beswick, and M. Donnelly for the City of Christchurch. DUNEDIN, October 23. Mr Muir has retired from the contest for Dunedin owing to business engagements. Mr A. C. Begg, a candidate for the city, addressed the electors at the Princess Theatre to-night, when there was a good attendance. He declared himself a Liberal and in favour of Liberalism, but not that of the present Government, and he opposed them strongly.in general politics.