The General Elections.

Southland Times, Issue 17079, 30 October 1902, Page 3

The General Elections.

[Pa» United Press Association.] Dunedin; Oct. 29. Mr E. G, Allen, M.H.R , a candidate for the Chalmers seat, addressed a well attended meeting at North-East Tally to-night. He announced himself a strong supporter of the Government, and defended their policy, but he was not in favour of heavy borrowing. A vote of thanks and confidence was passed un&nimously., ~ It is said there is a probability of a candidate being put forward for Waikouaiti at the last moment.

Christchurch, Oct. 29. Mr T. H. Davey, a candidate for Christchurch, addressed the electors to-night. He supported the Liberal party, and moderate borrowing for reproductive works, and announced himself in favour of Bible-reading —not Bible instruction—in schools. A vote of thanks and confidence wascairied. Mr A., Laughrey, a candidate for Avon, announced himself as a general supporter of the Government, but thought borrowing should be decreased. He received a vote of thanks. Mr B. Baynes announces himself as a candidate for Christchurch, as a supporter of the present administration. Mr Laurenson addressed the Lyttleton electors to-night, and spoke in support of the Government. He received a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence.

Wellington, Oct. 29. Mr P. J. O’Regan, a candidate for Wellington City, addressed the electors this evening, and was awarded a vote of thanks and confidence. He gave qualified support to the Government, and. said the Ministry should be reconstructed. He declared that he supported principles, not men, and he would oppose a standing army as he would smallpox, and promised whole-hearted support to labour legislation, and any efforts to improve land settlement.

Mr J. C. Thomson on Saturday addressed a large meeting at Te Tua, Mr H. McQuillan being chairman. The candidate spoke strongly on the borrowing policy, the methods of Civil Service appointments, and the extravagant co-operative system, and specified reforms that were necessary for the better administration of affairs. Mr Thomson was closely followed, and frequently applauded, and at the close a hearty vote of thanks, and also of confidence in him as a fit and proper person to represent Wallace, was carried unanimously.—A correspondent. Mr Thomson addressed a large audience at Papatotara on Monday night, Mr W. C. Cochrane in the chair. He commenced by praising Mr Gilfedder for what he had endeavoured to do for the district, not backed up by the Government. The difference between him and his opponent was, that Mr Gilfedder would support the Government through thick and thin, while he declared himself an Independent Oppositionist. The state of the Waiau road was referred to as disgraceful. The Government was spending large stuns on public buildings in towns, while they left the poor settlers whom they had placed in the back blocks to wade to their homesteads in the mire. The hearts of the leaders of the Government wept for the dwellers in the bush (so they said) but their sympathy went no further. These deprivations the people are enduring through the Government passing; votes and not expending them. His strong references to the slow progress on the Orepuki railway extension were well received. He also strongly referred to the fact that a man who raised his voice in criticism of the Government was ear marked and debarred from employment, while those who would knuckle down were put into snug berths. Do we,” he asked, “live in a free country.” The address was listened to with close attention. A vote of thanks and confidence was moved and an amendment according thanks only proposed, but the motion was carried by a large majority.— A correspondent.