MR MOFFATT AT RICHMOND.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12397, 12 November 1908, Page 2

MR MOFFATT AT RICHMOND.

Notwithstanding three counter-at-tractions in the township, Mr Moif- - att's meeting at Richmond was fairly attended Mr T. Hell occupied the chair. After outlining his political pnltform, Mr Md.ffatt. spoke of bis candidature, and urged that thos

supporting him should in ike an hffort to securo him a place in tbe second ballot. He knew influences Wore at work to discount Imb chances, but he believed his cause wna hardening up, and he felt >,eri»iu tUat if tie was fortunato enough to be placed in tbe final ballot he bad " a good prosnoct of being ilvcte.d; He also dealt with what' L'h rormod the inflated reports of meetings of other candidates, causing considerable amusement, when he enumerated the population of some of the bayi in the Sounde; where wild en thuiiasm Had been reported to have been shown in connection with other candidatures. He claimed to have had metings equal to those of others, but he had not yet thought it necessary to adopt some of these peculiar mathods of advertising himself. Ho bad assurances tbat he would receive strong support in the different localities be bad visited, and he ask -d his Richmcnd friends not to be misled by statements to tbo con trary. Mr Moffats resumed bis seat amidst applause. After a number of questions were put and satisfactorily answered, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the candidate by acclamation. Mr A. Fittall, the mover,, saying that after what tbey bad beard tl at night any expression of confidence should be matfe at the ballot box. These remarks were endorsed by the chairman, who was of opinion that the practice of passing votes of confidence at political meetings should be discontinued. A vole of thanks to the chair terminated the meeting. (Extract from"Pelorus:Guaidian, V Tuesday, Nov. 10th. j In the Nelson Electorate tbe fight is very brisk, and it is a difficult matter to come to any decision on the probable issue. Mr Atmore has admittedly gamed largely in the city proper, and in Pelorus Sound and the Croixelles he will probably get almost a blp.ck vote. In fact, settlers competent to judge of public feeling state that Mr Graham's tally in tie Sounds will not exceed EO. Mr -Atmore/s Nelson committee expect a margin of 400 or 500 in Nelson, and they are this year in a very much better, position to judge than they were in 1905. It is certain that Mr Atmbre'e energy, ability.acd manifest intention to "get there" has proved a-password to the confidence of many electors who are tired of the non - progressive, wearisome platitudes of the present .regime.' Another factor that has: militated in the Scurids against Mr Graham is his refusal Jo meet Mr Atmore in debate. The Young New Zealand Party are going to be a strong factor in the next Parliament, and there is little doubt tbat if Mr Atmore secures the position he has so courageously fought for for nine years, he will be a powerful acquisition to that Party.*