THE WESTLAND SEAT.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13271, 23 November 1911, Page 2

THE WESTLAND SEAT.

Mil MICHEL AT ROSS,

Hokitika, Nov. 22

Mr H. L. Michel, candidate for the Westland seat, addressed a large meeting at Ross last evening. A special train from Hokitika carried 200 supporters. Mr Michel had a good hearing, tho meeting being orderly until tho motion for a vote of thanks had been moved and second-

Then Mr Josoph Grimmond, of Ross, mounted the stage to speak to the motion and reply to the criticism by Mr Michel of some references made by Mr Grimmond at Hokitika regarding Mr Michel's attitude on the sale of the Hokitika harbour reserves and the Ross Flat management.

Amidst some uproar Mr Grimmond commenced to speak, the Mayor, Mr Bruce, asking foi1 British fair play.

Mr Michel, however, rose to a point of order, stating that there was • no precedent to allow speeches or an attack on a motion of a vote of thanks. Mr Michel then immediately walked off the stage into the body of the hall, this being the signal for a regular pandemonium of cheering, hooting and singing. Mr Gritnmond was> unable to obtain a hearing, but continued reading his statement.

In conclusion, amid continued uproar, tho Mayor put tho motion and declared it carried. The, excited crowd continued the uproar for a considerable time afterwards.