MR. SMITH AT THE ALEXANDRA HALL.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 7979, 24 September 1887, Page 2

MR. SMITH AT THE ALEXANDRA HALL.

As announced, Mr, E. M. Smith gave a political address in the Alexandra Hall on Friday night, when the attendance was large. Mr. Asber occupied the chair. Mr. Smith, after going over the history of the present contested election, proceeded to refer to the " compromise," and he said that a report was going round town that an agreement was going to be made between himself. and Mr. Dockrill, and I on hearing this a gentleman from him went to Mr. Dockrill and asked him would he abide by a poll at a properly convened meeting, but Mr. Dockrill declined the offer. Nomination day came on, and nothing was arrived at except Mr. Snell retired in his favor on that day. Ho looked upon a candidate as public property after nomination day, and therefore' unable' to make any compromise himself. Some days after nomination day he was going up the street, when two gentlemen accosted .him, and after some talk they drifted into politics, and said it was a pity that an amalgamation of the forces could not be arrived at. He told them he was prepared to come to terms, and asked them the nature of amalgamation, and they said " arbitration." He asked them if it was to ' be on "fair' and equitable grounds, and they said " yes." On hearing this he said he would agree, as he knew perfeotly well that he had the greater number of votes. He then passed on, but had not gone far when he ptlt on v his considering cap, and back he came, and said he would prefer to settle with Mr. Dockrill alone, as there were some 1 " rum cardß "on Mr. Dockrill's committee, and some on his, and he knew that if they had to decide they would never come to terms. He met Mr. Dockrill, bat he would hot tell them what transpired as it would be dishonorable, but he explained to Mr, Dockrill why he should retire in his favor. He said to Mr. Dockrill: Your only object is to keep Mr.. Samuel out, and if you want to see that wish realised, just retire. I'll keep him out. (Laughter.) Mr. Smith then referred to the matter being left to an umpire. He told his executive committee about the affair, and they agreed to do it. They then aßked the Mayor—an independent man in politics — to decide, and he assented to their wish. But after hearing both Bides on Wednesday, he decided, like a wise and prudent man, to sleep on the matter for a night before giving his decision. He next day gave back the papers, and said he would not decide. [A Voice: Quite right, too."] They then went to Mr. Hughes, and, to show he had pluck and backbone — (applause) — he said to Mr. Dockrill that he would go into Mr. Hughes' room, make a statement as to support, come out, and let Mr. Dookrill go in aud do like wide, and then leave Mr. Hughes ' to decide, and - post his decision on the door, but this was not agreed to. He thon concluded by saying he was now going to the poll, and to head it. Mr. Snell next addressed the meeting, and gave his reasons for retiring, aud con- | oluded by proposing a vote of thanks and confidence to Mr. Smith, which was seconded by Mr. White, and declared carried.