THE NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR CHRISTCHURCH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3554, 1 September 1879, Page 2

THE NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR CHRISTCHURCH.

TO THK EDITOR OF TITE STAR. Sib,— l attended tho Oddfellows' Hall to-day for the purpose of witnessing tho nomination of enndidafes for Christchurch. I was glad to pee that all the candidates for election to Parliament got such a fair hearing, and also their proposers and seconders, but I must Bay I was fairly disgusted at the decision of Mr leo, tho returning officer. As a stranger to this placo, just arrived from Victoria, I am not partial to any candidate, as I am not acquainted with tho gentlemen seeking election, nor do I know anything of their doings, I happoned to bo passing the hall, and, seeing a crowd, I walked in, having nothing particular to do. I waß in a flrßt-clasi position to note tho result of the show of hands, both in tho gallery, stage and body of the hall, and I must say that, without the slightest doubt, Sir G. Qrej. had an overwhelming majority. I thought myself that the show of hands for Mr Andrews also far exceeded those for Mr Stovens and Mr Bichardson. My first impression of tho fairness of the way in which public proceedings in New Zealand are conducted, as gathered from the business of to-day, 1 regret to say is by no means a favourable one. Probably the Returning Officer could not see with tho single eye-glass. I think it was a mistake. Ho should have had for this occasion (if the gentleman is near-sighted), a double pair of eyo-glassec, and then, no doubt, ho would have been üblo to have given a correot result of the show of hands, or at least a fairly approximate one. I think that the hands shown should bo counted and tho numbers given out to the meeting. Inßtead of this, Mr Lee called out the result, and the matter seemed to bo rushed to a conclusion in a hurried manner. Mr Loo could not have potsibly counted tho hands in the time ho took. The larger number, who seemed to mo dissatisfied, should have demanded another show of hands or ft divisior. I take it that tho meeting not allowing tho vote of thanks to bo carried to tho Returning Officer, showed that they dienpproved altogether of hi* decision — a very good plan, indeed, when tho people think that justice is not being done. I would strongly advieo that this nomination humbug Bhould bo abolished, and tho Victorian plan adopted. Apologising tor troubling you, I am, &<\, IS VICTORIAN.