MR GARRICK'S MEETING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5987, 23 July 1887, Page 3

MR GARRICK'S MEETING.

. _*„ TO THE EDITOR OF THE " STAR." Sib, — I quite agree -with Mr C. W. Turner that votes of confidence are of little or no significance during election campaigns; they are rather the results of organisation than indications of the popularity of the candidates to which they are accorded. But while almost every meeting of electors ia asked to commit itself to an expression of this sort, it is just as well that the result should be accurately recorded. At Mr Garrick's meeting last night a vote of " thanks and confidence," and one of " thanks only," were the motion and amendment placed before the electors. ISo far aa I could judge, sitting in the back of the hall, the amendment was carried by a substantial majority ; bub the Chairman then proceeded to put the original motion, which was supported by not more than half the hands that. were displayed in favour of the amendment. Mr Garrick's opponents appeared delighted by this result, and without waiting for any announcement from the chair broke up the meeting with cheers for gentlemen that may be supposed to be in opposition to the candidate. Under these circumstances, I need hardy say that I was rather surprised to learn from the Lyttelton Times this morning that a vote of confidenco was carried. — I am, &c, A NON-VOTER •. ONE THAT WAS PRESENT. N.B.— ln the Press this morning, I Bee the " vote of confidence " was carried by " a large majority." Of course it was ; no one had an opportunity to vote against it. TO THE EDITOR OF THE " STAR." Sir, — I was considerably astonished to | see reported in this morning's Times that " a vote of thanks and confidence, as 1 against an amendment ' That a vote of thanks only be given,' was recorded." Now, Sir, the contrary was the case, at least in the opinion of myself and six other electors of St Albans, who accompanied me at the meeting, and I may say that this morning I have consulted three other gentlemen who were there last night, and they bear me out in my belief that the amendment was carried by a majority of at least five to four. By inserting this in your valuable paper, you will oblige SEVERAL ELBCTOES OP ST ALBANS. TO THE EDITOR OP THE "STAR." Sir, — I observe that in the Lyttelton Times' report of my speech to the electors of St Albans, all reference to my expressed determination not to be bound at the present time by any party pieces is omitted. In cuy speech last evening I said, " I wish it now to be ! understood that if I am returned I will go to Wellington free from party pledges., I am not afraid to say what I think, nor act up to what I promise, but I will always maintain my freedom to do what I think right."

I should like to be able to support a Ministry of which Sir Julius Yogel may be an influential member, but I am xinabie to promise to support the policy of the Stout-Vogel Government upon which they have appealed to the country. I am against any further borrowing. I am a supporter of a policy of thorough retrenchment and economy. I am against the unjust and unnecessary alteration in the Customs Tariff proposed by the Stout-Vogel Government ; and, whilst I am a Freetrader, I will support the continuance of the Protestion to Colonial Industries given by the present ad valorem duties.

I believe that by my holding myself unpledged to any party I shall be free to advocate my own views, and more likely to get them carried into effect. The Colony wants economy and vigorous retrenchment in its affairs, and I shall be prepared to support any Government satisfying me on these cardinal points. — I am, &c, F. J. GARRICK. Christchurch, July 23, IQSI.