POLITICAL REFORM ASSOCIATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5989, 26 July 1887, Page 4

POLITICAL REFORM ASSOCIATION.

Meeting at Papanui. I

Last night the eleotors of Papanui, at the invitation of the Political Reform Association, met in the Town Hall to hear the political questions of the day enlarged upon. The hall was crowded, many being unable to find seats. The gallery, which was reserved for ladies, was almost empty, only some half-dozen having availed themselves of their privilege. Punctually at eight o'clook, the business began by Mr Aoton- Adams calling upon the meeting to propose a Chairman, and suggesting that Mr Andersen, Chairman of the Papanui School Committee, should be aefced to preside. Mr W. D. Meares proposed— "That Mr Anderßen take the chair." A gentleman in the body of the hall proposed, and another gentleman seconded— " That Mr Meares take the chair." Mr Connal seconded the nomination of Mr Andersen, and this was carried by accjamttion. Mr Andersen then took the chair, and after thanking the meeting for the honour done him, said he was quite independent of- any political Association, and hoped that the meeting would give a fair and impartial hearing to the speakers, although they might not agee with everything that was said. (Applause.) He concluded by calling upon Mr Acton-Adams to address the electors. Meiers J. B. Gresaon and E. M. Clissold alao addr&aedthe meeting. Mr Stead said that the Association would be glad to allow anyone to speak, or if no one cared to Bpeak they would be glad to answer any questions. Mr Spackman had intended to say a few words on the other side of the question, but it was so late that the meeting would, he feared, be unwilling to hear him. (Dries of "yes," and "platform.") Itwastoo lase, because if he took the speeches point by point, it would take him till twelve o r olook. The beßt thing would be for the Electors' Association to have a night and put before the eleotors their views. (Applause.) He hoped they would not make up their minds without hearing both sides. (Hear.) Retrenchment was the harp that everyone had played upon since the elections began. They that night had heard a good deal about retrenchment, but the speakers had not shown how it could be done. (Applause.) Mr Acton-Adams had shown a reduction of .£I7OO, but this would not go far towards the £200,000 promised. (Applause.) Then Mr Adams had told them a nice little story about the benefit he bad not got for his rateß, but would that gentleman keep the property if he did not get something from it? (Applause.) He (Mr Spackman) was being led on further than he had intended. (Cries of "go on.") He thought the gentlemen who had spoken wore entitled to a vote of thanks. They no doubt wished well to the Colony. They had said they were of no party, but those who had heard their speeches would know what party they favoured. (Applause.) Mr Abton- Adams had never said that he belonged to no party. He thought that avery man should support a party. Mr Spackman concluded by moving a vote of thanks to the speakers of tho 9vening. Mr A. E. Tutton seconded the motion, which was carried by acclamation. Mr F. de C. Malet moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman. This was carried by acclamation, and briefly acknowledged by Mr Andersen. The meeting then broke up.