MR JOYCE AT WILLOWBANK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5730, 25 November 1896, Page 3

MR JOYCE AT WILLOWBANK.

The largest and most enthusiastic political meeting ever held at Willowbank took place in the Free Methodist schoolroom, last evening. Mr , J. T. Brown, chairman of the Spreydon Road Board, was in the chair. Mr Joyce's address was attentively listened to, and frequently applauded. At the close of the address several of the electors referred to the necessity for consolidating the Liberal vote on Mr Joyce, whose chances of Buccess throughout the electorate were considered to be far and away beyond that of the other Liberal candidate, thus making the position more secure against the Conservative nominee. On the motion of Mr Manhire, a resolution expressing thanks and confidence in Mr Joyce, and also confidence in the Seddon Ministry was carried unanimously and enthusiastically. At the close of the meeting a large committee of ladies and gentlemen was formed to work the district, Mr Brown being appointed chairman. Mr Alfred Saunders has been duly nominated for the Selwyn electorate. Mr R. M. Taylor was nominated to-day as a candidate for one of the Christchurch seats. It is understood that all post offices in the colony wVll have to be kept open until 7 p.m. on Dec. 4, the day of the election, as the Act provides that holders of electors' rights may record their votes at any post office, up to the time of the closing of the polls. The two candidates for the Eiccarton electorate and one of the contestants for the Avon seat, were very much in evidence at the Addington Yards to-day, and business suffered to a certain extent by the large amount of interest taken in politics. Mr Swarm addressed a large meeting of electors at the Burwood schoolroom, last evening, Mr Turner in the chair. At the conclusion of the address a hearty vote of thanks was accorded on the motion of Mr Greenup, seconded by Mr Spencer. A. vote of confidence was proposed, which the candidate declined. Mr W. H. Montgomery, a candidate for the Ellesmere district, addressed a large meeting of the residents of Little Akaloa on Saturday night. A vote of thanks and confidence was proposed by Mr Priest, but at Mr Montgomery's request a vote of thanks was substituted and carried unanimously. Mr Montgomery also spoke at Greenpark, where the schoolroom was crowded, and his address lasted over two hours. At the conclusion of the meeting a vote of thanks and confidence was proposed. Mr Montgomery said that he would prefer a simple vote of thanks now, and would trust them to show their confidence at the ballot box. The motion was therefore amended and carried unanimously. Mr H. F. Recce, one of the candidates for the Ashley seat, addressed a meeting of electors in the Public Hall, Leithfield, on Monday evening, Mr J. Smillie in the chair. There was a fair attendance, a good number of ladies being present. Mr Recce spoke for about two hours, and at the close of his address Mrs Jackson proposed a vote of thanks and confidence ; this was seconded by Miss Smillie and carried. A vote of thanks was proposed by Mr Reeoe to th« Chairman. * i