West Coast Times. AND WESTLAND OBSERVER. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1868

West Coast Times, Issue 1004, 10 December 1868, Page 2

West Co ast T imes. AND WESTLAND OBSERVER. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1868

The whole of the candidates for the representation of Hokitika in the County Council have now been declared, and they have enjoyed the fullest opportunities of placing their views before tho electors. They have run the gauntlet of cross-exami-nation and challenge, and we now only await the result of to-day's poll to enable us to determine what will be the character and complexion of the new County Council. The meeting held last night at the Duke of Edinburgh was the most successful one of a political character that has yet been held in Hokitika. It was what a theatrical manager would call a first-rote house. The large audience that assembled was no doubt due to the public expectation entertained of a general attendance of the candidates for the town — in order that their political views might be compared, and the electors placed in a position to make a fair aud free selection of Iho candidates they would return. Mr Sale, however, aloue — by whom tho invitation to a, free conference was issued — was present. The idea of a free conferencotlms fell through. It became simply a meeting of Mr Sale's friends and of a few of Mr Sale's opponents. The latter were more persistent in their cross-examiuation than in the case of any of the other candidates ; but tho explanations offered appeared to afford satisfaction.

The Election to be conducted to-day promises to result in a more true and bona jfide expression of the public opinion and feeling of the town than any previous opportunity that has beeu afforded r itj ant vis satisfactory to k.now #\tf

it will be so, seeing the very Altered circumstances which it is tto\V launched into the new sea of its future. We have a practically new Constitution leading* to a new future. The enlarged powers possessed will introduce new elements of self-government, and we can only congratulate ourselves in the fact that the citizens are afforded the opportunity of so wide a selection of good men ; and that so many good men nave paced themselves in the field.

Mr Sale addressed a densely-crowded meeting of the electors of Hokitika last evening) at the Duke of Edinburgh Theatre. On the motion of Mr J. Cross, Mr Bartlett was called to the chair. The Chairman having briefly introduced the candidate to the meeting, asked for him and any ofc'heu gentleman whether candidate or otherwise, a fair aud impartial hearing. Mr Sale then addressed the meeting, and, after pointing out the great importance of the present election, and the necessity of sending in the best meu to | the County Council, said that his object in ' calling the meeting was that all tfie ca ulidates might meet altogether in a friendly, open way, and submit their views to the electors, in order that they might choose tho>e whom they thought to be the best men. (Cheers). He said that during the whole time of the contest lib had. never cast n, single aspersion upon any of the candidates, and he would not depart from that course now. (Cheers). Mr Sale then rapidly sketched his past political career, and answered the objec-

tions that had been made to him, on the ground of his late connection with the Canterbury Government, and said no man could say that he had ever used his official position in order to benefit himself personally. (Cheers). He then reiterated his views with regard to the future policy to be adopted in "Westland. He stated that the two directions in which he thought retrenchment could be made were the Police and the Survey; but "during the time of his connection with Canterbury, he had had no control over those departments, and when separation took place ho was no longer at the head of affairs. He had successfully opposed the expensive Gold Escort which the Canterbury Government sought to establish between here and Christchurch, and in lieu thereof hail established an inexpensive escort between Hokitika ami the gold-mining centres. In conclusion, he seriously asked the electors to consider that in voting they were not simply discharging a duly to themselves, but to their country. (Loud cheers.) In reply to Mr Duncan Macfutlaue, Mr Sale said that ho did enter a protest against making the Christchurch road, which had saddled Westland with such an enormous amount of debt. In answer to other electors i Mr Sale said that hitherto and now, lie believed in open voting, because lie was not ashamed to vote openly, neither did he believe other men were. However, he had not seen the ballot work, and, therefore, his opinion was not worth much. If it were proved to him that open voting engendered no permanent ill-feeling, he would go in for the ballot directly. He was in favor of having a temporary hospital on this side of the river for patients until they could be removed to the hospital on the other side. He denied ever having promised a subsidy for continuing the wharf to Eevell-street ; but that he had said a subsidy would be granted for river protection. This refusal respecting the wharf was consequent on the advice of the engineer, that it would be use. less to continue the wharf in that direction, as it would never stand. Mr Cassius corroborated the statements made by Mr Sale respecting the wharf. Mr Sale said he w;is in favor of a reasonable sum being paid for the expenses of those members of the Comity Council who cams from a distance ; but was not in favor o£ the paj'ment of a regular salary to member?. Mr Mark Sprot moved, " That, in the opinion of this meeting, Mr Sale is a lit and proper i>crson to represent the town of Hokitika in the County Council ;" and, after bearing testimony to Mr Sale's efficiency and integrity, said that it was the public of Canterbury that forced the Provincial Government of Canterbury to make the Christchurch road. He was certain that, so far from Mr Sile having sought personal aggrandisement, there was nothing in him that could claim kindred with dishonor (Cheers), and he trusted that every man would mark their appreciation of his character by polling for him to-morrow (this day). (Loud cheers.) Mr Woodside seconded tha motion. Mr W.. D. Banks opposed, the motion, because he believed if Mr Sale was elected, he would go in not as a representative, but merely as a delegate. (3 roans, hisses, and great confusion, during which Mr Banks retired.) Mr Hudson next presented himself, and was greefcsd in a similar manner. The chairman put the motion, which was carried by a large majority. A vote of thanks to the chairman and three hearty cheers for Mr Sale terminated the proceeding.

A fire took place yesterday afternoon at the Eight Mile, up the Hokitika river, by which a building belonging to Samuel Jackson was entirely destroyed in a few minutes. The loss is estimated at £200.

There was no performance at Hansen's Rooms last evening, in consequence of the election meetings. Dr. Carr's seances will be resumed this evening.

The Christchurch coach arrived at seven p.m. yesterday, bringing the Australian and Suez mail, and one passenger, Mr Stobey.

In order to allow miners the privilege of attending the elections, the Government have notified that protection to their claims will be. afforded them from the 9th till the 11th inst.

A most pleasant reunion came off on Tuesday evening, when a musical soiree (tho proceeds of which arc to be devoted towards liquidating the debt on the Catholic Presbytery) took place hi the Volunteer Drill Shed. That spacious room was decorated with flags, aud the tables, which were laid for tea at » half-past six o'clock, were profusely ornamented" with flowers and ferns, and presided over by fair ladies, whose presence added grace to the scene. The guests, upwards of five hundred in number, having partaken of a social meal, the tables were cleared avray, and tho musical part of the festival commenced. The most efficient talent in Hokitika, both professionals aud amateurs, took part on the occasion, the instrumentalists being Mr Cullimore, pianoforte Mr JfQlloway, b^rinqnivun, Mr Haigh, violin

Mr. Ktiox, cornet-a-piston. The, first part of the programme commenced with the overture to the "Caliph of Bagdad." Then came the beautiful " Kyrie," from Mozart's 12th Muss, which was finely vocalised, Mr iiolloway accompanying on the harmonium with admirable taste. Handel's duct, " Come ever smiling liberty," from Judas Maccabeus, whick was prettily sung by two ladies, succeeded, and this was followed by a portion of the magnificent " Gloria in Excelsis," from Mozart's 12th Mass. This, although rendered with great correctness and much taste, was lacking in one thing, absolutely necessary to the effect of this singularly elaborate yet telliug composition— Aye mean power — and this Avas particularly apparent in the unison movements. This, however, was no fault of the performers ; they did their utmost ; raid Avith only a small body of instrumentalists and vocalists it is impossible to give Mozart's true meaning. Oberthue's songj "The Nun's Prayer," was effectively given by Mr Stephens ; and a itelectioil from the j " Sivnctus," Mtiz&ft's 12th, Avas the last gem ftidm tile works of that great master of harmony. And now came music of a different character, but still equally telliug. The song, " Arm, arm, ye brave " (Judas Maccabeus), was spiritedly rendered by Mr Osborne ; and the trio and chorus, " Disdainful of Danger," brought the first part of the programme to a close. Mr J. J. Bartlett next delivered Dodgsoivs celebrated election speech, in tho comedy of the " Contested Election," in such a manner as literally to bring down the house, aud to ensure a loud encore. Answering the call lie recited Tennyson's " Charge of ths Light Brigade," Avith deep pathos and telling effect* The overture, "L'ltaliana in .Algeria," commenced the secoud part of the programme, and then came Bishop's glee, " Beam of j Light,''' which was very fairly sung. The cole- \ bratedsong," Vieni la nria T'eiuiel'ta* (Lucreiia Borgia), afforded Mi* Knox an opportunity of displaying his fine voice and correct styleAnd now came another change — that veteran evergreen, Mr John Lazar appeared, and liis rendering of "Ye Tormentors," from the buffo opera of "Cinderella ".elicited loud applause; he then gave " Groves of Blarney," Avhich literally convlscd the audience Arith laughter. A glco from Rosini's Carnival) and the duet, " O Happy Day," (Flotow) were followed by "In Happy Movements,'' very tastefully sung ,by Mr John White, and which was deservedly encored. Mr White then came out • capitally in the buffo "An 'Orrililo Talc," being poured forth in such lugubrious tones, yet withal with such comic I spice and irrestiblo drollery that persons were compelled to laugh in spite of themselves. A trio, a glee, and two songs completed the entertainment, which was brought to a close by siuging the " National Anthem." The instrumental part of the performance was deserving'of the highest commendation — each artist being evidently master of liis nstrument.

We learn from a Wanganui contemporary that a man of the name of Kennedy, who did not return to the camp on the evening of the attack on Motorua, was found, on Friday last, by one of the men of Wairoa, Avanderingin the bush in a famished condition and almost insensible. He was only able to answer " yes " to everything that was said to him. He has, however, considerably recovered, and says that himself and four men went to bring away Sergeant Kirwau, who was wounded. The Maoris noticed them and rushed upon them, when they fled in different directions. The other men have not turned up, and he does not know what- has become of them, lie lived from Saturday to Friday on fern root.

Some of the leading newspaper proprietors in the United Stales are making arrangements for the establishment of a composing room and a small stereo foundry on board the mail steamers ; ao that the English news may be despatched at the moment the vessel, arrives in port.

Mr Richard Reeves will dispose of by auction this day, at two o'clock sharp, that well known property, tlie Gridiron Iloteli with three shops adjoining; and the private house of Mr ATee at the rear.