MR REES BEFORE THE ELECTORS.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 390, 13 December 1889, Page 2

MR REES BEFORE THE ELECTORS.

MOST ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING. A CRAMMED HOUSE. VOTE OF CONFIDENCE DECLARED. The Theatre Royal was crammed last night, by a most enthusiastic audience, the occasion being an address by Mr Bees in reference to the election which takes place to-day. Included in the audience was a large number otladies;' I-'

Ilia Worship took thaohair, He considered the two previous meetings were the moat orderly held in Gisborne, (applause.) He trusted that, allowing lor a little more warmth, this meeting would be equally well conducted as the previous ones. On coming forward Mr Boes was greeted with prolonged cheering. The election, he said, bad been signalised on the one hand by perfect good feeling between Mr Arthur and bimsell (applause) but the same could not be said in regard to some of Mr Arthur's supporters; They hid gone about circulating stories which they knew to be false, poisoning the minds of electors, and those who were responsible for the lies were afraid to come out and attempt tn baok. ua their statements. ufYoiee-t The nisteiaenta are not true,— Cheers.) One was to be at liberty to stab a nian in the dark, to villify a man's character by'miltiug charges of dishonesty, arid when asked to come out in public to reply that he is, not to be trapped. (Laughter.) Such obiidudt wat discreditable to a civilised community. Ho had found that many electors had promised to vote against him because they had been led to believe in the truth of the assertions. Ha had specially •aliigl.-d out Messrs Johnson and Chambers -She did not know whether they were at the meeting, but ho hoped they were—and; he left it to that graat meeting, which was probably the largest ever held in Gisborne, to ha the judge, as to who was the true man and who the slanderer (prolonged cheering). He did not know that he should have taken the trouble to have vindieatefl himeeif personally, but the calumnies were Intended also to damage him in his public capacity as one who sought the suffrages of the electors—a blow not against himself, but against the whole district. He called upon every one of them, man and woman, having , an honest mind and heart, that if they ' found he had been falsely accused,—and his slanderers were not prepared to back up their statements—to dismiss the charges altogether. (Cheers.) The organ of such slanderers, the Poverty Bay Herald, had been spending the last fortnight, as it had often don,e in years past, in making reckless assertions, which came just on the verge of the law of libel- There was a paper in Napier called the Telegraph, which was a cousin germain to the former paper. It had slandered him eight years ago and he had sued it for libel, but before the case oama in to ooqrt some friends of the proprietors beseeohed him not tq go on with the case, and he consented on JS2OQ being paid to the Napier hospital, as well as the costs incurred and an ample apology biing given. (Cheers.) Even then they got the beet of hiin by paying the money to the hospital in their own names, much to the astonishment of the Napier people, who never expected charity from snob a source, and wondered -Whether a visit of the angels had moved them. (Laughter.) Readers o -nld perceive the extreme family likeness between the two papers. Anything that could disparage the distript cr the parsons who lived in it, or oast odium on the place, always found vent in the columns .of the P. B- Herald. It it were said that there was no good laud in the district the P B.H fathered the statement, If it were said there were not £lOOO in Gisborne, Banks included, the statement was published by it. (Laughter.) It it were said the town was bankrupt, the assertion would find publicity, (Voice : Why shpuld they not?) Bacause they were lies. (Laughter and cheers ) Perhaps the parson who made the exclamation was the author of some of the statements. (Laughter.) This wretched rag of a paper was ready to sell itself body and soul to the highest bidder, oaring not who it injured or the harm it did to the whole community. (Cheers,) It had told the electors not to vote for him because he and Wi Pere had locked up the best lands tri the district. That was - falsehood. He gave a list of the vast area Which he had been instrumental in getting settled, naming the blocks and their respective areas up to 334,000 acres, and supplementing it with numbers, other blocks, making a total iii all of over B*lo,ooo acres He had been accused of’mailing promises which hud never been fulfilled. Why, it was impossible to step a foot outside the boundaries of Gisborne without tonohing lands to which he had got the titles settled. At that very moment he was in treaty with the Government to get the Peretnata and -Pkkowhai Blocks out Up and settled, and also 46 get land settled in the Wairoa. But no matter whathe did. no matter what suoossa had attended hh efforts for the interests of ■the-district, no matter how great the re#pon. sibilities that had pressed him down through taking the burdens of others on his own shoulders, the P.B.H. pontihutd to -abuse him. If an angel from heaven came down for the good of the district and did not bribe, tbat wretched paper, or play into the panda of the people it- represented, the angel would he pursued with’ curres until it had; quitted the district, lt opened its columns to anonymouk eavrespondsnts, who made asperdons in cloaked language. The paper would be ashamed to publish the names of some of the writers. Coming to the accusations with which the homes ol Messrs Johncon and Chambers had .bean connected. Mr Chambers had told Sir George Whitmore, and others, that he (Mr Bees) had blackmailed him (Mr Cbambersi to the tune of £1,509, It was a -deliiier&te-faleiehgod. Messrs Johnson Bros, and Weetrup had been purchasing shares , in :the®spongeere B'oek, And whet) they had purchased some 86 out pt 47, and could buy na more, they had a meeting with the jjatiyee. It was then arranged that, in order to prevent a lawsuit, the remaining Natives should sigi; the conveyance, and give a clear the part pv.rohased, the Europeans agreeing' fo 'tC convey tQ the natives who had not sold. Thia roamed f»ir enougb, and as the natives felt certain Messri Johnson Bros, arid Wettrup would de&fimnestly wtth them they had hp fear. Before the negotiations were completed, but after the slgnlria ot the conveyance, the Interests of the Johnsons and Wettrup were sold to Chambers, To ths natlvee' surprise Mr Chambers some time afterwards repudiated thsarrangement apd absolutely refuse toieconvey the land. At thp request of ftandalf-johhson the matter was held over from time to time, in the hopes that Mr Chambers wcfirld come to reason. That gentleman however was stubborn, and when he began to turn the natives off their own land something had to be done. Wi Pere came to him (Mr Rees) and said he did not want to have bloodshed over the matter and ashed for his [advice. The consequence was that an action was commenced in the Supreme Court. This hung on for some time in the hope that Mr Chambers would give way, but after four years’ delay it came on for trial in Gisborne. Mr Chambers had actually pleaded that the natives had sold their interests in the block. When Wi Pere was giving his evidence the Chief Justice aeked him if he had sold. Wi Here said' ' No,” He was then neked was ♦he signature riot his sign ■ ■>. ila ad- - .11 t.;d that it was, and persls-.. ai i. > had s.m> On thia the Chief Juetm- lost hie tsiiipvk, aud allied Wi Fwi how he dared tp

say he had not sold when Me name was te the deed, and alio epoke very strong to him (Mr Rees). Iu consequence of the scene the Court wu adjourned until next day, when Wi Pere continued hie evidence, and explained the whole transaction, the Chief Justice having previously apologised to him (Mr Rees) for his sharpness on the day before. The Judge, when he heard this evidence, turned to Mr Braesey, who wu counsel for Mr Chambers, and asked him if he had heard what the witness was saying, that the Europeans had had the use of the natives' land for twelve years without payment. “ Is this true ?” said the Chief Justice. Mr Brassey admitted that it was partly so. “ Then,” said Sir James Prendergast, " why don’t you reoonvey it ?" Mr Brassey made some exause about not knowing what part ot the block to reoonvey, when the Judge interrupted him and said that the court would see justice done and would very soon find a way to allocate the interests ot the natives. It was then suggested that the case should be adjourned with a view to a settlement. An agreement was drawn up by which the natives got back their land, and Mr Chambers was* let off some of the back rent (the under lease), got a clear title to the remainder of the block, and bad only to pay £2OO of the costs of a very expensive action. Instead of blackmailing Mr Chambers to the extent of £1.500, he had saved him £1,200. He also made- an explanation with reference to Mr Woodbine Johnson's title to the Maraetaha. At a meeting between Johnson and (the natives, it was agreed that the latter should sell to Johnson on having the option of repurchase at a price to be fixed by arbitration. The arbitration clause however was drawn in such a way tbat it left it to Mr Johnson's honor to carry out bis part of the arbitration. Captain Tucker and Major Pitt had been appointed arbitrators, but on Mr Johnson's refusing to go on with the arbitration, the natives found themselves in such a position that they could not compel Mr Johnson to keep bis word, and an appeal to the Supreme Court only upheld this view of the matter. He (Mr Rets) and Wi Pare had been greatly blamed by the natives for not taking more care to bind Mr Johnson to keep his promise. He had never repudiated npr allowed a native to repudiate a fair bargain, even though the technicalities of the law might be in favor of himself or the natives. (Cheers.) But the supporters of his friend on the other side had repudiated just bargains. Mr Johnson's ease was so glaring that the Legislature actually passed a Bill providing that if one party would not bring its arbitrator up to . the scratch the other arbitrator could go on with the- cage. Mr Chambers would never forgive Him for having taken away from him land which he had not rightly become possessed of, and Mr Johnson for making him break his word. (Cheers.) Mr Chambers was a tolerably good public speaker, and he thought he might come forward in response ' to the challenge made. (Voice: He hasn’t the pluck.] Mr Rees gave an explanation similar to that reported in our last issue, of the reasons why his colonization scheme had not been successful. He reiterated that it had never been his intention to introduce pauper labor into the district. His oppo nents would only have been too thankful if he had done so, but what he did propose to introduce were suitable settlers possessing a fair amount of capital to drive the district ahead, to the benefit especially of those who wore already in It. The misstatement was one of many set afloat by tha P.B. r£. But that paper had intended to cap everything on the eve of tha election by what he might term a sort of nitre glycerine bomb.' (Laughter.) Qua of his old debtors.had been unwittingly used. The plan was to summons him for an aid debt, have it heard that day in the.court, and as, of course, he (Mr Reas) his bankruptcy, to seise upon thia point as the nuoleus of a fiery lea ling article, This article was be believed in type and bore tha till® of ‘t Degradation to the district.” (Roars of laughter.) But the little scheme was spoilt by the debtor suddenly becoming aware of tha way in which he was being made use of and withdrawing the summons of his own accord, and so the great leading article never appeared. (Laughter and cheers.) He also eave the lie diyaot to the tpat the Tarnheru Bridge bad not been paid for. Mr Rees then went on to explain the difference between his principles and those of his opponent. He represented the mass of the people while only a privileged olaaa was represented by the other side. He, Mr Rees, was no follower either of Atkinson or Ballance. It fae had to pin his faith on any one man, th it person would be Sir Gaorge Grey. (Cheers ) He would support tha party which would do most first for this district and then for the colony (cheers) | that party which would give back to this district I fair proportion of the tremendous yearly taxation —some £76,ooo—giving relief from harbor rate and opening up roads throughout the district. (Cheers.) Mr Arthur had taken particular credit to himself for not being a carpet-bagger, and boasted of having a stake in the district, but it might ba pointed out that all the other members had had stakes in the district and had come to grief. If with him (Mr Rees) the wont did come, he still had fils profession to rely upon aqd ■from it could get his living anywhere, but beside that he was settling some long standing matters by which he hoped not only to pay all his creditors in full but to have a subsistence for himself as wel. (Cheers.) The people who had stakes in the district v ry often, if they had not Assets company's titles to- get fixed up, had their own titles to attend to—(laughter)—and wsre interested in throwing the burden of taxation from 1 off their -own shoulders, as in the pass of ■ the : harbor ' rate. He repeated his views on native lands matters, favoring the appointment of a Commission, with absolute power to settle nil disputes, and give i idispu able titles. Hs refuted a rumor tbat bad gained currency tbat, he Would enfipayor to have tha harbor works stopped, He* had certainly fought against the present lite up tn a point,but bad always advocated, and would allll advocate, for a good harbor to be Constructed put of the revenues to be derived from the Crown lands In the district. With reference to the stoppage of the harbor works, he painted cut a fact that seems to have been forgotten, that a'thcqgh Mr Graham, our late member, had telegraphed that it was absolutely impossible .to prevent tfia 1 stoppage of the’works when it, was jntpndgfi to stop then), yet Sir Qaorge Grey (cheers) on being appealed tq by iff W. Maule, and others, had gone to the Government and got it to do what Mr Graham bad raid was impossible, (Cheers.) And yet it was said that Sir George Grey bad no power in the House ! , He had a power, and he-(Mr Rees) was sine he would use it in getting | justice for this long neglected district (loud cheering); Mt Rees dwolf eloquently upon the sacredpess of the franchise, and deplored that qndue influence was brought to bear oi) parsons to present them from toting accord, ing to their convictions. Even- the ' ladies were not altogether blanaelesg. Tradesmen had been actually told that unless they supported iMr Arthur custom would be withdrawn, Messrs Arthur and Chambers, both members of the Harbor Board, had gone to tbO workecanvassing for votes, and men there were ' afraid to support him (Mr Rees) openly tor fear It should had to their dismissal. In the country it was just as bad, and it was reported that at last election Messrs iohnson and Evans had stood at the door of the Tp Aral booth, tioking off the names of all those who entered, end every man knew quite well, U it transpired ho had voted (against Graham, what the consequences would he. He implored every elector to give his vote tp the best mon—without fear or favor, and in 1 spite of any promise that might have been extracted, and which was altogether wrong for any man to ask, (Cheers.) He himep'f haff never made a personal canvass, nor would he do so if the election depended on his getting only one vote if he had to ask for it. (Cheers ) Bnt he hoped despite opposition tactics to ge a large majority all round, (Cheers.) At first he was under the impression that it must mean a big majority in Gisborne for hitn to win, but since he had visited the Wairoa and the country districts, he had changed his opinion. (Cheers.) In some places, where he had been expecting a minority he was now sure of polling two to one, and even in Mr Arthur’s own strongholds he would meet him on equal terms, (Cheere.) As for Gisborne itself he left it to the electors, good sense as to whom they showed honor with a majority. ■ [Cheers and cries of Bees,] Whatever the event he believed the

two candidates Would have no feeling one against tbs other. (Cheers). In Mr Arthur ne felt he haa a maa and a gentleman to eon* tend with. Notwithstanding thia, Mr Raes believed he would be returned at the top of the poll and]Jin apite of the gentle Chriep, l laughter) the exquisite George Grant and hia 1 riend Paddy Maher (roars of laughter which took a considerable time to subside); and behind them all, with pale faoe, diatorted features, and feara for the future, the owner of that precious rag the Poverty Biy Herald [Deafening cheers, prolonged laughter and cries of Sarah]. After again referring to the wants of the district the speaker sat down, the Theatre Royal ringing again with applause. After the loud cheering had subsided the Chairman called for those whose names had been mentioned to come forward if they wished. Mr Thompson (R.E.) immediately sprang to his feet and ascended the stage. He had evidently been taking lessons from the “ mute Milton,” and graciously smiled upon the ladies in the gallery as he drew from his pocket two parcels of somewhat v °‘ llrn^n 0 notes which he displayed for Mr Rees’ edification. As Messrs Thompson and Rees had the benefit of the conversation all to themselves the audience grew impatient and the Chairman again deferred Mr Thompson’s chance of ventilating hia grievances to the meeting, Mr Bees meanwhile giving him and every other voter ( rich or poor, who had a substantial grievance, the assurance that be would do his beat for him and them. Mr Thompson, with a courteousness that does him credit, after a little delay, when he saw the force of the Ohairman’a ruling, nestled his notes close to his heart, took bis hat from where it was hanging on ths fluor, shouldered his shillelagh, and bowing and smirking to ths ladies in the front forms made his way to his seat. Two other gentlemen having mistaken the proceedings essayed to replace Mr Thompson, but on being informed by the Chairman that they were not iu order resumed their seats. Meanwhile there had been loud cries tar Chambers, Johnson, Brassey, '‘Chum” Brown, P. Maher, and other individuals, to which no response was made. After waiting a considerable time, so as to leave no chance ot a chargs of unfair play being brought, the Cnairman celled tor questions to be put to Mr Beas. No’qusstipqs being forthcoming. Mr Bievwrijht moved a vote of confidence in Mr Bees and pledging tha meeting tci support that gentleman’s candidature. (Cheers.) Mr Sievwrigfit actually proceeded to seriously criticise Me Arthur's printed address, a task which w.is not appreciated by some of the latter’, opponents, who interrupted cheep *aker, But the noise was quickly suppressed, and the speaker soon conclusively proved that the only points in Mr Arthur's address were that he would do exactly as he pleased, .except that he was pledged to cutting down the education expenditure, which he (the speaker) thought should not be tolerated by anyone. He could not think of voting for such a candidate, and he advised them not to allow such ■person to go to Parliament. f*Cbeers, and we'll put Bees in."] Mr Joyce — (applause) — seconded the motion. He was proud of being; a supportoi! of Mr Baes. Though they had at times fought each other bard, be (the speaker) well knew that what had been stated against Mr Rees ware slanders, Mr Rees was one of the best specimens of a Britisher that one could find (cheers ) Hia views were broad and liberal, and although he might have been unfortunate and made mistakes, no one could aoaiue him ol selfish OSBS. Start the two candidates level to eke out their own livelihood, and in five years Mr Arthur's family would be on the Banevolent Society, while that of Mr Baes would ba in affluence, Mr Bees had been slandered, but those who had dona it were not men enough to coma forward and substantiate their charges, so they should tor ever after hold their tongues. (Cheers.) Mr DeLautour, who was loudly applauded, said he had not arisen to propose an amandmen. The audience knew that very well. (Cheers.) He supposed he was one of those who had been called '* cat screechers ” (loud laughter.) He ridiculed the idea that the election could not now be fought on party lines. Was the ipillenium arrived, and were there to he no more parties P Mr Arthur had said at Mqkaraka that it was difficult to give any political opinions. [Voice He never had any.) It was like a young man going in for an examination, it took him a good while to learn how much he didn’t . know, and sometimes ha required to be "plucked” onoe or twice to teach him the lesson. It was folly to say, as some would have us believe, that all men were prosperous aqd happy, that we could not advance a step farther. Who does not know that the Liberals are for ever educating the' Tories, happily bringing them up step by step to effect great reforms, which they would not always allow the Liberals to carry put ? The Liberals are always the progressive party. (Cheers ) Were they so selfish as to eay that thi. vast country was only for the few that were in it ? If people were wilting to come here end were willing to bring labor and money to cultivate the land'it was nonsense for them to think it should be restricted- He had .sen the battle fought over arid over again between those persons who favored settlement and those who wished to hold large tracts of property iu a few hinds, If they took a low level and chose to be represented by one who could see no such thing as progress, they would deserve Ignominy (Gheere.) For Mr Rees personally he cared not two straws in this contest, but that gentleman having been chosen to represent liberal ideas and reforms that was the man who would get his vote. (Prolonged cheering ) It Was for principles not for men they voted, [Cheers.] He impressed upon every eleotor the necessity . of. making their votes the record of their convictions. [Loud and continuous cheering ] The motion was then put to the meeting, a forest of hands being held up in its favor, arid that of Mr F. against it, A vote ot thanks to ‘he 9h»if Wfiolhdefi (he meeting, which broke up with three cheers * for Mr Rees. The cheering was continued in the street until.g Ist. hour,