January 26, 1872 - Arrow Miners Association meeting in uproar

“ARROW MINERS’ ASSOCIATION.

PUBLIC MEETING OP MEMBERS.

In accordance with public notice to that effect, a public meeting of members of above body was held in the Library Hall, Arrowtown, on Saturday evening last. The meeting was very well attended—in fact, the largest meeting held in this district for many months.

Mr James Miller (President of the Association) was voted to the chair and read advertisement calling the meeting, which stated the object to be to “consider the advisability of putting forward a candidate at the ensuing election of a member to represent this district.” The chairman also read the objects of the Association, and commented upon the action taken under each head.

The Secretary (Mr Symonds) read a letter from the Colonial Secretary, saying the General Government would be glad to receive any suggestions emanating from the Association.

A letter was also read from Mr John A. Miller, suggesting a course of action in regard to nominating a candidate. The suggestions were as follows :

1. That requisitions to fill the seat rendered vacant by the resignation of Mr Haughton in the General Assembly be addressed to Messrs M’Dougall, J. F. Healey and Lewis Harris, of Arrow; and Messrs Malaghan, Hallenstein and G. B. Barton, of Queenstown, with power to add.

2. That to all gentlemen responding favorably, questions be addressed in writing upon the leading politics »f the day, to which they are required to return plain answers, enunciative of their political views.

3. That all answers obtained from gentlemen intending to contest the election be laid before a general meeting of the Association; that they decide by ballot; and that the gentleman obtaining the largest number of votes receive the undivided support of the Association.

The above suggestions were then put in the form of resolutions, on the motion of Mr John A. Miller, seconded by Mr D. M. Scott.

Mr R. Clark proposed as an amendment, seconded by Mr S. Symonds—- ” That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable that this Association should in no way interfere in the forthcoming election, it being foreign to their rules and bye laws laid down.”

Some confusion here occurred, owing to Mr John A. Miller proposing that Mr James Miller vacate the chair. The speaker thought that to say the least of it Mr James Miller was acting indelicately by occupying the chair of a meeting held for the purpose of considering the merits of proposed candidates when he himself was coming forward to contest the election.

On the other hand it was contended that, as President of the Association, Mr James Miller was perfectly justified in holding the office of chairman of that meeting, the more especially as he had been publicly voted to the chair.

This latter view was adopted by the meeting, and Mr Miller remained as chairman.

The resolutions of Mr John A. Miller and amendment of Mr Clark were put to the meeting, and the amendment declared carried.

Mr John A. Miller, in an address of some length (occasionally interrupted by a gentleman present who would not be put down, and who certainly occupied his full share of the time of the meeting) reviewed the conduct of certain members of Committee of the Association who, in the face of calling a public meeting to consider who was the best man to bring forward, had 6igned a requisition pledging themselves to Mr James Miller. He would propose—”That the Committee of the Arrow Miners’ Association resign in a body, owing to their want of consistent conduct.”

Mr R. Clark said that, as his amendment had been carried, the business of the Association meeting was finished, and he would propose that the chairman vacate the chair.

Mr Miller then left the chair, and the meeting broke up. It was then decided that an ELECTION MEETING Be held, and, on the motion of Mr McWhirter, seconded by Mr Clark, Mr J. F. Healey took the chair.

The first meeting was not free from much unnecessary wrangling, but this one was bad to a degree in this respect, and the audience seemed bent on giving themselves up to fun and amusement. As a consequence the serious business of the night proceeded very tardily. It would be a most difficult task to report the proceedings, as everybody was trying to speak at once, and necessarily created a perfect jumble. We will therefore only give the various resolutions and amendments proposed and the results.

Proposed by Mr Hildreth—”That this meeting do not support any candidate who is not a practical miner.”— Seconded by Mr S Symonds.—Amendment proposed by Mr John A. Miller—“That this meeting do not pledge itself to support any candidate who may come forward.”—Seconded by Mr Lewis Harris,

The original motion was carried.

Mr J. A. Miller objected to the formality of the resolution on the ground that Mr James Mrtler (a candidate) voted for himself. The objection was overruled.

Mr Robert Clark then proposed —”That Mr James Miller is a fit and proper person to represent this district in the General Assembly.”—Seconded by Mr S. Symonds.

Mr John A. Miller begged to move an amendment. —”That Mr James Miller is not a fit and proper person to represent this district.” —Seconded by Mr D, M. Scott.

Mr D. M. Mackay proposed a further amendment—”That Mr John Shepherd is a fit and proper person to represent the district.”-—Seconded by Mr S. Goldston.

Mr Miller withdrew his amendment in favor of that of Mr Mackay, but ultimately desired to have it put to the meeting.

Mr Mackay’s amendment was then put, and carried. As also was Mr Clark’s motion expressing approval of Mr James Miller as a candidate.

(At this stage the meeting degenerated into a perfect uproar. When had been somewhat restored) Mr Miller thanked those present for the hearty vote accorded to him. If they did him the honor of returning him, it would be his endeavor to act honestly for the welfare of the district. He thought representative Government in its true principles should be carried out, and this would be best done by the people being represented by one of themselves. He would take an opportunity to address them more fully at an early date. Meantime he again thanked them for their very hearty vote of approval. Mr Shepherd (who appeared to be in some distress under the effects of a cold) would not at present make a speech. He hoped the Miners’ Association would have nothing to do with the election. If they sent him to the Assembly they might depend on getting honesty and truth. The meeting then broke up.”

Source: LAKE COUNTY PRESS, ISSUE 34, 26 JANUARY 1872, PAGE 2 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LCP18720126.2.6)