Mr Jollie : In addressing you to-night, I would beg to state that when Colonel Brett and I advertised the present meeting, we were not aware that another gentleman in tended entering the field. Since then, how ever, I have been informed that such is the case. If, after hearing that gentleman state his views on provincial matters, you arrive at the conclusion that he would be a better re presentative than either of us, you have a perfect right to elect him. In speaking of myself, I would mention that 1 have had the honour of representing you for nearly four years, during a great part of which time I have held office. It is the duty of every one so placed to give an account of his steward ship. Previous to my first soliciting the votes of this district, 1 represented another, which I abandoned for the purpose of doing what in me lay to further the interests of that in which roy whole property is situated. To do so 1 left the Government, and was returned for this district. After taking my seat as your representative, large sums of money had been put on the estimates for great public works, but very little for the use of the then existing Road Boards. Many per sons considered this measure highly injudicious. Mr Wynn Williams, pro posed that the wants of the outlying districts should first be satisfied, before any extensive sums were voted for large public works. I seconded this motion. The provincial receipts for the year amounted to £91,000, of which 25 per cent, ought to have been paid to the Road Boards, instead of being squandered upon large undertakings. The motion was put and lost by one vote. This, however, Mr Stewart considered tantamount to a vote of want of confidence, and accordingly resigned. I tried, but without effect, to persuade Mr Stewart to carry on the Government. The most natural thing for the Superintendent to do at this time would have been to consult Mr Williams with reference to the formation of a new Government. This however was not done and I was asked by Mr Moorhouse to accept office. This I was by no means eager to do. 