The next question was the total absenoe of defenoe for the settlers should a sudden outbreak of the natives oconr. They could not say that the natives would not again break oat in rebellion ; and, therefore, it was necessary they should be prepared _ for any such emergency. It was true that this was a colonial question ; but if they brought their in flnenoo to bear through the Proviuoial Govern ment, and Borne scheme was submitted to tbe Colonial Government, they might attain the ob ject they sought. He thought there should be a line of blookhonses through the district, so that in oases of emergency the women and children oould be placed in them, and the men ooold re tire to and act on the defensive. He did not wish to be an alarmist ; bus-they had Te Kooti at the White Cliffs, andTe Whiti, who was gaining more influence every day, on the other side ; there fore, it became necessary for them to be in a po sition to defend themselves should -any distort) anoe take place. These blockhouses were neces sary for the safety of the women and ohildren, and for repelling aggression, and notwithstanding whatever they cost, they shoald be ereoted. Several of, the eleotors had promised him their votes ; but he wished publicly there to state that he was willing to free them if they were of opinion that any of the other candidates had views more suitable than his own. He was of opinion that every man should be free to vote as he ohose. They bad heard his views on a few subjects, and coald, therefore, form their opin ion of him and would vote accordingly. He thanked them for their attention, and wonld be happy to answer any questions they might like to ask him. Mr. Bunburt : Mr. Returning Officer and eleotors,— Finding I have not the necessary quali fications to stand as a oandidate, I beg to tender my resignation in favoox of Mr. Connett. (Load laughter, and ories of " Bravo, Bunbury !") Mr. Hulkb asked Captain Carthew whether he was in favonr of compulsory education, and whether it Rhonld be secular or denominational. 