He asked them to review, his past career, and say whether he had done anything to forfeit their: confidence, or whether he had .worked from.selfish or inte rested motives. He believed he po as sessed their confidence ; and. • that. of the entire district, and if he did not sincerely believe it he would not, have put them.to the trouble and expense of a contest. He would not if elected betray their confi dence, but serve them honestly and to the best of his ability. (Cheers.) ' .'"'.- The Chairman said Mr Ballance would answer any questions. Mr Parkinson asked the difference. between a tax on the annual value and a property and income tax. Mr Ballauee said he would reply as Adam Smith had. that there was no dif ference. '. ' '" Mr, Watt asked if Bank "stock would, be considered property ? ' '\ Mr Ballauee—Certainly'-. Mr Taylor said that if. there were no 'more,questions he would propose that Mr Ballance is a fit and proper man to repre sent the district. : '■'■■; Mr Simpson asked whether Mr Bal lanee would tax the English' money lenders ? ■ :- : • >' ; Mr Ballaxoe said "No," it was desir able to encourage tliem to invest their , money here. Mr Parkinson then seconded the vote of confidence. The Chairman put it-to the meeting,1 and declared it carried unanimously. Mr Ballance thanked them, and said, he meant to do his best to win. After a vote of thanks to the Chairman the meeting separated. ,

COLONIAL TELEGRAMS

—* : • .; [PER PRESS AGENCY.] Tauuaxga, Dee. 16. Eight of the A. C.'s and two men of the Volunteers fired a match yesterday with a similar number ;;of the crew of H.M.S. Sappho, md beat them by 142 points. "Wellington, Dec. 16. HUTT BACES. ■[ The day turned out beautifully line, but comparatively few people present/ The Governor arrived upon the ground about noon. : Hutt Park Stakes, 50 soys. Mile and a half. Eleven entries.- The fol lowing; horses were scratched :—Guy Fawkes, Tattler, Cloth of Gold, Tem pleton/Lady Grey, Castillian.: Before starting' Princess Mary bolted and went the distance, before being pulled up, but ranged np for another start. 