NEWTON ABBOT: THE SOUTH DEVON ELECTION: A meeting was held at the Union Inn on Wednesday morning, take into consideration the desirability of inviting Viscount Ebrington to allow himself to be nominated for the southern division of the county. There had been but a few hours’ notice given, yet the room was crowded with representatives from all parts of the county, Sidmouth, Kingsbridge, Exeter, Abbotskerswell, Totnes, Ashburton, Moretonhampstead, Bovey, Teignmouth, Dawlish, Shaldon, Torquay, and St. Mary Church, and requisitions well signed were produced from nearly all these places. G. S. Curtis, Esq., was unanimously called to the chair. Mr. Creed moved, and Mr. Coward seconded, a resolution, in effect that it was desirable that his lordship be invited to come down and allow himself to be put in nomination. Both of these gentlemen spoke of the growing feeling in the county towards reform, and the number of electors who were eager that liberal members should be returned. They thought the reformers were never in a better position to return a member — (cheers). Mr. Vicary said there were many who had always hitherto disagreed with the liberals in politics that would come forward now and vote for his lordship … (continued discussion) … The first thing to be done was to send a deputation to see Lord Ebrington, and to subscribe for the expense of carrying on the contest. Mr. Ferris (Totnes) said he would subscribe towards defraying the expense of an election, and £1 towards sending a deputation to London. It was decided that the deputation to be sent should consist of Mr. Tucker, of Ashburton, and the Chairman and the necessary subscription for that purpose was instantly made up. Mr. Gustavus Smith, of Sidmouth, made a very able speech, and assured the meeting of the good feeling existing at Sidmouth and Exmouth towards the cause. Capt. Lee (Torquay) produced the list of voters of that town and showed that there would be a good majority in favour of reform. Mr. Latimer, from Exeter, stated that no movement had taken place there beyond giving circulation to the requisition, which had only been out a few hours. Several gentlemen were awaiting the result of this day’s proceedings to go to work in earnest. Mr. Giliard, Kingsbridge, bore testimony to the growing independence of the agriculturists in his neighbourhood, a majority of whom would be found ready on the day of election. The following local committee was then formed: Messrs. Coward, Creed, Gay, Vicary, Ford, Pinsent, Bearne, and Capt. Lee. The deputation having left for London, the meeting separated.
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