HAWKE'S BAY SEAT.

{.BY TJB_.EGB.APff—PEESS ASSOCIATION.) A■. aACA.- HASTINGS/Nov. 1. Sir Andrew Russell, Independent Rei form candidate, for Hawke's Bay, gave his initial address to the electors at Hastings last night. The theatre was crowded and the speech, which was entirely devoid of recriminations and fault-finding, made a favourable impression. Explaining why he was stand ing7as an Independent, the candidate said that he absolutely refused to place himself unreservedly in the hands of any party. In the event" of any issue arising of great importance to the Em. pire and the Dominion he claimed freedom of action. He beheved that the Reform Party could maintain the stability of the country, but thought that neither of the other two parties could.. He wtfjldYjupport the Reform Party on a non-confidence motion. He advocated a progressive land policy and a closer settlement scheme, which, pushed for all they were worth, would provide employment for all immigrants. Regarding unemployment, he said the time had arrived for an unemployment scheme. Dealing with taxation, he said there must be drastic economy in administration and economy in private wi.- f? wed in a sales tax, but was not in favour of reduced expenditure m education. He was also in favour of the meat pool on a voluntary basis Tn rPgard. to soldier settlers, the Government should let men know where they stood. His defence policy was recognition of our obligations, first .to- the Empire and then to ourselves. lhe navy must be supported to the best of our ability, ...Concluding,- he said: 1± we are to build up a barrier agains* the pressure of the more numerous races we must improve our civilisation Wfe should rule our conduct, and sc shape the destinies'of our land in acC°^ Tlce Wlt& *he divine laws."' The speaker was accorded a ven hearty vote of thanks. -