MR. PEACOCK AT ARCH HILL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 4417, 10 July 1884, Page 2

MR. PEACOCK AT ARCH HILL.

MrT. Peacock addressed the doctors of Newton at tho Arch Hill School-room last evening. Thero wore about two hundred porsons present. Mr W. J. Macdermott occupied the chair. Mr Peacock's speech was in most rospoets similar to tluj one ■which he previously dolivorod in Ponsonby. lie wa,s given a fair hearing, and although

there were interruptions they were neither frequent nor serious until the usual questioning began, when a good deal of uproar occurred. In answer to questions, Mr Peacock stated (1) that he was not in favour of encouraging a titled aristocracy in this country; (2) he was in favour of a bill introducing afu'rmation in lieu of oaths ; (3) ho would go down to Wellington perfectly free and independent to use his judgment as to what action ho would take in the event, of any new combination of parties. He had every respect for Sir George Grey, but had never followed him as his political leader. Ho would go with that party which could best, serve the interests of the colony— (uproar). As fur as Sir .Julius Vogel was concorned, his (Mr Peacock's) sympathies were not with hin.; (4) in tho event of coalition between Major Atkinson and Sir George Grey, he was not prepared to pay that he would not be with them. The sentiments of the two men were not far asunder. At tho same time, he did not desire to pledge himself in any way. A coalition between Grey and Atkinson was very likely, and would make a very strong party ; (;")) he recognised tho importance of the proposals to cut a canal connecting the harbours of Manukau and Waitemata, and would oivc the matter early attention, being of opinion that something should be done; (11) ho believed the country would relieve herself of the present depression ; (7) he did not believe in all the talk against Sir Frederick Whitaker's having been given a seat in tho Upper Ifouse. Mr Peacock did not believe that because lie was once beaten by a younger member lie should takeno part in the business of the country ; (S) as to whether ho would do as the electors wished him, he remarked that it was wrong for them to ask a member to be the mouthpiece of any party; (9) with reference to the Eight Hours Bill.he did not support going into committee. He believed in tho eight hours systom, and would be sorry to »co it interfered with, but did not consider it wise to put it in the Statute Books; (10) if there were any possibility of the eight hours' system being endangered, he would be the first to put it on the books, anil had he known that such was the desire of tho working classes,he would not have Bet himself against it: (11) he would make it his duty to see that tho road between Auckland and the Whau was attended to, and alr^o other interests of tho electors; (12) he was decidedly against the whole of the electorates being merged into one, as it. would limit the power of the people ; (13) as to whether he would increase the Customs duties, Mr Peacock said it was important that taxation should be well distributed, and he would make it a point to see that it was just and fair. Mr Jenkins. moved, and Mr Bayldon seconded, "That Mr Peacock be accorded a vote of thanks for his able address, and that this meeting has every confidence in him as their representative in the forthcoming Parliament of Now Zealand." —Mr Taylor moved as an amendment, and Mr Seallen seconded, "That a vote of thanks be passed to Mr Peacock until the other candidates have been heard." The Chairman in putting tho question got somewhat muddled. He put tho amendment first, and 27 voted for it. Ho then asked for a " negative," and 18 hands were held up. On this he declared the amendment carried, and then submitted the motion. For it 21 voted, and then the audience becoming dissatisfied, made for the doors,and refused repeated appeals from the chair to record their opinion. It was therefore impossible to judge of the support those present were likely to give the candidate.