HON. T. THOMPSON.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 283, 28 November 1896, Page 2

HON. T. THOMPSON.

The Hon. T. Thompson delivered on addrosa last evening to a meeting of electors

Laid in Sb. George's Hail.

Amongst those

present was an unusually largo proportion of ladies. Mr Samuel Bright was voted to the chair. He said ha had known Mr Thompson for thirty yaars, and was not aware that) be had done anything to dishonour himself or disgrace his constituency. tie Thorcpson v?a3 received wibli applause. He alluded shortly to tho charges made ayainab the Government and refuted them on line 3 similar to those adopted in hia opening speech in the City Hall, which haa already been reported in full. Tho Opposition had the will to repeal the Liberal measures passed by the nrssanc Government, bub fortunately had not the {sower. Ha hoped tho electors would noh iii fehia election give them that power. If elected, he would do hia beab to pass measures which YvouM benefit all classes of the community.

Be would like to sea the referendum become law. He thougkb it would be useful ie cases whero the Council twice rejected noeaaures passed in the Lower ilouwe. (Applause.) lie would like to Bee an old age portion schemo introduced end if money could nob be obtained any other way they would have to put on another twiss to ibe graduated land and income tax. (Applause). Ho did nob wii>h, however, so frighten largo landholders. He objected to free trade as young industries needed fostering. (Applause.) With regard to education, while supporting the present aystem ha thought the school* of those holding different views and private eeiiools should be inspected by the Government inspectors. (Applause.) Mr Thompson pointed out that thort) vzere thrso seats and ten candidates, and is was for the electors to choose whom they would have. They should select the three beat men withoub favour and affection. Ho would, i of course, sdvise them to send supporters of ika preaeab Government. They should nob return men who would simply •-■an one particular theory. Mr Thomppori thea answered a number of questions held over from hia first meeting. Ih regard to the case of Mr Kazeldeas, whicfe was again brougkbup by v question, Mr Thompson said that until a day or two ago he never knew that Mr Haiwldaan was a Prohibitionist. Mr Thorn psan said with regard to tha letter carriers, ho had ascertained from tho Secretary of I'osb Offices that the carrier* in A.iekiaad were paid ate lowor rates than tbc am \Yellir<«t'in. It was a matter he mliifidod to see more aboufe when he gob back to Wellington.

On bha motion of Jir Joknsbou, a vote of thanks wua accorded Mr Thompson, trnd also confidouco ia blia Government).

Upon rising to return fchanka Mr Thomp son was toceived wibh prolonged applause.

A voba of fehanks to the Chairman cou eluded the meeting.