THAMES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 275, 20 November 1899, Page 3

THAMES.

Last night there was a crowded meeting at the Central Hall, when "Mr H. J. Greenslade addressed the electors for Thames. The chairman, Mr Geo. Denby, briefly introduced Mr Greenslade, who wa.-very well received. The speaker began by saying that he was the first Thames boy who had ever come forward to ask the voters to send him to Wellington, he being born and bred on tbe Thames. He claimed that his public services as Mayor, member of the Harbour Board, and Hospital trustees, proved him to be outspoken and sincere in what he thought to be the best, interests of the Thames. He then pro•ceeded to criticise mining legislation, which he thought had recently been diametrically opposed to the interests of working miners and of the goldfields. He beleived in the "block" system of tributing, in preference to the "time" system; was strongly opposed to the sliding scale adopted by the Kuranui-Caledonian Company, which was unfair and onesided. He would advise his hearers to have nothing to do with the Mining Board, suggested by Mr McGowan, whieii proposal was approved by Mr Cadman. Prospecting did not receive sufficient encouragement, and more liberal aid should be given by the Government. With regard to- Old Age Pensions he would lower the age from 65 to 60, and advoate that miners ami others who followed unhealtyh occupations should become eligible at an earlier age. He recognised the advantages, of the Conciliation and Arbitration Act, believed in free, secular, and compulsory education; would prohibit steam trawlers in the Hauraki Gulf; and was in favour of three-fiths majority to carry 'or to reverse prohibition. He supported the land policy of the Government, and considered that the customs duties Bhould be reduced. Mr Greenslade said that he was a staunch Liberal, and would always support the Liberal party. At the conclusion of the address a vote of thanks was proposed by Mr M_ D. O'Keefe, president of the Miners' Union, which was carried with only one dissentient.