MR C. LEWIS AT ADDINGTON.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9326, 29 January 1896, Page 4

MR C. LEWIS AT ADDINGTON.

The cordial reception and hearty vote of confidence "which Mr. C. Lewi3 received at Addington last night are particularly gratifying to those who believe that the colony is awakening to the necessity for a return to sound government in the place of mischievous fads and tyrannical restrictions on individual freedom. Addington, as our readers are aware, is essentially a working man's distriot; Mr. Lewis's audience last night was made up of thoughtful working men ; and the fact that his outspoken utterances, especially on the subject of bridging over the gulf between employer and employed, met with their earnest sympathy and approval, is one of the most cheering features of the present contest. The truth is that the working classes are no longer to be flattered and deceived by promises which, in the nature of things can never be kept, as the makers of those promises know at the time they are uttered. The Addington workers can see in Mr. Lewis a man who sincerely desires their welfare and will do all he can to promote their good, but who will not descend to endeavouring to catch their votes by promising them anything and everything, quite irrespective of whether the supposed reforms are practicable or will effect the object in view. The aim of the Opposition party is to encourage the inflow of capital into New Zealand, to promote confidence, encourage enterprise and add to the wealth of the country, so that there may be " more to go round." The unfortunate part of the so-called " progressive legislation" of the Government, however desirable may be the object held in. view, is that it drives away capital and consumes the available wealth of the country instead of increasing it. It has now had a fair trial for some years, and the working classes find that they are really worse off instead of rolling in prosperity as they were told would be the case if they would only adopt the Badical panaceas. Very wisely, therefore, they havo now decided to give a turn to those who make no extravagant promises, but whom they can rely upon for honest and sound administration.