MR SEDDON AT ASHBURTON.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9585, 27 November 1896, Page 6

MR SEDDON AT ASHBURTON.

The Premier addressed a very large audience in the Oddfellows , Hall, Ashburton, on Wednesday night. The Mayor occupied the chair, and introduced the Premier as " King Richard the first of New Zealand." The Premier, who was loudly applauded during his speech, said that he represented a party who had to fiejht a great combination of wealth, who were paying large sums of money on the wharves among the lumpers, <in the shearing sheds, and in the factory, to influence the electors. The Press had been influenced by this combination to a large extent, so that it was left for him to - get face to face with the people and tell them the exact position. He denied that the old " continuous" party was dead, and ' instanced Messrs Rolleston, Rhodes, Wason and Wright as members of it who were seeking election, and said the good sense of the people would never let the party again get into power. He contrasted the results of the work of the present party with those of the Con- ' servative Government, and asked only to be • judged on that comparison. In speaking ' about the catting up of large estates, he ' eaid that were all the estates worked as Mr , GriggV was he would not raise his voice ■ agamat large estates, but where it took > a train three hours to ran through men's "estates, it was time to make Cheviots of them. He said there were only two parties in politics, the Liberals and the Tories, and the man who was with and for the people ' was a Liberal. He had no sympathy with ' Independent Liberals. His speech, in deal- - ing with the Conservative party, covered ■hnilar ground to the one delivered-at Kaiapoi, and his remarks were much the same concerning finance and the measures the Government had brought in. He shortly alluded to the Aahburton contest, said there were three Liberals and one Conservative atanding, and unless self-sacrifice was to some extent practised the Conservative - most set in. aMr Seddon anewerod a number of questions, after which, on the motion of Mr Smith and MrstP. Dbvaks, a vote of thanks to Mr Seddon and confidence in the Government rate-canoed unanimously*

A meeting of the friends and supporters of the Opposition candidates—Messrs C. Lewis, H. X Beswick, and M. Donnelly— was held in the hall of the Chamber of Commerce last night. -Dr. Jennings presided. The hall was filled to overflowing by a representative audience of the electors, who gave the candidates an enthusiastic reception, and frequently applauded their remarks. After the Chairman had spoken concerning the attitude of the National Association with regard to the election, Mr Lewis addressed the meeting, and urged the electors to solidly support the three Opposition candidates, to assure themselves that they were winning, and the results would justify the assurance. Mr Beewiek referred to the success which had attended the candidates at the different meetings they had addressed, to the fact that Mr Lewis's return was certain, and observed thatif theOppositionstood shoulder to shoulder they could put in three just as well as one. Mr Donnelly alluded to the unsuccessful"efforts of the Government to wreck the National Association, the attitude of which Association had earned for it the respect of the whole constituency, as was shown by the admirable reception of that evening and the manner in which the candidates had been received at all the meetings they had addressed. Three cheers were than called and heartily given for the candidates. The Chairman of the Central Committee spoke briefly on the work which was being done and required to be done. Mr C. T. Wheeler read an interesting paper adversely criticising the Seddon Government and during its delivery he was often applauded. On the motion of the Chairman he was accorded a unanimous vote of thanks. Mr Lewis alluded briefly to the valuable services rendered "by the Chairman, and on his proposal a similar compliment was paid to Dr. Jennings, after which a very successful meeting came to a termination.-

Messrs G. J. Smith and T. E. Taylor addressed a densely packed meeting of electors in the Public Library, Knightstown, on Wednesday evening. Mr Johnston occupied the chair. A vote of thanks was proposed and seconded, but an amendment of thanks and confidence was promptly tabled by Messrs Hall and Lame, and carried by a very large majority amid enthusiasm.

Messrs G. J. Smith and T. £. Taylor addressed a meeting of electors in the Mission Hall, Sydenham, last night. A motion of thanks and confidence was" carried unanimously. Mr J. A. H. Marciel addressed a largely j attended meeting at the Phillipstown Schoolroom. Mr A. Marshall, Mayor of Linwood, was in the chair. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried. Mr W. W. Collins addressed the electors in the Merivale Schoolroom last night, Mr T. H. Weeton in the chair. The candidate received a vote of thanks and confidence. M* Geo. Mclntyre addressed a meeting \L » ••J o**** ** Burwood last night. Mr W. B. Tmnter presided. At tke oondueion

of the address the candidate was accorded a unanimous vote of thanks. Mr S. R. Webb's Central Committee met on Wednesday night. Encouraging reports were received from various parts of the electorate. Meetings were arranged for Governor's Bay, Lyttelton, Opawa, and Woolston, dates to be advertised. Mr H. G. Ell addressed the electors at the St. Albans side school last evening. Mr Butler occupied the chair. Mr Ell was unanimously accorded a hearty vote of thanks and confidence.

The Hon. W. Rolleston addressed a large meeting of Riccarton electors in the Oddfellows' Hall, Addington, last night. Mr J. C. Sopp was in the chair. At the close of the meeting, on the motion of Mr Wright, seconded by Mr Walker, the speaker wa9 accorded a hearty vote of thanks with a few dissentients.

Mr W. H. Montgomery addressed the electors of the Ellesmerc district at Springeton on Tuesday night. A hearty vote of thanks was carried unanimously. Mr Montgomery spoke at Irwell on Wednesday night. Mr Smith acted as Chairman. A vote of thanks and confidence was proposed, but, at Mr Montgomery's suggestion, was withdrawn in favour of one of thanks, which was carried unanimously.

A large number of ele tore met Mr Saunders in the Annat schoolroom on Wednesday evening, a considerable proportion being ladies. Mr Robinson occupied tho chair. Mrs Bly proposed a vote of thanks to and confidence in Mr Saunders. The motion was seconded by Mr Lee and carried unanimously. Mr Meredith addressed a meeting of Ashley electors in Waiau School on Monday evening. There was a large attendance. The Rev. Mr Stowill presided. Mr Meredith was well received and made a favourable impression. On the motion of Mr Wharton, seconded by Mr W. Rutherford, Mr Meredith was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Mr Swarm addressed the largest and most enthusiastic meeting of electors ever held in the Marshlands Schoolroom on Wednesday evening. Mr W. Recce occupied the chair. After explaining fully the political situation, the candidate was accorded a hearty vote of thanks and three oheers. With reference to the Kaiapoi election, a correspondent writes :—" It is reported that the visit of the Premier has not benefited the chances of the return of the Government candidate, as many persons justly, perhaps, consider that a representative of a district ought to be a person who is strong enough to win without outside interference. The case would have been different, too, if Mr Seddon had shed any new light on politics, which he did not do with the Kaiapoi and Oxford meetings, being very tame, though the latter looked at one time as if it was going to be very rowdy." Mr G. W. Russell addressed the electors in the schoolroom at Ladbrooks last evening, when there was a large attendance. At the conclusion of the address a vote of thanks was substituted for a vote of thanks and confidence and carried, and the meeting broke up with cheers for Mr Rolleston. A correspondent from Little River writes :—A large crowd assembled in the Maori Hall at Little River last Saturday night to listen to Mr Anson the Opposition candidate's address. After severely criticising Mr Seddon's corrupt administration, and the squandering policy of the Liberal Government during the last three years, he ferred to the questions of the day on similar lines to those in his speech at Leeston. After a very able address had been brought to a close, several questions re prohibition, &c, were aaked and very satisfactorily replied to by the candidate. It is due to Mr Anson to let appear in print his reply to a question re a rumour, spread evidently by a number of the so-called "true Liberals," to the effect that Mr Anson had at one of the County Council meetings advocated a reduction of wages for the men employed by that body. Mr Anson most emphatically denied that he had ever done such a thing, and said that he would be glad to receive any information privately as would enable him to take proceedings against the person or persons who originated such an utter untruth. The candidate then received a hearty vote of thanks for his address, and the usual compliment to the Chairman, Mr H. D.. Buchanan, concluded an excellent meeting. If meetings in a small place like ours are any criterion as to the prospects of a candidate, there is no doubt that Mr Anson will go nearer the mark than some people around here imagine. Mr Wason had an excellent meeting at Killinchy on Wednesday night. The schoolroom was well filled with an appreciative audience. After a longish address, and numerous questions being asked and responded to- and a somewhat good-natured controversy between Mr Wason and a leading prohibitionist of the district concerning the provisions of the Alcoholic Liquors Sale Bill—the measure forced through the House providing for the annihilation of the trade, the sacrifice of millions of pounds worth of property and a revenue of over half a million, providing for spies and informers to be encouraged at every back yard at the will of a perfectly small minority of the electors, —Mr Inwood moved a hearty vote of thanks to and confidence in Mr Wason. Mr O'Neill seconded the motion, heartily approving of Mr Wason's address. Mr Sheet, a resident of Dunsandel, who had come down to look after prohibition tyranny, &c, objected to the vote and moved an amendment of thanks only. This was seconded in a few amusing remarks from Mr Adams, and being put to the meeting one hand (Mr Sheat's) was held up for it. The motion of confidence being put, the Chairman declared it carried almost unanimously. A vote of thanks to the Chairman, Mr Huntley, brought a most lively good-natured meeting to a close. An occasional correspondent writes:— There cannot be the slightest doubt that in South Canterbury the contest between Messrs Rhodes and Flatman will be a most interesting one. Last election the former was be&ten by 215 votes, but I hear that there is every indication of a complete reversal of form. Both candidates are personally liked, and have plenty of active friends. Of the two Mr Flatroan manages to get the most enthusiastic meetings, but I notice at several of them that he has supporters come from quite a distance and applaud everything he says. Mr Rhodes's party are not so demonstrative, but are no less enthusiastic in a quiet way.' Mr Rhodes has been heckled by one man at several meetings, and the cross-questioning has done him infinite good. At Winchester it was very amusing, and when he coolly said in reference to certain statistics, " Well you can say what you like, but I'll back my word against the Premier's any day " the applause was uncommonly hearty. It is his absolute straightforwardness that pulls him through, even among his opponents. Mr Arthur Rhodes has been meeting with increased support during the past fortnight. At meetings at Orton, Kakahu Bush and Upper Waitohi the attendance was large and a good deal of enthusiasm was displayed.

Mr Arthur Rhodes's Central Committee met on Wednesday evening at the rooms, Temnka. Thirty-five members were present, including representatives from outlying districts. Mr T. Hayes was in the chair. The meeting was made interesting by the candidate replying to questions submitted on behalf of several converts from Seddonism. In Committee all arrangements were completed in respect of the polling day. The offer of fifteen ladies to lend their traps and drive their sister electors to the poll was gratefully accepted. Mr Rhodes addressed a meetingof electors in the schoolhouse &t Upper Waitohi on Monday night. Mr R. Baxter was in the chair and there was an attendance of about 120, a large proportion being ladies. Mr Rhodes spoke for an hour and twenty minutes, his views seeming to meet with favour from the audience, which gave him a very orderly and attentive hearing. Only one question was asked, and on the motion of Mr O. Mathews, Mr Rhodes was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks. The following candidates will address the electors to-night:—Mr Russell at Spreydon ; Mr Buddo at Coutts' Island; Mr Burgess at Burwood Hall; Mr Sannders at Greendale ; Messrs Lewis, Beawkk and Donnelly at McFadden's road; Mr Marciel at Richmond ; Mr Wason at Springston ; Mr Recce at Woodside ; Mr Anson at Okain's Bay; Mr Montgomery at Killinchy ; Mr Swarm at Phillipstown ; Mr Meredith *.t Leithfield; Mr Ell at Merivale School. The nominations of Messrs Buddo and Moore for the Kaiapoi electorate have been received, and also those of Messrs H. G. EU and T. E. Taylor for the City. Messrs G. J. Smith, T. E. Taylor and H. G. Ell will speak to the electors in Cathedral square on Thursday next, at 5 p.m. Mr Rolleston will speak at Spreydon school on Monday next, at 8 p.m. Mr Montgomery will apeak on Tuesday

next at Okains; Saturday, Charteris Bay ; and Monday, WainuL • Mr Swarm will speak at New Brighton on Monday next, at 8 p.m. Mr G. Renner has been nominated for Ashley, and Mr Burgess for Avon. Messrs A. E. G. Rhode* and F. R. Flatman have been nominated for Geraldine. Messrs Hall-Jones and F. H. Smith were nominated yesterday for Timaru.

(PRKS3 ASSOCIATION TEL3GRAMS.) WAIPAWA, November 26.

Messrs George Hunter and Chas. Hall have been nominated for the Waipawa seat. Speaking at Kaikoura last night Captain Russell g*ve an absolute denial to the Premier's statement tha r . he was an advocate for the introduction of Chinese. He quoted Httit"<nl to prove that he had voted for Sir H. Atkinson's and Mr Hutchison's Restrictiou Bills. Mr Seddon had voted against the former and was absent from the House on the division on the latter. He said it was untrue that the Opposition would repeal the Lands for Settlement Act and the land and income tax if returned to power. AUCKLAND, November 26

Mr .Lawry has been nomiuated for Parnell, and Me3srs Thompson, Mitchelson, Button, and Fowlds for the city. The Hon. E. Mitchelson (Opposition) has been nominated for the city.

Mr Crowther has been nominated for the city. Messrs Jackson Palmer and Bollard have been nominated for Eden, Mr F. Buckland for Manukau.

HAWERA, November 26. Mr F. McGuire has been nominated for Hawera.

FEILDING, November 26.

The following candidates have been nominated for the Rangitikei seat:—Messrs W. A. L. Bailey and F. Y. Lethbridge. " PAHIATUA, November 26.

Captain laherwood has retired from the contest for the Pahiatua seat in favour of Mr J. O'Meara, the Government nominee. MASTERTON, November 26.

Messrs W. C. Buchanan and J. T. M. Hornsby have been nominated for the Wairarapa seat. WELLINGTON, November 26. Mr Charles Wilson has been nominated for the city. Mr F. H. Fraser, a city candidate, addressed the electors to-night. He declared himself a prohibitionist, and said he would not sacrifice himself to any party, but would support Liberal measures. He received a vote of thanks and confidence. Mr Geo. Fisher was nominated for the city to-day, and Mr Thos. M. Wilford for the suburbs of Wellington. Mr J. J. K. Powell has been nominated for the city and Mr Thos. Wni. Hislop nominated for the suburbs of Wellington. Mr Coleman Phillips, who intended to contest the Wairarapa seat, on his return to Carterton to-day from inland, handed in his nomination paper, but the Returning Officer declined to accept it, intimating that he had publicly announced that the nominations dosed on the 25th. Mr Phillips is nob satisfied with this decision, and is communicating with the Colonial Secretary on the subject. Dr. Newman and Mr H. A. Field have been nominated for Otaki.

Messrs John O'Meara, W. W. McCardle and Robert Manisty and James Taylor have been noniinated for Pahiatua.

NELSON, November 26.

The following were the nominations for Motueka :—Mr R. Hurethouse (Opposition), Mr R. McKenzie (Government), and Major Franklyn (Government). OAMARU, November 26. Messrs T. Y. Duncan and J.D. Sievwiight are nominated for Oamaru. DUNEDIN, November 26. Mr David Nicol has been nominated for Dunedin. . .

The Premier came as far as Port Chalmers by the express train this evening,.and was to speak there. He had not concluded his address when the last train left Port, add up to 11.15 the special which was to be put on had not reached Dunedin. Mr Wathem, owing to indisposition, was not nominated for the city, .reducing the number of candidates to twelve. Mr S. E. Brooks failed to send in the nomination paper for Caversham, leaving four candidates for that seat. For Waikouaiti, Messrs James Green, E. G. Allen, J. J. Ramsay, A. Thomson and G. J. Clark have been nominated.

Mr John Duncan, junr., was to-day nominated for Waihemo.

INVERCARGILL, November 26.

The nominations for Invercargill were : — Messrs J. W. Kelly, W. B. Scandrett, and John Sinclair. For Wallace — Messrs Michael Gilfedder, Henry Hirst, James Mackintosh, Thos. Neave, and Hugh S. Valentine. For Mataura—Messrs Robert McNab and G. F. Richardson. The Awarua nominations will be made to-morrow.