POLITICAL ADDRESS.

Press, Volume IV, Issue 10064, 16 June 1898, Page 5

POLITICAL ADDRESS.

(?RESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, June 15.

The Hon. Thos. Thompson, Minister of Justice, addressed his constituents to-night in St.. James's Hall. The hall was filled. The Mayor presided. In the fir3t part of a speech of four and a half hours, Mr Thompson dealt with the charges against the Government preferred by Mr Scobie Mackenzie in his speech at the Choral Hall, and also justified himself against the charge of political inconsistency preferred by that gentleman, of whom he spoke in courteous terms. He defended the administration of the Government and the Liberal legislation. He hoped the Old Age Pension Bill would become law before he next addressed them, and be maintained from the consolidated fund. Departmental returns were quoted to show that land settlement was progressing, and a portion of the King Country would shortly be thrown open. As to the future, he did not anticipate a dissolution, but the Liberal party in Auckland should organise and be prepared for eventualities. If united they could retain three Liberal members for Auckland City. If he was not one of the three chosen candidates he would cheerfully stand aside and work for the return of the three men chosen by the party. There conld be great changes in the personnel of the House next general election, and possibly changes in the personnel of the Ministry, but he believed the Government for many years to come would remain in the hands of the great Liberal party. Mr James Regan moved ahd Mr Arthur Rdsser seconded a vote of thanks to Mr Thompson for his address and of confidence in the Government, of which he is a member. Mr G. J. Bruce, said to be from the South, moved that this meeting thanks the Hon. Thos. Thompson for-- his address, but declares it has no confidence in him or the Seddon Government. Only six hands were held up for the amendment, and the original motion was carried by acclimatien.