THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Evening Post, Volume XLVI, Issue 117, 15 November 1893, Page 2

THE GENERAL ELECTION.

MB. TBAVEKS AT THE PEINCESS THEATRE. Mr. Travels addressed a Email meeting of the electors at the Princess Theatre last evening, Mr. J. J.. Bovine in the chair. At the outset the candidate expressed his fixed determination to go to the poll. He considered the tariff required considerable modification. The policy of the country should be — and the working-classes were entitled to demand it, as their wages hod fallen dnring reoent years — that the Customs duties on the necessaries of life shonld be reduaed. He was prepared to advocate a reduction in these duties which would amount in the aggregate to about .£300,000 a-year, three-fourths of winch now came out of the pockets of the working classes. Ho strongly condemned the Government for exaoting this amount from the people to appropriate it to public works, in making current revenue carry on what should be a charge on the future. Mr. Travora was opposed to the Liberal Government as at present constituted. At one time he had some respect for Mr. Seddon, but that gentleman's action in grasping the position of Premier, whioh to his (Mr. Travers') knowledge the late Mr. Ballance intended should bo occupied by Sir Robert Stout, showed that Mr. Seddon was not entitled to the confidence of the country, as he had not been honest or truthful in the matter since Mr. Ballance's death. He therefore distrusted Mr. Seddon, and did not believe that any remission of Cnstomf duties would be brought about at the hands of himself or certain of his colleagues. Protection was in a great measure the cause ol sweating evils in the colony. It was like c leadon load on the peoplo, making tho pool poorer, and did not keep the money in the country, as was erroneously olaimed for it, Incidentally he mentioned that tho '' sweat ing" practised on clerks of banks and large firms, in having to work night aftor night tc lato hours in order to koep up dividends and profits, was iniquitous. If elected he would be prepared to legislate in the direction oi remedying this evil. While ho believed that education shonld bo given by the Stata, he considered that the Roman Catholics, having oonßoientiouß scruples with regard to the public education system, and having ereoted and maintained their own schools, wore cer' tainly entitled to a capitation allowance on results, which ho understood was all they asked. He was in favour of aid to all private schools sabmittinK to public inspootiop, for he believed in religious instruction in schools, and believed that a healthy spirit of emulation would be created, whioh would bo advantageous to the country rather than destructive of the public system, as some alleged. The candidate answered questions put. No resolution was put to the meeting, whioh dosed with the usual compliment to the Chairman. Sir Robert Stout addressed upwards of 100 women and a dozen or so men in tho Salvation Army Barracks, Adelaide-road, yesterday afternoon, tho ohair being taken by Mrß. Fraser Jones. The candidate said that for more than twenty years he had advocated the extension of the franchise) to women. He spoke in favour of the village settlement and education systems, urging that it would be impossible for the State to teach religion in its schools. He concluded by impressing upon women that they by thoir influence would bo able to purify politics, as also society at large. One of the women present cateohised Sir Robert Stout on the eduoation system, and before sitting down offensively characterised the oondidato as a freethinker. A vote of thanka to the candidate and the chairwoman concluded the proceedings. Mr. M'Lean addressed a meeting of between SO and 40 women in the Exchange Hall yesterday afternoon upon politioal topics, and received a vote of thanka and confidence on the motion of Mrs. Tait (who presided), seconded by Mrs. Whitehoad. The second supplementary electoral roll for the Suburbs contains 342 names, and that of Otaki 225 names. Last night Mr. J. G. Wilson addressed a meeting of Otaki elootors at Taita, Mr. A. Milne in the ohair. At the conclusion of tho candidate's speech, a vote of thanks and confidence was passed, on the motion of Mrs. Russell, seconded by Mr. Pagan. Mr. Wilford addressed the Johnsonville eleotors at tho Oddfellows' Hall last night, Mr. J. Chapman in the ohair. On the motion of Mr. T. Bryant, seconded by Mr. ». Bould, a vote of thanks and confidence was passed, with only one dissentient. By fixing the Maori eleotions for a later period than those for the European distriots the Government has provided another ohanoe for the Hon. Mr. Carroll. If beaten for the East Coast seat he will still be able to stand again for the Eastern Maori seat. The Committee of tho Religious Education League met last night at St. Mark's parsonage, and agreed to defer the selection of three candidates till Monday night next, when it is proponed to hold a meeting of parishioners in the sohoolroom, Sussexsquare. Mr. John Dunoan is definitely in the field for the Wairau seat, as on independent Liberal. He addressed a meeting at Pioton | on Saturday night, and was favourably received. In our advertising colnmns Mr. Travers announoes bis intention to go to the poll, and challenges his opponents to a novel test of physical oondition. Mr. Fieher's first publio address in this campaign will be delivered at the Theatre Royal this evening. There is » sptoial reservation of, the dreis oirolo for women electors, and aooommodatiOn on the stage for »ny overflow. Mr. Vogel addresses the Thorndon eleotors tbia evening. Mr. Fraser addresses women oleotors tomorrow afternoon.

Mr. M'Lean will meet his Te Aro Committee to-mo'row. To-night Mr. Wilford delivers Mb addrepa at Potono, and to-morrow night he speaks at Wodeßtown and Mitchelltown. Mr. Wilford's Hatt committee of men mcetß to-morrow evening. Mr. Fisher's Te Aro Committee meets tomorrow evening. The women electors of To Aro and Newtown favourable to Mr. Bell's candidature aro asked by advert'sement to meet Mrp. Bell at tho Newtown Committee-room on Friday afternoon. Mr. Duthie addresses the electors at Newtown on Friday, Thorndon on Monday, and Te Aro on Wednesday. Mr. Fisher's Newtown committee meets to-morrow. Mrs Kennedy Macdonald inviteß women electors favourable to the return of Mr. Macdonald to meet at her residence, Wellingtonterrace. Tho Hon. T. W. Hislop has been nrged to contest the Gisborne seat with the Hon. Mr. Carroll and Mr. Do Lantonr, bnt he has not yet given a definite reply. At the meeting of shop assistants held last night, it was decided to ask Sir Bobert Stout, and Messrs. Bell, Fraser, and M'Lean to address a meeting of shop assistants at an early date. If they agree, a ballot will afterwards be taken for the selection of three candidates who will be supported by the whole body at the poll ; also to seek the co-operation ot kindred societies in other parts of the colony as to the representation of shop assistants' interests. fßy TblegraphJ (Our Own Corresponded.) Gbettown North. This Day A committee of women to scenre Mr. Buchanan's return was formed yesterday. Mrs. Spratt was appointed chairwoman, and Mrs. Skeet secretary, with Misses E. Wyett nud Tally to assist. I DNITID PBBBS ABBOCIATION. i Nblbon, 14th November. The Premier addressed a crowded meeting tonight, when he very fully answered the criticisms in respect of the Government's financial policy, and while declaring that he had no intention of dictating to the people whom they should elect, claimed the right to defend the Government. He was repeatedly oheered, and on the motion of Colonel Pitt, a vote of thanlcß and an expression of confidence in the Government was carried, amidst loud and enthusiasm cheering. Nsw Plymouth, 14th November. Colonel Trimble addressed the electors last night. He declared himself opposed to Mr Seddon's Government and the Party known as the New Liberals. Mr. E. M. Smith gave his address to-night, in favour of the present Government. Both candidates received votes of thanks and confidence. Wanoantji, 14th November. Messrs. A. J. Parsons and Gilbert Carson are announced as candidates for -tho Wanganui seat. Auckland, 14th November. Mr. Adam Porter addressed a meeting of the City electors to-night. He stated he would support Mr. Seddon in preference to Sir Bobert Stout or Mr. Bolleston. He got a vote of thanks and confidence. A considerable number of seamen's votes were recorded Co-day with the Collector of Customs. A resolution has been passed by tha New Zealand Political Association that, in view of the coming elections, the question ot Mr. Ballanco'a wishes as to his suocessor should be cleared up, and that the Secretary write to Sir Bobert Stout and Mr. Seddon respeotfully asking for information. Requisitions are to be presented to-morrow to Mr. C. E. Button, solicitor, asking him to stand for the City. Mr. J. H. Wright, farmer, Pulcek&pe, announces himself for Waipa. Dunidin. This Dat. Mr. James Gore addressed his first meeting of City electors last evening. He announced himself aa Independent, saying that if elected he would go as & representative, not a delegate. He opposed Prohibition, and favou.ed religions instruction in public schools. A vote of thanks and confidence was passed. Chbistchubch, This Bat. Mr. Swan, a candidate for Avon, addressed a meeting of electors hist night, and received a vote of thanks. Wtnbham, 14th November. The Hon. G. F. Biohardson addressed a meeting of about 300 electors at Wyndharn to-night, and spoke chiefly in reply to the Colonial Treasurer's Winton address, whici he characterised as incorrect and misleading in many roapecta. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried, cheers being given for Mr. Biohardson. An amendment of thanks only was not seconded, the movor being hooted.