HONORING MR FLATMAN

Evening Star, Issue 12764, 17 March 1906, Page 8

HONORING MR FLATMAN

1 ' THE PREMIER ON SHIPPING COMBINES. TIMARU, March 17. At a largely-attended public meeting at Geraldine last night Mr F. R. Flatman's constituents presented him with an 3mminated address. The Premier and the Minister of Lands and Sir W. J. Steward were among those present. The address congratulated Mr Fkfcman on his fifth consecutive ejection, and praised his conduct as a candidate and as representative, which had amply justified his selection. Mr Flatman thanked his constituents, and accepted the testimonial as a proof of the good-will of both supporters and opponents. The Premier began a speech of an hour and three-quarters by endorsing flue sentiment of the' address and congratulating Geraldine on their representative, than whom no man was more highly respected in the House. He referred to the wsult of the late elections as an endorsement of the policy of the adnurdstratkni and legislation of the Seddon Government, and enlarged on this by varied illusfcrations. He bmohed briefly on several questions, and spoke emphatically of his determination to overcome monopolies, especially mentioning the ship. ping combine against, the West of England- contract. He gave. some information 10 the progress of land for settlements and the Midland Railway, and the allocation of education arid charitable aid endowments. He indicated the necessity for reducing the Customs duties on the necessaries of life, and invited the Chambers of Commerce and the industrial associations to advise the Government on the subject The speech was well received, and the Premier was warmly applauded. The Hon. Mr Duncan and Sir W. J. Steward also spoke briefly.