The Hastings Standard Published Daily. SATURDAY, MAY 23, 1896. THE PREMIER'S ADDRESS.

Hastings Standard, Issue 24, 23 May 1896, Page 2

The Hastings Standard Published Daily.

SATURDAY, MAY 23, 1896. THE PREMIER'S ADDRESS.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

Thk Hom. Mr Seddon bad the pleasure of speaking last evening to what is acknowledged to be the largest political meeting ever held in Hastings. He kept the attention of his heavers for three hours and a half, but his speech might, with advantage, have been condensed to something considerably under that time. He has certainly a very happy delivery, and some of his points were given with telling effect; but there was little new in the whole address. The Tress of the colony came in for a deal of abuse, which perhaps was deserved ; and the Press Association, for many wrongdoings, including a glaring injustice to the Hastings Standard, received a word of warning for its transgressions. Then followed a few kindly words to the people advising them not to trust to the National Associatito, the lead-

ing members of which institution were touring tlie colony for the avowed purpose of turning out the present administration. The vices of the Association were prominently brought forward, and the virtues of their opponents held up in contrast. " The Liberal party represented the people, the Conservative party only a select few," said Mr Seddon. The Opposition were rapidly coming to their way of thinking, he said, and he would not be surprised to find shortly Captain Russell supporting his Ministry. The little incident about the birth rate was amusing if it was not political. Then Mr Seddon rose to the occasion with stirring eloquence against the alleged degeneration of Young New Zealand. After which he struck the seizure of the Sinking Funds. The action of the Opposition in running away from the discussion of the Public Works Estimates last session was also explained. His hearers were then given figures showing the increase in the value of our stocks since his Ministry assumed the reins of office. The public debt was carefully and minutely examined, to the detriment, of course, of previous administrations. Comparison was made of the travelling expenses of the members of the present Cabinet and those of members of other Governments. Land c-iime in for a deal of consideration, the bursting up of all large estates being the prime motive for the present Acts. Then 011 to employment for our toilers, and afterwards to taxation and labor legislation. Customs' revenue v.;is followed with the announcement that the surplus of I'] 50,000 was a genuine one, and that that amount would lie transferred to the Public Works Fund. A number of items of more or less interest were touched upon, and Mr Seddon concluded amidst great applause with a brilliant peroration on the future prospects of the colony provided the Seddon Government were 1 retained in power. It must be admitted that the reception of Mr Seddon was a most cordial one, and the electors of this district having beard both leaders may well be in a position to choose for themselves under which banner they will light.