The Hastings Standard Published Daily. SATURDAY, NOV. 21, 1896. CAPTAIN RUSSELL AT HASTINGS.

Hastings Standard, Issue 177, 21 November 1896, Page 2

The Hastings Standard Published Daily.

SATURDAY, NOV. 21, 1896. CAPTAIN RUSSELL AT HASTINGS.

For the cause that lacks assistancf. 1",.r tin- ivrn:v,'s that need resistance For the future in tiv <ii~tanre, A::<! the »oud that v.e can do.

Tnr. political meeting at the Princes* Theatre last evening was a crowded anil an enthusiastic one. Indeed it is ilonhtful whether it was not a record hon-e. Tin- ladies rolle il up in strong force, and seemed to take great inter- ( -i in the views uexponded hy the L«;,,lef of the Opposition. As a political address it w.w disappointing. It was fully expected that the ['arty s policy, which ha - so long been in the background, would he promulgated. Most people looked to Captain Kiism'll to play his 1 rump card to a Hastings audieno- last evening; but lie still holds it up his sleeve. '1 here was absolutely nothing to guide the electors in recording their votes on election dav. Not a single plunk of the platform was exposed, and according to the speaker it appears that it is not necessary for an Oppostion to have a policy at all. At aiiv rate it is time to reveal it when returned to power. J>ut if we judge New Zealand electors aright, tliev will not swallow the ' r.o policy" fly, but will wait until the lines are properly baited. They ask the people to trust them, and if returned New Zealand will become a I'aradi>e on earth. The is anxious to see this state of things brought about ; but as an Independent journal it prefers that both sides should explain their views clearly and decisively. The election should not be run on surmises. The (iovernnient have already propounded their programme ; the members of the Opposition should show their hand, put everything in

black and white ; ar.il the (-lectors should he allowed to judge of their own free will whether they will stand hv the Seddon Administration or a Government to he formed by the Oppositionists. In our opinion Captain Russell is prejudicing his chances of success by keeping back his policy. lit, 1 must by this time have some proposals for the advancement of the colony should he he fortunate enough to assume the reins of oltice ; but electors will be chary to cast in thenlot with a party playing in the dark. The Leader of the Opposition has promised to again address the electors of Hastings before polling day : and it might be well if he then lays down his platform and allows Hawke's Bay to judge whether a change is necessary. Last evening's address was mainly in reply to the speech made by the Premier on the 10th inst., and according to Captain Russill Mr Seddon on that occasion made several statements quite contrary to fact. The Captain made some happy remarks, and at times was loudly cheered. Ilis arguments on cause and eft'ect were decidedly to the point : and he made a distinct charge that the present unemployed dilliculty was directly due to Mr Seddon. Ilis advocacy of the extension of the Friendly Societies" scheme seemed to meet with great favor. He fired a great gun when he asserted that the Woburn estate had not been purchased and was not likely to be. This matter will no doubt be explained by the Minister of Lauds, who is expected here next ! week. Captain Russell spoke well and effectively, and his largft audience i appeared to Lc well pleased with his 1 address.