The Hastings Standard Published Daily. FRIDAY, NOV. 27, 1896. MR FRASER AT HASTINGS.

Hastings Standard, Issue 182, 27 November 1896, Page 2

The Hastings Standard Published Daily.

FRIDAY, NOV. 27, 1896. MR FRASER AT HASTINGS.

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.

Mr A. L. D. Frasek, the Liberal candidate for Hawke's Bay, made his maiden speech to the electors of Hastings at the Princess Theatre last evening. The hall was packed to the door, a very large number of ladies being among those present. The speaker both surprised and delighted his andience by the clearness and lucidity with which he explained the principles of the Liberal programme, traversing Captain Russell's statements at previous meeting. The keynote of Mr Eraser's address was Progression v. Retrogression, and he proved by statistics and other statements that during the six years the Seddon Government had held office more measures for the advancement of the interests of the colony, more especially for the benefit of the working men and small settlers, had been carried into law than during the twenty years of Conservative administration. He denounced Captain Russell as belonging to the Retrogression party, which had no policy except a desire to obtain office, and, if possible, administer the Liberal laws in their own interest. He proved to the evident satisfaction of his hearers that the accusations brought against the Liberals were untrue in nearly every case quoting their bank legislation, railway administration, land for settlements, advances to settlers, Native lands, Ac., as brilliant examples of the advanced ideas of the great Liberal Party to which he belonged, and which were prepared to advance still further in making the colony what it ought to be —a happy home for all classes. Mr Fraser was very bitter on the mistaternents made about hiin by the Napier Conservative Press, and had the entire sympathy of his audience with him ; and we have not the slightest doubt that this sympathy will express itself at the ballot box on Friday next, by placing the young New Zealander at the top of the Poll.