THE H.B. TRIBUNE. TUESDAY, JULY 18, 1911. MR. FISHER’S ADDRESS.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 181, 18 July 1911, Page 4

THE H.B. TRIBUNE. TUESDAY, JULY 18, 1911. MR. FISHER’S ADDRESS.

Mg. F. M. B. Fisher, speaking on behalf of the Opposition, delivered a most capable address in Hastings last night. We have on previous occasions referred to Mr. Fisher's worth to the Opposition as a fighting unit, and the result of last night’s meeting amply proves that we were correct in our estimation. From the opening to the close of his address. Mr. Fisher displayed a grip of his subject which left his opponents helpless. Every interjection was met with telling repartee and the interruptions which might reasonably h.-.ve upset a less ready speaker proved opportunities for Mr. Fisher to get in telling points for his party. At the opening of the meeting, it was evident that a considerable element of opposition prevailed, but the happy manner of the speaker and his quick, bright way 01 meefing the. circumstance of the moment, gradually won him the confidence of his audience. It could not be said that the meeting last night was strongly in favour of the Opposition, but it can with perfect truth be said that the young city member established a warm sympathy with the meeting before lie concluded his address. We believe Mr. Fisher is at present an under-rated man — not in. his own estimation by any means, however, and as time goes on he will nave to be reckoned with as one of the strong men of his party. Ho gives to the party just that spirit of fight and versatility

which is so sadly needed to carry conviction in the country. 'Without disrespect to Mr. Massey, we are compelled to say that Mr. Fisher did more last night to advance the Opposition cause than his- leader could do in a dozen speeches. Mr. Fisher showed the public what he, and other active fighting members, want the Opposition to be. He wastes no time with crocodile tears over what is.gone by. He accumulates no grey hairs over the wickedness of Sir Joseph Ward or Sir James Carroll, but steps right over tb.e chalk line with a policy and opinions of his own. It is a fighting policy and he knows where to find the vulnerable spots in the armour of his enemies. He also announces that in these degenerate political days it is still possible for youth and enthusiasm to couple itself to definite opinions and come before the people with a straightout “yes’’ or “no.” hue Opposition policy as the people have known it for the past 20 years has been like dead ashes in the mouth of the people ; there has been nothing to respond to ; nothing to follow and little to listen to beyond the painful lachrymal demonstration of the Government’s wickedness. Mr. Fisher breathes new life into the cause ; he puts ginger in the political brew, and if the Reform party wishes to undertake the cleansing of the Angean stable, it would do well to make use of the young men who are not afraid to put a bit of power behind the broom. Mr. Fisher has his faults. He is a 'poseur.’ and we believe he knows it, but while age may cure him of this-fault, we hope it may never rob him of the qualities which make him a force to be reckoned with in the political days of the future.