SIR ROBERT STOUT'S ADDRESS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9488, 18 April 1894, Page 4

SIR ROBERT STOUT'S ADDRESS.

The address which Sir Robert Stout delivered in the City Hall last night contained very little that; was new, while he was careful to avoid anything that might be regarded in the nature of a criticism on the policy of the Government. But it was none the less interesting and instructive on that account. As was to be expected, he handled his subject in an able and skilful manner. While one may take objection to some of the political views which Sir Robert Stout advocates, there can bo no doubt as to his earnestness and sincerity, his fulness of knowledge, and the unmistakeablo evidence which his speeches contain of ripe thought and extensive study, which in these days of cant and humbug and superficial knowledge of the science ot politics and government are so lamentably lacking in high places. It is also a commendable thing in prominent public men to deliver political addresses in different parts of the colony, and to endeavour to interest the community in the study of the great social and political questions which are for ever pressing forward, and upon the right solution of which so much of the happiness and well-being of a State must depend. That duty in the colonies is too often left to the Press, which, while it strives to discharge it to the best of its ability, is not so effective in stimulating public interest as direct appeals made from the platform by distinguished leaders of affairs. Sir Robert Stout's address con-

; tains much that is worthy of careful I thought, and although it may lack I novelty, it is yet a sober and instrucI tlve contribution to the political literature of the day.