WELLINGTON LIBERAL ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1118, 4 August 1893, Page 42

WELLINGTON LIBERAL ASSOCIATION.

The second sooial gathering promoted by the Wellington Liberal Association took place on Monday at the Columbia Skating Rink ; but the weather being unfavourable, the attendance was only moderate. The programme comprised several songs and a number of dances. Sir Robert Stout and the Hon J. Carroll were present, and the Premier arrived at the hall after the conoert, and took part in the danoing, Mr Carroll delivered an address, and said that tho Liberal Associations of the Colony had given every assistance to the Liberal Party. Many large subjects were now before the public mind—the land question, women’s franchise, the direct veto, and other disturbing questions. He had always been opposed to women’s franchise, but the will of the majority must rule. As for the direct veto, while he would not say that he disagreed with Sir Robert Stout, he might not go so far as Sir Robert Stout did. There was no doubt, however, that some reform must take place. The question was, how far could they go? He reminded them that their reforms must not be too violent. He believed in steady progress. The Government were doing their best to settle the people on the land ; but they wanted the people to be reasonable; they did not warn any particular section to dictate to the Government, as was done the other day in Christchurch. While it was true that labour had claims upon the attention

of the Government, the dependence which labour bad upon capital should not be forgotten. They must not frighten capital ; they must, on tho contrary, endeavour to bind oapital and labour together. No matter how Btrong tbey were, they must not be aggressive against aay particular section of the community, for every class was entitled to representation. (Applause.) Sir Robert Stout, who was warmly greeted, said that the presence of so many ladies that night was a proof that women's franohlse was just, and he maintained that it ought to have been granted loDg ago. Taking as the text of his address the name of the association, he went on to speak of the importance of local organisation, pointing out that unless the people in every district took an interest in political matters, nothing would be accomplished. Except they had political education, they could have no sooial or political reform. They were Liberals, a party of progress, and there were many reforms at the present day which urgently required to be dealt with. He warned them that a Liberal Association must not be used for the purpose of aiding the personal ambition of any one man—(bear, hear)—and that Liberals could only show that they were true Liberals when they were prepared to sink themselves and practise the greatest self-denial for the good of the cause. Principles must be first, men coming a long way after. (Applause.) If such an association was not united, it ought to be disbanded, because it would only work misohlef.

On the motion of Mr W. McLeaD, M.H.R., seconded by Mr O'Dea (president of the association), a vote of thanks was given to those who performed the musical items. The singers were Miss Roberts, Mr R. P. Johnson and Mr Glover, and Mr Rash played a piano solo. Minifie’s band gave a number of selections. Refreshments were supplied by Mr Morris,