THE COMING ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1130, 27 October 1893, Page 18

THE COMING ELECTIONS.

SIE E. STOUT AT THE OPEEA HOUSE. Early on Tuesady afternoon Manners street appeared to be in the hands of the fair sex, and was 1 very bright and pleasant to look upon in consequence. From all sides they came, well dressed, cheerful, yet serious withal, as though bent on important business; and towards the theatre they went filling the sidewalks with moving skirts, bonnets, boas, and bright faces. The hats and coats and walking-sticks in the street stopped to regard the unwonted phenomenon, and after regarding and let it be said respectfully took counsel together under their beards. The boas, bonnets and bright faces passing on regardless sailed into the Opera House by the stalls and circle entrances, and spreading over those two portions of the house presently made a very fairly packed audience. Seven or eight hundred women at least, sitting there in rows with not a man amongst them; there in that place where no woman had ever gone except for amusement or revival meeting—it was a unique spectacle. The hats and walking-sticks, finding the pit entrance was reserved for them, waded in manfully, and discovered that for once man was in the lowest place; present on sufferance, a mere spectator of the proceedings. On the platform was Sir Eobert in that attitude of expectation which all lecturers and public speakers have to assume before an advertised function. A woman was in the chair ; another woman was in support; the reporters' table was full of course, and the platform was empty. What followed was in the very best spirit of public business. There was no wasting of time in beating about the bush; no sparring of small talk, no gossip, no frivolity. The meeting sails into business straight. Sir Eobert, duly introduced, says what he has to say easily, earnestly, comfortably, conversationally. He gives the women good advice, and the women receive it with attention. Whether they receive it with reverence or not, time will show. But he gives them an excellent political lecture, the excellent details of which lead up to the duty which the franchise has imposed on the women of New Zealand. He does not dictate to the women present. Far from it. He lays down principles, excellent principles they are, for guidance ; he enlarges on these principles with simplicity and force ; he leaves the meeting to think out the subject for themselves. As he goes along there is applause, chiefly from the hats and sticks in the pit, for the women have not yettaken to demonstrations. When he finishes the necessary resolution is moved, with a few, brief words in support, by a woman, seconded by a woman with the briefest possible form of words, and passed unanimously. It is in. Sir Eobert's favour, of course. Before that a few questions are handed up and answered. When the chairwoman has been thanked, the meeting disperses, the street is once more taken possession of by bright colours and pleasant faces. The colours and the faces form knots which talk with animation, and the hats and sticks watch them with much respect and some curiosity. So ends .an eventful afternoon. The following is the report of the proceedings: —

Mrs Plimmer, who as chairwoman introduced Sir Eobert Stout, expressed a conviction that he was specially fitted for the duties of a parliamentary representative, by his purity of life, honesty, integrity of purpose, rare ability and large experience. She felt, too, that in supporting him she was to some extent paying a tribute to the dead—Mr Ballance —whose labours women should never forget. Sir Eobert Stout, who was received with applause, said he intended not to deal with politics from a local point of view, but to look at them from a higher view. They must recollect that there were rival platforms, and that there must be an ideal for which they should strive. Politics had advanced greatly in the last 50 years. There were still, however, a great many blots on our civilisation, and their aim should be to get rid of these evils. To do this, some plan or method of working must be laid down as a platform to be carried out by the politician. It was often charged that politicians were frequently Utopian in their ideas; but Euskin said that this word "Utopian" was a devil's word. The Utopia was to get rid of evils such as poverty, vice and crime, and to obtain peace and contentment, brotherhood and sisterhood. There was one question which lay at the root of every political question, and that was in what relation should the individual stand to the State. It was at the root of all the Freetrade and Protection agitation, at the root of the land tenure agitation, of taxation, and of how far should we interfere with the drink traffic. THE CHIEF SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT. There were four or five different schools of thought, such as Individualist, Socialist, Anarchist, and Eeformers. In the Individualist school, of which Herbert Spencer was the leading teacher, they went in for no State interference in the drink traffic, factory legislation, and so on. The Socialists went to the other extreme, and would keep the people in leading strings, and everything would be managed by the State. He did not intend to deal with the Anarchists, as they were few in number in the colonies, but there was another school growing in strength which recognised that the State now represented the people as a whole, and not the Crown or one class alone, and which held that th'ey must utilise this force to secure popular reforms. Almost every political question that came up in New Zealand would have to be settled by something between Individualism and Socialism. THE NEW SCHOOL. The new school was extending its func-

tions in various directions, but they must not assist the individual too much, though they had to recognise the weakness of some classes, which necessitated Factory Acts and legislation of that character. There was unfortunately growing up in this Colony a sweating system, and they must try to get rid of it—(applause)—for though they might under it get things cheaper for a while, the result would be a weakening of health, more sickness, more vice, and more crime, and once the standard of life was lowered drinking increased. As Chas. Booth pointed out "poverty breeds poverty," and by not looking after the well being of the people they were accelerating evils. THE DRINK TRAFFIC. The drink question had to be faced. He recognised a wonderful change in the drinking customs in this Colony, but if they had the money spent in drink after deducting the wages, &c, of those employed in the traffic, there would be a million a year for public works. All civilised States had said that they had a right to interfere with the drink traffic, and what he proposed was to leave it to the men and women to decide where and how many licenses there should be. Temperance had to be encouraged in many ways, and a wise and proper recreation was one of the means to be adopted. He advised them on this subject to read Eunciman's " Joints in our Social Armour," which put the question fairly from both sides. He had for years advocated this reform, though in every election he had had many against him in consequence, but he did think much of that if he could push forward the reform. OTHER SUBJECTS FOR WOMEN. Speaking on other matters that women should take an interest in, he said that one of them was that of having open spaces for their children. Another matter women would insist on would be justice to all, and as one thing that would be affected, he instanced the Native question. It should be recollected that the Maoris are the weaker race, and that they should help to put them on a higher plane. The Natives, if they wished to sell their land, should sell not to those who bribe them, but to a Government land agent. Then as to the land question, he said that having sold the land, they had no right to take it from the owner without compensation; that was sheer robbery. The State should say it would sell no more land, but lease on perpetual lease, giving security of tenure, without which people would not improve their land. QUESTIONS. Eeplying to questions that had been sent up, Sir Eobert Stout repeated what he had said as to .his views on education, and in addition said that girls should be taught sewing and cooking—(applause)—to fit them as housewives, and boys with mechanical bias should be taught accordingly. As to half-holidays, he would leave that entirely to a local vote of the people. With reference to a State Bank they had practically one now in the Savings Bank, Public Trust Office, Life Insurance Department, and by last session's legislation they now issued postal notes, but he believed they would in time have a Bank of Issue and a Land Bank to deal with the accumulations in the Public Trust and other offices. What was mostly desired was a feeling of security that any money invested should be safe. He believed the Married Women's Property Act would have to be extended, and that the Scotch law should be introduced, so that a man could not by will leave his wife without property. (Applause.) The law he suggested had worked well in Scotland and France for generations. In conclusion, he thanked the ladies present for their attendance, and hoped they would pay attention to politics. In America it was said that the best people kept out of politics, and the result was that the least desirable class entered political life. They would not be doing their duty if they neg. lected paying attention to politics, and keeping them as pure as in the past in New Zealand. He believed that as they would not have congestion of population in one large centre in New Zealand, they would have great advantage over other colonies; and having no old time disadvantages, now that women had been admitted to the franchise they should see that justice was done to the whole race. They had, as Bracken put it, " God's own country,"—everything that tended to make a nation great. They would remain greatly an agricultural nation, which would keep up the physique of the race, and having all these advantages they should see that their country was an example to the other countries of the world. The law of the race was the law of progress; the greatest nation was the best educated nation, and so all they had to aim at was cultivation of the intelligence of the people, and of the morality of the people, which would ensure a great nation. Before resuming, his' seat Sir Eobert Stout quoted the following lines by Emerson: —

From stars in the solemn sky, From the tender flower at thy feet, Certain and grave and sweet Comes the same eternal reply : Upward! 0 ohild of man, for progress doth never die.

Then lend thy will and thy song To the thing that must surely be, For so shall thy life be free, And so shall thy speech be strong, And so they will be one with the hand that beokons the worlds along.

A vote of thanks and confidence, proposed by Mrs Wright and seconded by Mrs Jones, was carried unanimously by a show of hands, and the result received with loud applause. Sir E. Stout briefly returned thanks, expressing his obligation to Mr Bland Holt for the use of the Opera House. On his motion, a vote of thanks was given to the chairwoman.

The report that the Premier went to Marton to try and come to terms with Mr lyess js, an invention, Mr Seddoh did not

see that gentleman at all during his stay there.

Last Tuesday Mr Vogel addressed a meeting of the electors at Donald McLean street, Newtown, . Lieutenant-Colonel McDonnell in the chair. After th 9 meeting, committees were formed, Mr Compton acting as chairman of the men's committee, and Mrs Gxiymer as conductress of the women's committee.

Mr Wilford addressed a meeting of the electors of Wellington Suburbs at Ngahauranga on Tuesday afternoon. A committee was formed comprising nearly all those present. An address was given by Mr Wilford at the Kilbirnie schoolroom on Tuesday night, before an audience of 80 or 90 people, Mr James Clark presiding. The candidate dealt with the question of prohibition, education, the land and income tax, protection, State aid to labour, village settlements, Native legislation and the Upper House. He also answered a number of questions. A motion thanking Mr Wilford for his address, and expressing the opinion that he is a fit and proper person to represent the district in Parliament, was proposed by Mr Frederick Marlowe, and seconded by Mrs Hewett, and carried with one dissentient. Mr Wilford addressed a meeting of about 50 electors at Horokiwi on Monday night, when a committee was formed on his behalf.

The Government have definitely chosen Mr Carnell as the Liberal candidate for the Napier seat. A private telegram received in town states that Mr Andrew Thomson, of Port Chalmers, is out for the Waikouaiti electorate.

In connection with the Patea electorate, Mr Finnerty, the Liberal candidate, who is to oppose Mr G. Hutchison, and who is now in Wellington, has received very reassuring telegrams, and he proceeds North in the course of a few days to address the electors. It is not considered likely that Mr William Cowern, whose name has been mentioned, will persevere in his candidature.

Mr George Hutchison addressed a large meeting at Waitotara on Tuesday night, and received a vote of thanks.

An address was delivered at Hunterville on Tuesday night by Mr Ivess. A motion of thanks and confidence was proposed, and an amendment of thanks only. The amendment was declared lost on a show of hands, though there seemed to be some uncertainty as to which motion the chairman was putting. * By Telegraph.—Press Association. Gisborne, October 24.

The Hon Mr Carroll reviewed the work of last session before a large' audience at the Theatre Eoyal last evening. He strongly resented the idea of insincerity regarding women's franchise on the part of the Government. Personally he had been opposed to it, but now, seeing the interest women were taking in political matters, he believed their enfranchisement would be productive of good. The new Alcoholic Liquor Act was one of the greatest reforms ever effected on the licensing question? X vote of confidence in the Government was passed.

Mr John Bennett has announced himself as a candidate for Waiapu in the Opposition interest, and will address the electors to-morrow night. Christchurch, October 24. Mr J. Evison announces himself as a candidate for Christchurch.

Mr Meredith, who is a candidate for Ashley, addressed a meeting at Ashley on Monday night, announcing himself a strong supporter of the Government. He received a vote of thanks and confidence.

Mr Budda, the Liberal candidate for Kaiapoi, addressed his first meeting on Monday night, and received a vote of thanks.

Christchurch, October 25.

The motion of confidence in the Government was not carried at the Hon W. Bolleston's meeting at Little Eiver, as reported yesterday. The voting was equal, and the chairman declared the motion of thanks and confidence in the Hon W. Eolleston carried.

The Eev O'Bryen Hoare addressed a meeting last night, and declared himself generally a supporter of the Government policy. He received a vote of thanks. Auckland, October 24.

It is stated that Mr James Muir, a member of the Board of Education, will contest the Manukau seat.

The Liberal Association have adopted a platform in a series of categorical tions, to be put to candidates. These haye been sent to candidates for a reply.. A. meeting takes place on Monday to select the candidates for the city and suburbs. Auckland, October 25.

The Liberal Association have adopted a platform in the form of a series of categorical questions to candidates as follows: Will you undertake (1) to give a loyal support to the present Government ? (2) In all questions of policy to support and uphold the decisions and will of the majority of the Liberal Party in the House of Eepresentatives ? (3) To endeavour to secure by just legislation the settlement of the land in small areas, and the permanent improvement of the condition of the workers of the Colony? (4) To support the Shop Hours, Lands for Settlement, and Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Bills ? (5) Are you in favour of giving the Alcoholic Liquor Sales Control Act a fair trial ? (6) Are you in favour of the railways reverting to the control of the people through the Minister for Public Works ? (7) Are you in favour of the principle of the co-operative system for Government and municipal works ? (8) Will you advocate the just and speedy settlement of the claims of the naval, military and volunteer land claimants? (9) Will you use every endeavour to ensure the speedy construction of the Auckland and Wellington Eailway via Taranaki ? (10) Will you support such amendments to the Shipping and Seamen's Act as will secure justice to the seamen employed and safety to the public ? Messrs Sheppard and E. Withy addressed a meeting of the. Women's Franchise League, by request, to " impart political

instruction and initiate the ladieslhtb thd method of exercising the ballot arid using ballot papers." Mr F. Lawry addressed the electors of Pamell to-night at Parnell. He contended that he had been faithful to his constituents, and had fulfilled all pledges and justified his support of the Ministry. He said he would act in the future as in the past. He severely condemned the,Midland railway business. He made a strong attack on Sir E. Stout, but never once throughout his speech alluded to his rival for Parnell, Sir George Grey. He said he • would go through with the contest. Mr Lawry received a vote of thanks. Mr E. Mitchelson addressed a large meeting of the electors of Eden at Devonport Hall, when he strongly condemned the policy of the Government on almost every point. He received a vote of confidence by an overwhelming majority. Dunedin, October 24. ■ Messrs Pinkerton and W. Hutchison, M.'sH.E. for Dunedin city, addressed a joint meeting of their constituents this evening, the City Hall being crowded. Mr Pinkerton dealt specially with the unsatisfactory state of the standing orders of the House, and advocating alteration to prevent waste of time. Mr Hutchison denounced the Legislative Council for the rejection of Labour and Liberal measures, approved of the Eailways Bill as a compromise, but preferred the abolition, of thd Commissioners, strongly advocated compulsory arbitration, and urged the necessity for the Lands for Settlement Bill. A vote of thanks and confidence in both members was agreed to unanimously. » Dunedin, October 25. Mr J. A. Millar, a candidate for the Port Chalmers seat, addressed his first meeting at North-East Valley. He spoke as a supporter of the Government, and defended their measures. He favoured the State monopoly of the note issue, and would give the control of the liquor traffic to the people by direct veto. He favoured the abolition of the Eailway Commissioners, and said that the reason of their appointment was to reduce wages and enable private employers to do the same. He received a vote of thanks and confidence. ' .. '

At a meeting of the Women's Franchise League the constitution and platform were adopted as printed. The following resolution was also adopted:—" That the league express thanks to the Revs J. Gibb and W. Saunders for their courageous and outspoken sermons last Sunday evening, denouncing the appalling vices which exist in the city and suburbs, and ,assure them of sympathy and aid in any steps that may be taken to suppress those vices."

The Workers' Political Committee have passed a resolution declaring that all candidates should be given a fair hearing, irrespective of the views they put forward.