POLITICAL NOTES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1290, 19 November 1896, Page 32

POLITICAL NOTES.

ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION OF THE PREMIER AT KAIAPOI.

Chkistchurch, November 15

The Premier addressed a crowded meeting at Ivaiapoi last night. The speech, which lasted three hours and fifty minutes, was mainly on the lines of the Hastings address. The meeting was very enthusiastic, and at the close a vote of thanks and confidence in the Government was carried almost unanimousl3', and the meeting endod with cheers for Mr Seddon. THE LIBERAL CANDIDATE FOR WAIKARAPA. Mr .7. T. Marrvat Hornsby, the Liberal candidate for Wairarapa at the general election, left on Saturday for the district to open the campaign. He has received strong promises of support from all parts of the electorate, and his chances of winning are unusually promising. Mr Hornsby is a thorough Liberal, and is veil known throughout the Colony. He was born in Hobart, Tasmania, in the year 1857, and served an apprenticeship as a printer. Twenty-two years ago he came to New Zealand, and at a very early age began his literary career on a small goldfields paper, the Arrow Observer, Otago. While at the Arrow, he started a Volunteer Rifle Company, in which 50 stalwart diggers enrolled. The corps was commanded by Mr Donald Murray McKay, Mr Hornsby being his first lieutenant. Mr Hornsby was elected a Town Councillor, and was the first to actively engage in an agitation for proper sanitary measures ■within the borough. While in Arrov-town he married Sarah Scott Napier, a daughter of Dugald Napier, of Glasgow, one of the best known men in the Scottish city until the failure of the Western Bank, when he emigrated with his family to New Zealand. Mr Hornsby afterwards went to Invercargill, and spent many years of his life there, and was well known and esteemed for his efforts on behalf of local charities, his contributions to the newspapers of the province, and his agitation for reform in the conduct of the Southland Hospital. ! While in Invercargill there were staged by professionals and amateurs a number of dramas, and he was pressed by friends to extend the sphere of his action, but he preferred to go into newspaper life on his own | account, and returned to the scene of his earliest journalistic labours and started the Lake County Press. It was while he was I proprietor of this paper that he won the friendship of the late John Ballance a friendship which continued till the lamented death of the great Liberal chief. Mr Hornsby unsuccessfully opposed the Hon Thos. Fergus for the Lakes District scat in lS’vt, but as Mr 8. N. Brown (then proprietor of the Cromwell Argus) also stood on the Liberal side, he split the vote with Mr Hornsby, and thus lessened, in more ways than one, the chances of the latter’s success. One striking feature of the election was that Mr Hornsby had no committees, no canvassers, and, had a return had to have been made in those days, his election expenses would not have amounted to =£2o. In the early part of 18S6 Mr Hornsby went to Napier, and chiefly owing to the strong representations in his favour by the late Mr Ballance, he was chosen as editor of the Napier News, a position ho has held on thre separate occasions for varying periods. In Napier Air Hornsby is known as one of the best electioneering organisers who has ever taken a hand in the business, and after the last election was warmly congratulated on all hands, but especially by Ministers, for the work accomplished during the contest. In 1891 Mr Hornsby removed to Christchurch, whero he was editor of the Star and afterwards established a Labour paper in the columns of which he made so determined an onslaught upon a fraud named Worthington that he succeeded in hunting him out of New Zealand—a task essayed by others and by other and more powerful newspapers, but which was accomplished by the subject of our sketch. The law proceedings “ cracked up ” the newspaper and left Mr Hornsby broken in funds ; but he was sent for again to Napier and continued in charge of the Napier News until appointed three months ago to a position on the editorial staff of the New Zealand Times. When leaving Napier in August last —as on a former occasion—Mr Hornsby was made the recipient of a purse of sovereigns as a token of the esteem in which he is held by the people of that place. SIR ROBERT STOUT. A correspondent sends us the following 1 letter apropos of Sirß. Stout’s last meeting at tho Opera House :

Tn the interest of truth, and in justice to the memory of a dead and gone statesman, and being present at the meeting, I cannot let the assertion which Sir Robert Stout thought fit to make, when replying to a question put to him at the Opera House the other night, as to why ho had at Napier spoken against Mr Ballunco’s proposal to abolish the property tax and substitute therefor a land and income tax, go forth without some word of protest. The Encitiny \ -may notice, has not tiken any notice of it in i - -u-.mrfc of the proceedings, and there are y.0.l and sufficient grounds for the • vo:a an Opposition ionr-miC point u i \ iow. ih; that as it may, .Sir BoOcrt stated that ho held Mr Ballanco’s letter cordially agreeing with his speech at Napier. Had he stopped here, no one, perhaps, could have disputed his statement, though it was well known at the time that Mr Bnllarieo was exceedingly annoyed at the remarks made at Napier by Sir Robert, in connection with the change in policy iu question. In the Hawke's Bay Herald of 23rd October, 1890, Sir .Robert is reported to have said, “ They must remember that if they obtained a land and income tax to-mor-row, they could not get the same revenue from a land tax as from a property tax,.unless by imposing burdens so high and so oppressive that it would press the country settlers hard.” Now tho Liberal programme put forward included a land and 4 income tax, and ultimately it was carried, and emancipated 8090 farmers; and at the same time more revenue was obtained than under the property tax. The democratic knight is on the horns of a dilemma. Will lie say the late Mr Ballance was not in favour of a laud and income tax, and that it is his colleagues who are to be credited with having made the change, or that Mr JBallance ignored the opinion of Brutus and stood true to the Liberal Party and programme ? I hope that without a stretch of imagination or romancing on the next occasion he appears in public our only statesman will take one of the horns here mentioned and tell us a little more on this interesting

epoch. But Sir Robert went further, ana volunteered the information that Mr Ballance never took a single political step on any political question without first consulting him. This must surely have astounded his bearer 3, or at least those of them .who knew the late statesman, and the audience were doubtless forcibly reminded of Dantou s motto, “ Vauclace, V and ace, ct toujouvs Vnudace .” “ I was the Premier, Mr Ballance was only Premier in name —I was the great Mogul—it was not King Dick, but King Robert, behind the throne.” It will be difficult for the titled democrat to reconcile the two positions. First, be is found at Napier condemning proposals put forward by Mr Ballance, and now be says, “ Mr Ballance never took a single political step on any political question without first consulting me.” There is incontestable evidence here that lie wa3 not consulted as to land tax versus property tax, and on an occasion upon which the principal point in the policy of the Ballance Government was under consideration, viz., a change in the incidence of taxation. Lhe late Mr Ballance was not an arrogant man : be was ready, like all great statesmen, to take advice or a hint from the humblest oi those about him, but would not be diotatod to by even so superior a person as Sir Robert Stout, and for the latter to say in effect that ho was Mr Ballance’s Bunsby is too ridiculous to be for a moment credited. I can account for Sir Robert’s actions in no other way than that he lost his temper, owing to the sultry reception he received on the night in question, and so spoke hastily. I also know that the Psalmist spoke hastily sometimes, and I also know what he once said in his haste ; for my part, however, I think he might have saidjwhat he did at his leisure.

MR HUTCHESON AND THE CITY

ELECTORS

Mr J. Hutcheson addressed a meeting at Mr J. Lane’s coachhouse, Molesworth street, on Monday. There was a large attendance. Mr 3. Coleman was in the chair. Mr Hutcheson'itook occasion at the outset to_ deny a rumour which circulated that during the maritime strike he went out on strike for a few days in order to delude his fellow-work-men into going out also. Mr Hutcheson went on to state that in the present elections there were three classes of Liberals, viz. the “ Real Liberals ’’ (with the National Ass. at their head), of which Mr W. Itolleston was the latest exponent, the “ Independent Liberal,” and the Liberals supporting the present Government, of which he claimed to be one. The candidate dealt at length with the planks of the platform of the National Association, and also Socialism, class legislation, land legislation, political agitators, experimental legislation, &c. deferring to experimental legislation, Mr Hutcheson said the other side claimed,to have been in favour of Labour legislation, but they left it to the “ other follows ” to pass it into law. He claimed credit for the Government for thenwork in connection with tho development of the agricultural and mining industries. At the conclusion of his address Mr Hutcheson was loudly applauded. Replying to questions the candidate said that if returned to Paliament he would do his utmost to uphold the present system of education ; also to see it extended by the institution of progressive scholarships, and the establishment of the Middle Island University ; and he was in favour of equal wages f or men and women for equal work. A vote of confidence (on the motion of Mr S. Hislop, seconded by Mr J. Kilminster) in Mr Hutcheson as a fit and proper person to represent the City in Parliament was carried unanimously.

A correspondent of the Dunedin Stai says : —Now, I think it is time we asked ourselves, has Mr Earnsbaw got a conscience c*r a principle ? He is an Oppositionist, but ilcd Un astute one. Like a chameleon he has changed colour, is a disappointed man, and a servile follower of Sir RoOert Stout. I lie day of reckoning has come, and he knows it. The reappearance of the lion William ReHeston in the political arena (says tho Lyttelton Times) has effectually disposed of the insidious Opposition fiction that Toryism is dead. The address with which that gentleman opened his election campaign at RiGcarton on Saturday evening was nothing more nor less than an appeal for the revival of what our Conservative friends call the good old times ” of 20 or 30 years ago. One of the candidates for the Pahiatua electorate, who also enjoys a wide reputation as a violinist, was thrown from his buggy last week (says the local Herald) owing to the king-holt breaking. While on the ground severely shaken his companion said : —‘‘ This accident will prevent you from addressing your conscir.uents to-morrow evening.” 'lhe shaken candidate replied : “ D politics ; is my violin all right ? ” Another instance of the ruling passion strong in death. Our Wanganui correspondent writes ; —lt is understood that Mr A. J. Parsons continues to receive offers of support from all parts of the Patea electorate, and that he is likely to be well supported against the present member. Mr Parsons’ candidature has caused quite a spurt to Mr Hutchison’s political activity, and ho is now advertised to address the electors at points which it is likely he probably intended to ignore, as his weakness there is well known —even to himself.

Mr T. M. Wiiford addressed a meeting of ladies in the Donald McLean street schoolroom last week. A committee was formed to work the district in his favour. Mesdame3 Dick and Gilchiist were appointed chairwomen of committee. Mesdamcs Daly and Thacker were asked to act as secretaries. Mr Wiiford subsequently held a meeting at Khandallah, Mr Nairn in the chair. At the conclusion of his address Mr Wiiford was accorded a hearty vote of thanks, on the motion of Mr John Casey, seconded by Mr Curtis. A very strong ladies’ committee has been formed at Karori, Mrs Monaghan being chairwoman and Miss Dyer secretary. Mr F. H. Fraser, in compliance with a request from a large number of electors, ligs decided to stand for Wellington city. Mr J. E. Taylor, the Prohibition candidate for Manukau, has decided to retire from the contest owing to ill-health. According to the Mount Ida Chronicle Mr R. McSkimming has abaudoned the idea of contesting the Waihemo seat against the Hon J. McKenzie. Sensible man.

“If Mr Parsons does make up his mind to give Mr G. Hutchison a run for the Patea seat, the race will be a lively one,” significantly remarks tho Fcilding Otar, an Opposition paper. “George ‘knows some tings,’ but so does Parsons.”

In consequence of the retirement of Mr Von Sturmer from the contest in the Parnell electorate, owing to domestic affliction, Mr Samuel Vaile is being pressed to stand, says the Auckland Herald. It is not yet known whether Mr Vaile will comply with the request. An elector at Eoslyn, a contemporary is informed, is rather in a quandary as to what electorate he is in. His house is on the boundary of two electorates, and his two front rooms are in the Dunedin City electorate, while his three back rooms arc in the Taieri. He sleeps at night in the Dunedin electorate, and has breakfast in tho Taieri. Like tho fellow in the music-hall song, “ ’LI flunuo where ’o are.”

“ Wellington has long been looked upon as a stronghold of Conservatism; but it seem s

tha v 2 fbe wave of Liberal feeling bas at length r'ea’cbred it, and will make itself teit at the approac&hi’t*. perils. Of the three gentlemen who represented the legislative capital in last Parb'amenc,' Sir Robert Stout—is seeking re-election, and, judged by the reception accorded him ac L 3 meeting or. Thursday evening, his popularity has t’ety considerably waned.” —Lyttelton filr PtTC&X s?©’ iriembe? for Palmerston, has come into line, as other so-called independent members have done since' txe election campaign commenced, when they found YJvJJWr of the great majority of the e!ec„o«.b r-nnei*-takably against them. nt his meeting at Palmerston on Tuesday night, Mr Piram said, in answer to a question from Mr G. ( anton, umr , that on a no confidence motion tie t/ould vote for the present Government, and f'krdvhirf to a further question, ne declared that Z§ vfohld not support any Ministry which 1 contained Captain Russell and >mr Last week Mi* WilfcAct was to lave au dressed a meeting of electors jrt Kilmmster s Hall, Tinakori road, out it was found toot tb e building was altogether inadequate to kGrWbdate the numbers present, conseauentlv Zz£ adjournment was made to the publi/road opposite the Botanical Gar fens, to which place some ibrrm Were removed. Mi A. Collins presided and Li Willord -a dressed tue meeting from. the 1?^ roadside. At the conclusion of the aau which was enthusiastically received, rt was proposed by Mr Gapes, seconded by Mr Ramsay, and carried unanimously. 1 hat this meeting has confidence m Mi Wiiford as tho representative of tho people in Conservative candidates are all very sn> of opposing either tho Minister of Lands oi his policy, sziys the Uhi4#fcchuvcii a *■ Port Chalmers Mr J. J. Rxffl.ray was asked why. seeing he belonged to tile) W-ahemo district, lie did not oppose the Hon John McHerGie instead of offering himself a.s a Candida t? for the Waikouaiti seat. The candidate replied ikrtt the reason was that he had been asked by a number of electors in the Waikouaiti district to b'o ft candidate for that seat. Besides that, ho saiu, thfnre weio many thing’s in ivlr McKenzie s policy taa- nc agreed with, and he would be very soiry to sec Mr McKenzie defeated, llow magnanimous and self-sacrificing ! „ Mr A. S. Menteath announces in another column his candidature for the city. Speaking at Oamaru Mr T. Y. Duncan said he was not a Prohibitionist, and was not l.kely to be at bis age. Mr J. V. M. Hornsby bas decided to become a candidate tor Wairarapa in tho Liberal interest, at the urgent request of a large oody of the electors, who, at a conference attended by delegates from every part of the constituency, resolved to ask Mr Hornsby to contest the seat. The Chronicle, under the now editorship cur Wanganui correspondent), continues to belch forth Conservative platitudes and cant in every issue. Everything done by the Ballance-Seddon Ministry is per se corrupt and bad, and every legislative blessing we now enjoy was conferred on us by the Conservatives! Bah I “ Ain’t it sickenin !. At a special meeting of the W omen s Social and Political League (Mrs R. J Seddon, president, in the chair) tkero was a large attendance. Mr Ct. Fisher ami Mr L,. Wilson addressed the League. Votes Ol thanks were passed to both gentlemen, and it was decidod to support the candidates selected by the Liberal Party. Mr Hogg, M.H.K., opened his campaign at Whakataki on Thursday night, when there was a very large and enthusiastic audience. Mr Hogg dealt with the . several political questions which were exciting interest at the present time, and at tno conclusion of bis address was accorded a hearty vote oi thanks anc confidence, and one of confidence in tue Government was also carried. Mr John Hutcheson addressed the elector last week at Alhambra Hall, Adelaide road, Air Me Lari n presiding. The hall was crowded. Mrs Seddon and other members of the Women’s ."Social and Political Leaguo. wore on the plationn, as was also Mr A. .Collins, president of the Trades Council. Mr Hutcheson, in the course of a vigorous speech, ably defended himself from the sneers of our evening contemporary, and replied in one of the most scathing - criticisms ever heard on a public platform in Wellington. At the conclusion of his address, he was given a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence, on the motion of Mr Murdoch, seconded by Mr Miller. After the meeting . a strong committee was formed to work in the interests of Mr Hutcheson.

Mr Buchanan addressed a meeting of about 150 electors at Featherston on Friday evening (writes our correspondent) and received a vote of thanks.

A late Gazette, issued on Saturday, prorogues Parliament as from Thursday (to-day), and summons the now Parliament to meet on the 17th December.

The Mauawatu Farmer says that Mr Stevens had a splendid reception at Levin on Thursday night. It is evident that the Liberal cause is pooular in that town. Mrs T. M. Wilford, who has been on a to Dunedin, for the benefit of her health, returned by the s.s. Penguin to assist Mr T. M. Wilford’ in his contest for Wellington Suburbs. At the last meeting of the Wellington Political Society it was decided to ask intending members for Parliamentary honours to address a meeting next week under the auspices of the Society. _ Mr Fie id’ 3 committee met at the flan at Porirua on Saturday night, when several new members were added to the committee. They meet again next Saturday. 'The Paliautamii committee met on .-aturday nigho also, and most favourable reports were received ot the support promised to the candidate in tnat district. A proposal to institute a special polling booth +, or women at tho Borough Council Chambers at the coming- general election has met with some opposition among some ot the fair sox, on the ground that such an arrangement would destroy tho secrecy of the ballot. , Mr Field, the Oiaki Liberal _ candidate, has been obliged to suspend his meetings for several days in order to address ratepayers and otherwise attend to the D ll - r county election, which took place on Wednesday. As will be seen, elsewhere, Mr gie-Ll has defeated his old opponent, Mr U. PLynch, by an overwhelming majority, and conclusive testimony is thus afforded tout tii 4-.. ;’•* : iUII-.' “ Odbw.' to' learn Mr rw-M that certain rnm-our.-. of a scandalous nauire '!!*{•. afoul- j-, pon.nuis *.i roe .Auk* 1 * r o* *. ■ * e • ■ unnecessary to oonf radios, tliOoO oacuc-.o end ridiculous, stories, for Mr Field’s v/orst

enemy, if he possesses one, will be bound to admit that his private character is absolutely untarnished and unassailable; but it is no new thin" for the Conservatives of tais country to use foul means when lair ones tail to defeat an opponent The writs for the general emotion will probably be issued about tlio end of this W Mr W. A.uld, storekeeper, Waitahuna, will oppose Mr Allen for .Bruce. He is a i'rohibitionist. , , , “ How is the Referendum worked r _ asked an elector at bandon. “ R.V electric).iA, shouted a humorist at the back before tho candidate could reply. The Mar ton vote is assured lor Mr fetsvens (writes our correspondent), and his meetings in other parts of the electorates have been enthusiastic, Ho speaks in I‘tlarfcon oil —Ofcn in^l* r T. W. Hi si op was to have addressed the electors at Ohariu on Thursday night, but as it is show night he has decided, at tno request of the settlers of the district, to defer it until a later date. _ . , Mr Field, when he proceeded ro Levin to hold his meeting on Thursday night, found on his arrival that Mr John Stevens had been advertised to speak there. Mr Field tuoreforo postponed his Leviu mooting tnl ■rat.uiday next. „ , , M r Field received votes of tnamrs and confidence at Manakau and To Horo, not thaiuvs only as reported in tho Post. His receptions everywhere have been most favouraole, and .j is certain that the general body of settlers are rallying round him as one of themselves, and one who understands and will <;o his utmost to supply their wants. Mr Charles Wilson, who is_ one oj. the Liberal candidates for Wellington city, has formally announced his candmature. lie states also that he intends "oing to the poll agaiu-t all-comcrs, and Hns should set aside certain absuro. rumours to the contrary. ~ ~ T ., ■, A meeting of ihe executive of tue Lioeral Electoral League was held, on Monday, when it was decided to enter at once upon ime election campaign with the utmost vigour Arrangements were made for tno hiring or committee rooms, aixl tne opening of the battle with a mass meeting.

Mr Hislop addressed a well-attended meotiu'- of electors in Coiiier’s woolshod, -ydanu Buy. on Monday, Mr Collier presiding. At the conclusion ortho address, on tno motion ot Air Miliar, seconded by Mr Bwmg, a vote oi thanks and confidence was accorded Mr Hl \Vhat was tbe matter with Air Bruce’s supporters at Shannon on Wednesday nigntr queries the Farmer. There was no enthusiasm, and the only burst of. applause was when he said he was not a Prohibitionist, it m hard work for a candidate to speak without, encouragement. Surely the audience "t\eie not amazed at his views. it the Liberals of the Waiverap a have any love for their cause they y, ill rally ctm-i now, for they have in Candidate shsriy t >;■; one of the best men out. The contest l •-..•tween Air Buchanan, the old member, and Air Hornsby will be a fierce one. Two men or grit and perseverance now lace oacn omer. and we shall wait with interest to sec wmch man gets knocked out. —Mann warn r amici'. ' The Hon Air Carroll, speaking at Ci.-worne, said he was utterly opposed to an ciocuvo executive, and did not think it woupl worn ai. all Harmony was an essential point.m tuc good working of a party, but with a Aiinislry elected by the House it was pousnue thuy might get all the members o;. it xrom. the South island, or, on the other hand, it rmgim bo composed of extreme men who could never pull together, who had not one _ idea in common. Put them together ami wuat a .Pjaati- • ful MirdsM-v they wound r.-.v. | ' i l* -. •' ■ ! ' -' ' ‘ • j IcUdmy 'e::.;-' t | editor’ or trip _\i.w rnUiueo Wuoiw

candidate for one of. the City of \v cuing coa seats, yet we hope he will saccooc*. \\ c • - quite sure that he would make a useful member representing the whole Colony, ana no . merely a local delegate. The only dm advantages ho labours under are that of being wed. educated, well informed and well bred--qualities, according to a late Auckland yuemher, cjiiite unnecessary in a roprescmativu c - the people. Mr J. T. M. Hornsby. Liberal candiunto io? Wairarapa, arrived in Grey town on Saturday evening.* A largo committee for the Grey - town district was formed, of which Mr vvm. XJdy was appointed chairman, to secure hi.-; return. There was mucu eiitnusiasm s.no>»*i. A uokl-'XD, -N ovom 1 1 c r 11. Air Tlioo. Coopor has doiiniiely declined to stand for the city. , Mr Mitchelson lias declined aiso to scan a for the city unless under a certain contingency. , T , Auckland, November i.’. Mr Jackson Palmer addressed the y'Mmi electors at Devonport as a Liberal camlidau _ He eulogised the Seddon administration, amt said ho.' was in favour of regulation, and throe-fifths majority, but not of Prohimtion. He was accorded a vote of confidence. . Mr John Fawcus, Labour candidate, dressed the city electors at St. .lames sJ.i.j. As a Democrat, bo was in favour of the baro majority for Prohibition, though not a Prohibitionist. Hu favoured a State banic, national fire insurance, shortening the hours of labour, old age pensions, laud nationahsation, increased attention to technical eo-uea** tion, and the initiative and reieronuum. A vote of confidence was passed. ' Fkilding, November 11. Mr F. Y. Lethbridge, Opposition Candida to for the ltangitikei seat, addressed a mooting last night, and received a vote of thanks and confidence. _ , Fkilding, November J-. Mr Hailey, a candidate for Raugitikei in the Liberal‘interest, made his first speech at XJtiku on Monday, and received a vote or thanks and confidence. ! tin mo in, November 11. Mr Scobie Mackorxie addressed a denselycrowded meeting in the Garrison Halt _tonight, ard spoke over two hours, obtaining an* attentive hearing. He opposed religious instruction in schools, favoured a t-r.reu-ii fibs melon tv or, the liquor quesuon, and considered the barking legislation a, blunder, but acquitted all concerned of the suggestion of corruption. _ Hs* critised tho Government adm in is tratxou. but expre.-sed modified approval of much of their legislati m, and quoted iiis own speeches to snow taut my h M acted in the past on .Democratic principles. He condemned and ridiculed the Lieeoiv e Executive, and approved the Referendum as a court of a'peal from Parliament, -a ' of thanks and confidence was carried, on tUnvoices amidst cheer.;. Mr it- G. Alien, speaking at Port Chalmers, declare: 1 . iunv'fii a supporter of tne. Goveru-w-nt and iu i.vs l ''. • of mb:fi.V!-u. option r:: a three-fifths majority. he meeting pa-sed a. vote of confidence almost* una-iumon -ly, u»« gotiier wit.h one of confidence iu the Government. , _ , Aovcnimir P... Air »). Viukerbm ml res a meeting at tho CMv Hail to-uigiu. He defended the policy of tiic Government, mid received a veto of thank:.-: ai;u confidence. . Hun:-:;>in, Novemoer i A Mr .Tivmrn. f-kr-'. one of He eaudidriins for I ihe city, addrs-se i lh- •••ectoi:-. me the * :uy I 11. .11 to-night.. He .nioH- sH-osigiy :o e :• s j the bare majority on Hie Proinbi'tiou quest-.on. ! He spoke favom-akiv of come oi -.he me ame-, iof tno Government, Finance he eousintom . j -.hair weak pomt A vote vi laa-iks ia x c »n- ---: un.-mbm,: :y. :-d -c ermfim.! ■.■ did n - /. : - . HoVouHov 11. lUm.lt. file • •- •- - - ‘-- l x : '- J

Liberal, and said he would run the election single-handed, without committees. Ho answered u number of questions, and was accorded a vote of thanks. Thames, November 12. Two more candidates for the Thames seat are announced, Mr E. H. Taylor, a Prohibitionist in particular and an Independent Liberal generally ; William Deeble, Independent Liberal. The Hon A. J. Caiman is now addressing various portions of the Ohinemuri electorate. Pahiatua, November 12. The Premier addressed a public meeting 'hero last night. The theatre wos densely packed, and the gathering was the largest ever held in this district. Mr Soddon spoke for upwards of three hours. He denounced the combination of Sir Robert Stout, Captain Russell and Mr G. Hutchison as an unholy alliance. He defended the Government policy, and compared the results of theii five years of office with those of Sir Harry Atkinson’s administration. At the close of the address a vote of thanks to the Premier and confidence in the Government was carried amidst enthusiasm, without a dissentient voice. Christchurch, November 12. The Premier will give an address at East Oxford on Monday night. Dr Jennings has been elected president of the National Association, in place of W. Jacques, resigned.

Levin, November 13

Mr John Stevens addressed a meeting of over 400 people here last night. Mr Bartholomew occupied the chair. At the conclusion a vote of thanks and confidence was accorded to the candidate; also a vote of confidence in the Government was carried with great applause. Invercargill, November 13.

Mr W. B. Seanbrett, Opposition candidate for Invercargill, delivered his first address to the electors this evening, his remarks being chiefly historical with references to party government and industrial legislation. He fervours an Elective Executive and Legislative Council and Referendum. A vote of thanks and confidence was declared carried, very few voting either way. The theatre was full.

Nelson, November 16

Mr John Graham addressed a crowded meeting at the Theatre Royal to-night, and spoke of the Ministerial measures in ierrns of approbation. He said he was a continued supnorter of the Ballance policy, and spoke very highly of the ability of Mr Seddon, and the administrative ability of Messrs McKenzie and Seddon. He received a vote of thanks and confidence, carried unanimously. Brunnerton, November Iff.

Mr Guinness addressed a packed meeting of electors at Notown on Saturday night. He was listened to most attentively, and at the conclusion received a vory hearty vote of thanks and confidence. Auckland, November 16. The Hon T. Thompson addresses the city electors on Thursday evening. Pahiatua, November 16.

Mr J. Dawson, a Liberal candidate for Pahiatua, has withdrawn from the contest, and will support the Government nominee.