THE WAIRARAPA ELECTION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1290, 19 November 1896, Page 18

THE WAIRARAPA ELECTION.

Special to the New Zealand Mail. Creytown North, November 17,

Mr Hornsby addressed a large number of ladies here to-day. He was well received, and was heartily applauded during his speech. At the.conclusion a committee of 21 was formed to work in Ins interest. This is quite an innovation in the Wairarapa electorate, and is much appreciated by the women electors. The opinion was expressed at the meeting that a visit from Mrs Seddon would bo most acceptable, and do much to cause a complete organisaFon of the woman’s vote. The opinion is expressed that the Liberal Party has received a great accession to its ranks. Everything points to a great victory.

Mr Hornsby addressed a crowded and enthusiastic audience in the Palace Hall to-night, nearly half of those present being ladies. Prior to the meeting the Papawai Native Band played several lively airs. The chair at tho meeting was occupied by Mr J. D. Hegarty, Mayor. In his opening remarks. Mr Hornsby claimed the right, as a citizen of New Zealand, to contest the electorate. Wairarapa, he said, was the birthplace of the National Association, which he severely criticised. It had been claimed that the Opposition was responsible for manhood and womanhood suffrage, but this lie thoroughly exploded. Mr Hornsby defended the Hon Mr Ward in financial transactions and the Government in its borrowing, contrasting favourably the borrowing of fhe present Government with thatof previous administrations. He claimed that the Advances to Settlors Act had reduced the interest throughout the Colony, and that taxation was lower under thopresont Government than under tho previous administrations. lie denied that the securities of tho Colony were lower than previously, and explained the present quotations being ex dividend. Mr Hornsby maintained that the Hon Mr Ward had been made a scapegoat in banking legislation, and said the time would come when those who made it necessary to appeal to the Government for assistance would be unveiled to the public gaze. In referring to the assertion that Mr Seddon was an autocrat, he said be would sooner serve under Mr Seddon, autocrat, than Captain Russell, aristocrat. Tho same charges now levelled against Mr Seddon were mule against Mr Ballanoe and Sir Harry Atkinson. Mr Hornsby defended the land legislation of the Government, and said they were quite justified in taking land for the purpose? of settlement. He contrasted the policy of spoils to the victors of the present Government with that of the Atkinson administration, and said that, strangely enough, most of those holding high public positions were Conservatives. Of eourse this was not spoils to tho victors. He spoke strongly in favour of tho old age pensions and workmen’s villages, and said swaggers were admitted to be the creation of the Conservatives. He wound up

with a most earnest and sterling peroration, appealing to those present to support tne party which was not selfish and which legislated for the good of the greatest numper. (Loud cheers.) , , On the motion of Mr William Udy, seconded by Mr C. W. Hornblow, JR., a hearty vote of thanks was unanimously accorded to Mr Horns by v and the meeting proclaimed him, amidst cheers, to be the most fit and proper i person to represent this electorate in Parliament. . , The meeting throughout was characterised by the greatest enthusiasm, and applause "as loud and frequent. The meeting was considered to be the most successful political meeting ever held in the district. Mr Hornsby speaks at Featherston tomorrow.