OTAKI ELECTION.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 3942, 6 January 1900, Page 7

OTAKI ELECTION.

SPEECHES BY THE PREMIER. The Premier addressed 1 meetings of Otaki electors at both the Upper and Lower Hutt last night. r . At Upper Hutt Mr Seddon spoke for about an hour, receiving a good hearing. A vote of confidence in the Government was passed unanimously, and the meeting closed with cheers for the Premier and for Mr Field. Mr George Brown was in the chair. At the Lower Hutt the meeting was presided oyer by Mr Charles Brown. Mr Seddon met with a hearty reception. During the evening he was presented with bouquets by Mrs Dew and : the Misses Heywood. In his address the Premier reminded his hearers that the Opposition candidate had been actually canvassing the district for six months, while Mr Field had only had thi'ee weeks at his disposal for similar ‘ purposes. , Mr Seddon spoke mainly on lines which have already been reported, refuting the charges brought against the Government of maladministration, excessive expenditure, and increase in payment of interest, quoting extensively figures supplied hy the Treasury and certified to by the Auditor-General. If Mr Morison was not more accurate in figures and facts', he would not be much of an accession to the House, said Mr Seddon. As to the charge of favouritism, in constructing roads and bridges, for some years while represented by Conservatives not much had been done, but during Mr Field’s time £13,000 had been spent. Why, therefore, should there be a change? Mr Morison. had attempted to get him (Mr Seddon) into a corner in connection with that matter. All he need say, however; was - “Send him a supporter and they would see what would be done.” Proceeding Mr Seddon. pointed out that the Conservative party asked the people to give up certainty for uncertainty. They had no pplicy and no conception of statesmanship. The present Government, on the contrary, was one that merited confidence. On the motion of Mr John Wark, seconded by Mr Butler, a vote of thanks and confidence was carried unanimously. The proceedings were very enthusiastic. Air Field addressed two meetings on Thursday night, one at Eikiorangi and another at Waikanao, At both places ho received unanimous votes of thanks and confidence. Mr E. J. Post occupied the chair at Waikanae, and Mr Smith at Eikiorangi. Mr Field addressed a large meeting of electors at Tawa Flat last night, and received a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence, proposed by Mr Denis Ryan. Mr Eli Allen occupied the chair) . Mr F. Pirani, M.H.E., addressed the electors of Otaki at Manabau last night on behalf of Mr Morison.