The Address-in-Reply.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 4999, 13 June 1891, Page 3

The Address-in-Reply.

(by telegraph.) (fkoh our own correspondent. ) Wellington, June 13. slr M'Guire, who moved the Addressin Reply, at the evening sitting, is a nervous speaker with an irritating cough, and a habit of shutting his eyes. He complimented the Government on their proposals for a suggested Totalisator Tax, and their past treatment of native lands. He looked hopefully forward to an unparalleled state of prosperity for the colony. Mr Buick seconded the motion, in a glowing easy speech, while touching upon almost every subject of the speech and one or two thrown in. He was a Freetrader, and would never support federation until the one man one vote was adopted on the other side. He was applauded again and again, and spoke for three-quarters of an hour. Then the Opposition went in for mock heroics. Messrs Rolleston, Bryce, and Macarthur waxed wrath, or appeared to do so, because the Government would not waste the evening by adjouring the debate to suit the convenience of members not in their places. The Premier asked that the usual custom should be followed, and, with his usual chuckle, asked the Opposition to "Put up their leader." They had five leaders, and surely one of them could be spared to talk. Mr W. P. Reeves, with polished thrusts of his everready sarcasm, jibed at "Half of the Opposition, who being absent, can't speak ; and the other half, who being present, won't speak. Surely if Opposition papers can find so much fault with the Governor's speech, an lion, member would be found to make a remark on the subject. If so, come on ;we are ready." But they don't come on, and, after a few remarks from the great Middle Party about the cruel treatment of his policy, the Address was passed, and the usual Committee appointed, the Opposition having blinded no one as to their inability to debate the speech l>y their assumption of indignity.