AUCKLAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 2205, 4 June 1896, Page 31

AUCKLAND.

Auckland, June 1. - The Hon. J. M'Kenzie (Minister for Lands) addressed a crowded audience in the Opara Hou6e, His Worship the MaySr presided, and on the platform were members of the Women's Liberal League imd Women's Democratic Union ; also, the Hons. W. C. Walker, Jennings, and Swanson, M.L.C.'s, and Messrs Lawry, Etelly, and Crowther, M.H.R.'s, and a number of representative citizens. The Hon. John M'KeDzie, on coming forward, was received with cbeers. In opening he thanked the people of Auckland for their sympathy and kindness to him during his illness, and apologised for not being able to address them as at first arranged. He referred feelingly to the death of the Hon. Dr Pollen and Sir P. Buckley, which no doubt everyone would regret very muoh. The Liberal psrty had sustained a great loss by tha death of the latter. After referring to the political duel cow going on, he laid he was there on that occasion to fulfil a long-made promise to address an Auckland audience. He went on to refer to Captain Russell's statement that the self-reliance of the people had been undermined, and, enumerating a number of measures passed by the Government, asked which of these had the ffftcfi referred to. He challenged Captain Russell or any member of the National Association to give cne single proof in support of tha assertion. He defended at length the policy of the Government, and concluded a speech extending over two hours and a-half amid cheers. On the motion of Mr Niccpl, seconded by Mr J. M. Shera, a vote of thanks to Mr M'Kenzie and unabated confidence in the Government was carried without dissent.