MR KEIR HARDIE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2808, 8 January 1908, Page 38

MR KEIR HARDIE.

WELLINGTON, December 29.

Mr Keir Hardie met with an accident yesterday, which will detain him in Wellington for some days. He went to Titahi Bay in the Mayor's motor car, which broke down. Another car was procured for the return to the city, and as Mr Hardfe had a public engagement all haste was made. Near Johnsonville two carts were met, leavings little space. The steering Ee&r of the car failed to act properly, and in endeavouring to turn so as to get past -the carts the motor went .over an embankment. Tli© 'Mayor and the ehaffeur were not hurt, but Mr Hardie was badly bruised, and is believed to have some ribs broken. He is now staying at the residence of the Mayor (the Hon. T. W. December 30 It turns out that Mr Keir Hardie, who was capsized from a motor car on Saturday, has one rib broken. He is making satisfactory progress towards recovery. AN IMPORTANT ADDRESS. WELLINGTON^ January 6. Mr Keir Hardie addressed over 2000 people in the Town Hall last evening. The Mayor (the Hon. T. W. Hislop) presided. The meeting 1 was remarkably enthusiastic^ the speaker being repeatedly cheered, andthere was not a single interruption. His address in the main concerned Socialism and the aims of th& Socialists. " Speaking in reference to his doings and sayings in India, he stated that a discredited journalist in India had cabled an inoorreot version of 'tis sayings to one of the Home papers. Four other accounts (which were correct) had been ignored by the press here. It_ was a strange thing , that the people of India and the officials from the Viceroy downwards and the public press there knew nothing about these things. He could well remember the astonishment there was in Calcutta when the news wae published there from London, that he was playinjr the part of _ a firebrand, and inciting people to sedition and rebellion. The man who had sent the incorrect report was proved to ho a liar. He had been subjected to some oriticism in his time, but to nothing so insulting as the remarks the New Zealand press made concerning himself, hie personality, and his opinions. — (Applause.) At the proper time and place he would have a good deal to say about India and the conditions of that unhappy country." He stated that Socialism was Tapidly advancing, and he hoped the day was not far, distant when the workers in this country would show more zeal m_ trades unionism and" more interest in political affairs, when the element that would dominate Parliament would not be the landlord or capitalistic element, but the human element of tbe working classes. There was a large crowd at the wharf to-night to see Mr Keir Hardie off couth by the Maori. Mr Hardie leaves New Zealand via the Bluff next Monday. MR KEIR HARDIE AND INDIA. - (Fbom Otjb Own Corkespondent.) WELLINGTON, January 6. On Sunday evening Mr Keir Hardie addressed an audience of about 2000 people in the Town Hall on the subject of. Socialism. He. met with a very enthusi-

astic reception, and was loudly cheereSS when he made his appearance on the platform. A red flag, on which was printed! the worS " Socialism," was displayed, and was the signal for an outburst of cheering. During the course of his remarks Mi* Hardie referred to his action in India, He gave a general denial of tho statements; made about him in the British and colonial press. He slanged tho press gene.rally, and said the New Zea-». land editors were "cads." He, however, refused to give a specific denial of tha charges ' made against him. Indeed, heplainly evaded them. The Post, how* ever, gives chapter and verse, both .from the Indian and thp British press,, that prove up to the hilt the mischievous nature of Mr Hardies campaign in India.' It even quotes against Mr Hardie ay Liberal British paper which he- himself told his audience would bear out his own; •». statements. The paper referred .to is tho Tribune. After quoting the comments of L thi3 journal the -Post says :—" Unmistakably} these opinions support "the general attitude of the New Zealand, press. . Tin* mistakably they condemn the folly of Met Hardie and the unscrupulous defence of.. his partisans."