POLITICAL.

Patea Mail, Volume XII, Issue 55, 5 June 1899, Page 2

POLITICAL.

Captain Russell at Masterton. Masteutox, June 2. Captain Russell addressed a large meeting last nigkt. He said lie believed at the next general election the people would sweep the present Government out of existence and make way for purity of administration. After dealing with, some loading questions, ho said the State government of the railways was most discreditable, and speaking as a traveller rather than a politician, ho. averred that it was more uncomfortable travelling now than 10 or 12 years ago. Ho stated unhesitatingly that the bridges between Masterton and Napier wore not in a condition to carry a docent sized engine and train, lie thanked Heaven that the Auditor-General was not a political slave, and strongly urged the electors to organise before the election. A vote of thanks was passed. Mr McLean at Napier. N-Utei;, June 2. Mr R. IX I). McLean, M.H.R., addressed a densely packed meeting of Ins constituents in the Theatre Royal. Ho dealt mainly with the administration of the Government, which ho condemned in strong terms. He had an excellent reception, and a vote of thanks and conlidcnco was unanimous.

At tlio conclusion of the speech, Captain Tonkin moved—“ That this meeting’ regrets that the Premier lias not yet offered any satisfactory explanation of his interference with nautical examinations, and respectful !y requests the member for Napier to use every endeavour to have the matter thoroughly investigated.” This was carried all but unanimously.