THE WESTLAND SEAT.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 13014, 29 June 1906, Page 5

THE WESTLAND SEAT.

ADDRESS BY MR MICHEL.' P«r Press Association. HOKLTIK A, June 28. Mr H. Michel, a candidate for the Westland seat, opened his campaign at the town hall this evening, when an overflowing audience was; present* After referring feelingly to the late Premier, the candidate announced his strict adherence to the Liberal Party -and the leadership of Sir Joseph Ward, whom he described as the ablest man now in the colony. The present political aspect was much disturbed, and he believed the present House would not last three years. After shortly dealing with the 'finances of the colony, Mr Michel dealt with questions of social legislation. He declared himself in favour of the present land legislation. He strongly advocated reform of the local government system. The appointment of Legislative Councillors was bad, and he favoured election on a provincial basis. He contradicted the rumour that he was the candidate of the temperance party. Education, the mining industry, tourist traffic and other questions, mostly of a local nature, were touched upon. Referring to Mr T. Y. Seddon's candidature, he said that the feeling of the people of West!and had been misrepresented at headi quarters. He felt sure the people would resent it. It was a question with those opposed to him, that they were anxious to perpetuate the name of " Seddon" in Parliament. As this was <i. deliberate attempt to jockey him out of the position, he greatly regretted having to oppose ai man named Seddon. In a; democratic country no. seat should be transferred from father son. - He quoted the late Premier's remarks with reference to Mr .Herd-; man, a lawyer residing in Wellington, representing the Mount-: Ida • when it was alleged that the district.Buffered through an. absentee representing it. .The same remarks applied to the present case. His opponents told Mr Seddoa that they could put in his place a- young opponent without a visit to Westland now they had him. Other members of the family, a member of Parliament and a Minister

were offering to assist his opponent. A prominent member of the Liberal Party in Parliament wired him to-day that Westland -would make a laughingstock of itself by returning his fair young opponent. The speech, lasted. «n hour and a half, and created a most favourable impression. The candidate having declared himself against a vote of confidence only a vote of thanks was proposed, and this was carried by acclamation.