MASS -MEETING AT WELLINGTON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5740, 7 December 1896, Page 4

MASS -MEETING AT WELLINGTON.

SPEECH BY THE PREMIER. [Per Press Association.l WELLINGTON, Dec. 6. A irass meeting held by the successful candidates on the "Liberal ticket" was held last night at the foot of the Queen's Wharf. Great enthusiasm was shown. Messrs Hutcheson, Fisher and Wilf ord, who were returned, and Mr Wilson, who was only a few votes behind, addressed the gathering, declaring that a great Liberal victory had been achieved, and that the labour vote never before had been so solid. The Premier also spoke and was received with cheers. He said that Dec. 4 was the emancipation day of the city of Wellington. Referring to the election, he said that the people had been true to themselves, true to the Liberal cause and true to the cause of the people. Never before had issues of greater importance been submitted, and he referred with gratification to the three successive Liberal victories in Wellington, Wellington Suburbs and Otaki. The support of the people was bringing about a state of things that would give justice equally to all parties, and promote the well-being of the people. He said that.the success of the "ticket" had caused rejoicing throughout the colony. They had lost several friends, and it was necessary to stick to the " ticket." He hoped that the caution given by Wellington would be taken by other opponents that the people must rule. Mr Seddon said that the Opposition claimed a moral victory, but all he could say was that they could have their moral victory every time, so long as the results were the same. The party was, he continued, stronger than since 1890. During the past session the Government had not a majority of more than eight whom they could depend on, while now they could rely upon twenty-two, and probably one or two more. Referring to Mr Fisher, he said that in 1890 the party had done wrong to him; now, however, they started with a clean sheet. He eulogised Mr Hutcheson as a fit candidate to represent ,the city, .and .congratulated Mr Wilson on the position secured at the poll. He urged the continuance of organisation in the Liberal cause, without which it would not be successful. After referring to the success of Mr Wilford for the Suburbs, he said that the illness of Mrs M'Kenzie had prevented the Minister of Lands speaking outside his own district, and this had entailed more work on him. ' He defended the. action of himself in speaking in various constituencies throughout the colony, and pointed out that Mr Duthie, though not a candidate, had done the same. Mr Seddon concluded by stating that the result of the election, on the whole., was extremely satisfactory, and while deploring the loss of some good Liberals, the Government had got two seats for every one lost, the loss being mainly confined to the Middle Party. The meeting concluded with cheers for the Premier and Mrs Seddon and the