The Star. FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1698.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6267, 17 June 1898, Page 2

The Star. FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1698.

It was a strong speech by a strong man that was delivered to an immense audience in the Opera House last night — an audience that fairly overflowed the building, and that, with regard to the bulk of it, was . as heartily- appreciative as the friends of Liberalism and • progress could well desire. We are exceedingly glad that the Premier came to Christchurch and delivered such an address. His visit was well timed. He has knocked into the proverbial cocked hat the silly asseverations of the Conservative that he dare not "face the music" in this city ; he has demonstrated, in tlie most convincing manner, that the Liberal rule has become one of prosperity, and has been marked by the accomplishment of a large amount of good for the mass of tho people. Further than this, he has given full assurance of a strong progressive policy, including 'measures of far-reaching importance. True, the Premier's programme, as unfolded last night, did not include all the Bills that he has mentioned on other occasions. We are not at all sorry for that. In viow of the legislative possibilities it would be infinitely preferable to narrow down tlie Order Paper, sn that only the more important lines of policy should be indicated, and that these leading principles should be fought for strenuously. If Mr Seddon needed encouragement, it was accorded to him last night in unstinted measure, and this. 'was especially the case with regard to "the enlargement cf the municipal franchise, the jceform of the jury system, the further amelioration of the conditions governing work and wages, the introduction of the referendum principle,and the insistence upon an old age pension scheme. It is earnestly to be hoped that such a speech will Lave a pronounced effect in solidifying the "ranks of,, the Liberals in this part of the country.