POLITICAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6489, 18 May 1899, Page 4

POLITICAL.

MR J, HUTCHESON AT WELLINGTON. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, May 17. Mr John Hutcheson, senior member for Wellington, addressed a large meeting of his constituents this evening. ' After referring at some length to tho measures passed during last • session, he made reference to the Old Age Pension scheme, Y n ? cu be strongly supported, also the municipal franchise, which he thought was not yet fully appreciated by . landlords. Mr Hutcheson •was particularly severe on. the State farm a& Levin,, which. lie. declared showed no practical results. He dealt at length with the marine scandal, going into details of the whole matter from the date . when he first brought the scandal to light in Parliament.' He asked his audience, could it be believed, that Captain Jones, knowing he had not the necessary qualifications, would present himself- for examination unless there was a previous arrangement mad«. When he first brought the question forward in the House he was not aware *hat there had been the collusion of Ministers. As to* the Civil Service, it was not > in a satisfactory state, and he declared ifibaij some of the strongest officials were Menaced to cover the retreat of Ministers. He strongly resented the political patronage demanded of members,, stating that they were breeding a set of suckers and crawlers. He would like to see all patronage removed from members or Ministers, so that they could debase the cash value •f votes. He said that he would make no intimation as to whether he would contest the next election. He Avould not vote .against the Government, but he ad-Y-ised:lus hearers never to tie their candidates down to party, but to principles and measures. As for himself, he intended next session to be independent. -Mr Hutcheson ■was well received, and at the conclusion of his address received a hearty vote of thanks and confidence.