POLITICAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6500, 1 June 1899, Page 2

POLITICAL.

[Per Press Association.] 1 STRATFORD, June 1. Mr Symes, the member for Egmont, addressed a crowded meeting last night. He said that additional interest was. caused, because, besides giving an account of his stewardship as their member, he proposed replying to Captain Russell, who was the leader of the Opposition, and hadl honoured the district with a visit; and to Mr T. E. Taylor. Mr Symes, in a speech h:st:.i^ ;v.o ana a halt* hours, replied in Jetail to the charges of incompetency, maledministrat*- .< and corruption made by Captain Russell and Mr Taylor. He said that the latter accused him of not know-, ing how to vote, but he was returned to support the Government, and was j still supporting it, whereas Mr Taylor was returned to support the Government, and now said that the Government was bad and the Opposition worse, and he did not know where he was. He (Mr Symes) was prepared to leave the decision to his constituents. After questions had been answered, a vote of thanks and confidence was carried, only three dissenting. The meeting broke up with cheers for Mr Symes and the Government. During the week, Mr Symes also spoke at Waitara and Inglewood, both of which places had been visited by Captain Russell and Mr Taylor. Votes of thanks and confidence were parried by large majorities. Last year Waitara carried a motion of no-confidence, and the change of opinion on the top of Captain Russell's visit is. the more marked.