POST-SESSIONAL UTTERANCES.

Evening Star, Issue 3165, 12 April 1873, Page 3

POST-SESSIONAL UTTERANCES.

Mr Webster, M.H.R. for Wallace, addressed his constituents at Oropuki, on the 25th ult. According to the News's report he gave a resume of the present political situation, and a history of the events of the last two sessions since hehadhad the pleasure of last addressing them—showing how he had, after deliberation, considered that the charge of mal-administratiou of railway matters had been proven, and that in consequence he had voted for Mr Stafford’s “ want of confidence ” motion, which resulted in the ousting of the Fox-Vogel Administration, He also gave his views as to the manner in which Mr Waterhouse, the late Premier, had spoken against the Fox-Vogel Administration, and promised Stafford his utmost support, even to taking office, were he required to do so, if the resolutions were carried ; bow he hesitated to fulfil his promise to Stafford, but yielded to the superior arguments of Vogel, and consented to desert Stafford and accept the Premiership under Vogel, which has landed him in his present position of having deserted both parties, and being the laughing stock of the country. Mr Webster also explained that on the Stafford Government taking office, it was understood by him that neither side in the closely balanced state of parties proposed any legislation for the rest of the session. He therefore, having had a hand in placing them in office, proposed to support them during the rest of the session, paired, and went away home, where he considered he was more profitably occupied, than in listening to any more talk as to who should be in or who should be out. He referred also to the wonderful manner in which three members, who had voted with Stafford in ousting Fox-Vogel and Co., had been convinced that they had done wrong, and in the course of a fortnight changed round and voted against Stafford. At the time of voting he did not know what arguments had been used; but since then he thought he knew, as one became a Native member of the Executive, and another was promised the first vacancy—the thiid argument he had not heard of. However, it resulted in confirming him in his support of the present Opposition, and although he should not encourage factious opposition from any side, he declared himself definitely at present a member of the Opposition party, while they agreed in the fair, vigorous, ami economical carrying out of the Public Works scheme. —A vote of confidence in Mr Webster was carried.