The Hon. Mr. Reeves at Auckland.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 303, 2 May 1894, Page 2

The Hon. Mr . Reeves at Auckland.

(pi!b press association). Auckland. Mat 1. The Hon. W. P. Reeves, Minister of Education, addressed a public meeting of citizens in the City Hall to-night, about 850 being present. The Mayor (Mr Holland) presided. On coming forward, Mr Reeves received a cordial reception and an attentive hearing. He stated that he came before them as a party man, and would speak on party lines and in favour of party government. He then referred to the Labour Bills which were blocked last session, which, with some comparatively unimportant alterations would be reintroduced next session, including the Conciliation Bill, Shop Hours Bill, Conspiracy Bill, Shipping and Seamen's Bill, An Amending Act, or a repeal of the existing Factories Act, would also be introduced. Owing to the recent legal decisions a new Eight Hours' Bill for New Zealand had been drafted, embodying the principle of local option or trade option. He was in communication with the Labour Party on the subject, and he would also consult the Liberal Party, on whose action would depeud what progress was made with the measure during next session. He I referred to the encouraging proposals of the Liberal Party in the colony, and in view of the defeat of the party in Auckland at the last general election counselled greater unity, greater organisation and discipline. Mr T. Thomson moved, and F. A. Willis, President of the Trades and Labour Council seconded, Mr Gentry, Master Workman of the Knights of Labour, supporting the resolution, which was carried unanimously " That this meeting of Auckland citizens accord the Hon W. P. Reeves a hearty vote of thanks for his able address, and expresses its confidence in the general policy of the present Democratic Government." The Hon Mr Reeves addrossses a meeting at Hamilton to-morrow evening at the request of the local Liberal party.