MR. W. J. HURST AT AUCKLAND.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1903, 31 March 1880, Page 3

MR. W. J. HURST AT AUCKLAND.

[By TErBSBAPn.] AUCKLAND, March 30. Mr W. J. Hurst addres-ed the City West Electors this evening at the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association, which were crowded. He was received with mingled cheers and hisses. After referring t. purely local matters, he said that he now would address himself frankly to the transactions of last session. A dissolution having been granted to Sir George Grey, the issue submitted to the country was clearly aye or no-confidence in the principles of certain liberal measures announced in the Governor's speech. He confessed that if he had deserted that Government, his principles would have deserved censure. No one disputed that he had loyally supported the Government. He seconded the address by Sir G. Grey's special request. He was oven then troubled about the financial condition of tho country, and spoke to Sir George about it. Sir George courteously replied, " Hurst, speak the truth as it appears to you. I want nothing else." He did all he could to achieve victory for the Government, but without success, as they were defeated by one vote —that of Mr Fyke, who made no secret of the chief motive which inflaenced him, namely, to get rid of Sir George Grey. The subsequent senseless factions opposition! on the retirement of fcir G. Grey from the leadership of the party convinced him of the impossibility of the Opposition forming any Government which would command the reaped and confidence of tho House and of the country. Eight daya before he undertook to support the present Government, or had any communication with them, he addressed Sir G. Grey, and expressed great dissatisfaction at the course pursued, especially after tfce startling and serious statement of the Colonial Treasurer. Sir G. Grey's reply was, " Well, Hurst, I am satisfied myself." He (Hurst) then stated that he contemplated exercising his own judgment. Sir George replied, " I can't blame yon, I a\n sure you will act wisely." He recognised his duty to Sir G. Grey, and having discharged it considered himself free. Be likewise owed a duty to his party, and the correspondence which took place, and which he would read, wonld show that he fulfilled it. He regretted that Sir G. Grey had forgotten the conversation, and was ignorant of these letters, or he would have done him the same justice that he did Captain Colbeck. Sticking to a party was a virtue, but to stick to it to the sacrifice of the interests of the country was a vice. Sir G. Grey admitted that so far as the Liberal principles were concerned, he had gained all he could desire. A great deal had been made of the bargain with the Government, and much virtuous indignation indulged in, chiefly by the Auckland members, and a few disappointed ones from other parts of the colony. It had been stated that they were to receive a stipulated sum for Auckland. It would have been as unworthy on hi-i part to ask as for the Government to grant anything of the sort, even if they had the power. The celebrated compact only provided that justice should be done to Anckland in fair proportion like the rest of the colony, the maintenance of a secular system of education, and the passing of certain liberal measurea. On these terms he agreed to support the present Government to the end of the session. He was now quite unfettered and independent, but was still disposed to give them support in their efforts fcr retrenchment as well as iu general measures for the welfare of the colony. He was asked to follow Mr Macandrew, but that gentleman was in no way fitted to be the leader of the House. He did not under-eotimate his ability or impeach hi 3 honesty of purpose, but hia sanguine disposition ill-fitted him to steer the colony through her present oifficulties. The manner in which the Oppor-ition was conducted during his short reign proved that conclusively. As to Mr Macandrew's feeling to the North, he would refer to the vote of .£50,000 for roads and works in the North Island, which item ho moved should be struck out, by way of displaying his affection, and voted accordingly ; but felt it his duty to support a vote of J 560,000 for district railways. He (Mr Hurat) did not need to tell the olectors where these railways existed. In the face of a severe financial crisis the late Government telegraphed to tho Colonial Office to Bend 6000 immigrants, and to the Agent-General to increase the order by 20GO. Thiß'was an additional proof that the Ministry was all astray as to the condition of the country. It was true that Mr Macandrew had attained some proficiency as an administrator while Superintendent of Otago, bnt under his championship she had benefited out of all proportion to the rest of the colony iu loan expenditure. It appeared to him that Mr Macandrew imported feelings into the colonial Executive which, while snitable to the Superintendent of Otago, were not appropriate to him as Minister for Public Works. He would now leave the

leader of the Opposition, for in reality ho held that position no longer, the whole party having collapsed. Referring to the electoral laws, Mr Hurst deplored the abolition of the leaseholder's qualification. In illustration he cited his own case. He hud a twenty-one years' lease of his premises at an annual rental of £ 100 and a cattle rate of 2s in the pound, bat although ho pa-sed the bulk of his working hours in the City West he was not permitted to exercise a franchise there. He was not aware that the leaseholders had abused their political rights. Democratic Victoria acknowledged their right V>y rating clauses. The financial outlook of the colony was gloomy, and party feelings would have to be sunk if a grave financial crisis was to he averted. Ho was confident that repudiation would never enter the minds of the people of Now Zea and, but it would reqnire all their enduiance, as will demand all the skill and patiiotism of her üblic men, to tido over the next two or three years. That object could only ha attained by practical men of known administrative ability, and constant ministerial changes would have to be avoided. As to Native affairs, he approved of the conduct of the Ministry, and especially of Mr Bryce, who duserved every support. He thought that the representation of both Islands should remain untouched. Auckland would lose two members by any redistribution of seats, in every large constituency there would be a difference of opinion on polhical matters, but he appealed to his fourteen years' career as a public man in proof of his sincerity and desire to benefit his fellow citizens.

. At the close of Mr Hurst's speech, which was so interrupted that he threatened to give his notes to the reporters and leave the hall, Mr W. J. Napier moved —"That this meetingthank Mr Hurst for his address, but declares its want of confidence in him as its representative in Parliament." The motion was seconded by Mr Wm. Tyre. Mr J. M. Lennox moved, as an amendment, a vote of thanks, which was seconded by Mr J. Carr. The meeting was most disorderly, princip -lly through a few persons who were in an excited condition, and at last were got out of the hall. Mr Hurst's supporters could not obtain a hearing. At 11.20 the amendment was put and lost, and Mr Napier's resolution was carried by a large majority. Three cheers for Sir George Grey, a-dthree groan 3 for Mr Hurst, closed the liveliest meeting ever held in the City West.