THE POLITICAL CAMPAIGN.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 655, 28 March 1914, Page 3

THE POLITICAL CAMPAIGN.

- - ••- Auckland, Thursday. It is doubtful if a political leader has ever addressed a larger or more enthusiastic audience in New Zealand than that which Sir Joseph Ward, Leader of the Opposition, addressed in the Town Hall last night. Before eight o'clock the big building was absolutely crammed full, and the compliment that this represented to Sir Joseph was no mesfn one. for only three days' notice had buen given of his intention to speak. The meeting differed also from other recent poitical gatherings in Auckland, where admissijn was granted by ticket only, and the hall was largely filled with friends and supporters of the political party concerned. Last night's meeting was open to the general public, and the 4000 peopls present gave Sir Josep'j the reception of his life. His appearance upon the stage was the signal for a tremendous outburst of enthusiasm, the cheering and and applause lasting for several minutes. As Sir Joseph remarked in acknowledging he reception accorded him. it was the largest gathering he had ever addressed in any building in New Zealand, and the ovation he had received constituted one of the greatest compliments he had ever been paid. At the conclusion of Sir Joseph's address, on the motion of Mr R. S. Briggs, seconded by Mr P. J. Nerheny, a vote of thanks for his able and statesmalike address, together with an assurance to him as leader of the Liberal Party of unswerving loyalty and undivided support was carried to Sir Joseph Ward, an amendment proposed by Mr W. Richardson, meeting with scant courtesy by the great audience.

Masterton, Thursday,

An overflowing meeting was addressed in the Town Hall last night by the Hon. Mr Fisher. Hundreds were unable to gain admission. It was the most lively political meeting ever held in Masterton. A small body of men the Minister out, and created much uproar. Mr Fisher stuck to his guns, however, and at the conclusion of his address a resolution of thanks was passed, coupled with an expression of appreciation of the manner in which the affairs of the country are being conducted. At Eketahuna to-night the Hon. Mr Fisher had an excellent hearing. His speech was on the lines of those delivered elsewhere. The meeting unanimously passed a vote of thanks to the Minister and confidence iti the Government he represented.

The Prime Minister is in the South and delivered an address at Tapanui last night. He is due back in Wellington at the latter end of next week. An enthusiastic meeting was held at Aratapu, North Auckland, on Wednesday night, when addresses were given by Messrs Mac Donald and Thompson, M.P. 's, representing the Liberal party. The speakers had a splendid reception, and a good bearing. At the conclusion of the meeting a motion was carried unanimously, with cheers, thanking the speakers for the information afforded, and expressing the utmost confidence in the Liberal party and in Sir Joseph Ward as leader.