KUMARA ELECTION

Kumara Times, Issue 2520, 18 July 1884, Page 2

KUMARA ELECTION

MR. R. J. SEDDON AT THE THEATRE ROYAL. Mr Seddon addressed the electors of Kumara at the Theatre Royal on Tuesday evening last. There was a very large attendance, nearly 500 persons being present. Mr D. Hannan, Mayor, presided, and asked for the candidate a fair hearing, the same as he hoped Mr Blake would get next Monday evening. They would then be quite capable of judging which was the best man of the two.—[Applause.] Mr Seddon addressing the Mayor and gentlemen, said: In seeking a renewal of their confidence, which he had had for the past five years, he would say first how he had fulfilled the pledges given, and in the second the actions be proposed to take in their behalf if again elected to the New Zealand Parliament. He felt himself placed in the position of a man put on his trial. On the hustings, the remarks he made to-day might have been hurtful; but a man was not qualified to be a politician at all if he was not prepared to accept [ hoiin,' rebuild, for rhey get some hard hitting in the House.—[Applause.] Mr Seddon then gave a resume of the business of last session of Parliament, concluding by stating that the recent dissolution of Parliament was not I necessary, as the Opposition was quite strong enough to have formed a Ministry.—[Applause.] He would now deal with matters which must engross the atention of the House during the next session. If it were his fortune to sit in Parliament he would support no Government that had not a due regard to the wants and requirements of the West Coast. He believed that once the sludge-channel difficulty was settled, they would have prosperity. He should endeavour to make the best of a bad job. He was instrumental in getting the two months' free water, and had on several occasions interviewed the Minister of Mines with reference to a reduction in the price of water, therefore how unkind it was to say that he had not done his best to get the price of water reduced.—[Loud and continued applause.] It had been said that he had been bribed to keep up the price of water, to suit Mr Holmes. Seeing that he had to go to law with that gentleman some time back, and remembering the almost continuous ac-1

tion, as already stated, that he had taken with the Government to get the price reduced, surely thoy would not believe that of him. He dare any man to say he bribed Dick Seddon.—[Applause.] Since he had been in Parliament he had framed eight Statutes—although he was always in opposition to the Government—and carried them unanimously. [Applause.] Then there was the Private Members Bill, and the Gold Duty Abolition Bill. What said the Premier in the House recently ? " The member for Kumara is the cause of all our troubles!" And yet they were told he (Mr Seddon) " had no weight in the Hoiise."—[Applause.] As regards the foreigners, he cared not what country a man came from; if he paid his rates and taxes the same as other men—except China-men—[laughter]—-he should have a vote. He had not, as had been stated, said anything disrespectful of Hibernians or foreigners since he had been on this gold field. He considered main roads in Westland should be made by Government. He would advocate an increased water supply to the goldfield. The head-race tunnel might be improved by making a loop ; it would pay the Government to do it. He remarked that never in the history of New Zealand were its affairs in so precarious a state. Canterbury had 21 votes out of 95 in the House, and now Canterbury wished to rob them by bringing forward a member for Kumara. They should not vote for an absentee, particularly from Canterbury. [Loud applause.] They had plenty of local men well qualified, without sending to Canterbury. He might mention Mr Hannan, Mr Dungan, Mr M'Whirter—aye, a dozen—[A Voice: " Send Bill Morris."—Laughter.] He had it on the best authority that his oppouents tried someone else before they tried Mr Blake; he was to be fallen back upon. Mr Seddon concluded by asking them to " Judge me as men ; use the franchise; and return me as your man."—[A Voice: '-So we will."— Loud and continued applause.] " Vote as you will; and give me a renewal of your confidence."

The Chairman inquired if anyone wished to ask any questions. In reply to questions, Mr Seddon stated shat he was in favour of abolishing the Armed Constabulary, as represented by the standing army in the North Island; and should have no objection to increase the capitation and providing the Volunteers with free uniform.—Would be in favour of reducing the price of bush licenses.—The only solution to the question of restoring old permits was to get new tail-races, so that all parties at present working in the sludge-channel may be on an equal footing.—Would support the bill for the abolition of pensions; and was in. favour of an elective Upper House. With regard to the Gold Duty Abolition Bill, if not returned, he would give it to Mr Blake.—ln the event of a coalition Ministry and Sir Julius Vogel joining it, his support would depend upon their policy; he would not sacrifice his principles for the sake of party. [Hear, hear.] Mr T. Brown then proposed—" That Mr Seddon is a fit and proper person to represent this constituency in Parliament."

Mr D. Moore seconded the raotioD. The motion was carried almost unanimously. Mr Seddon moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman for the abl9 manner in which the proceedings had been conducted, and this being carried by acclamation, the meeting closed. A strong committee was then formed to secure Mr Seddon's return.