MR. HURST BEFORE HIS CONSTITUENTS AT AUCKLAND.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume II, Issue 108, 2 April 1880, Page 3

MR. HURST BEFORE HIS CONSTITUENTS AT AUCKLAND.

Mr W. J. Hur3t addressed the City West electors at the rooms of the Young Men’s Christian Association. The hall was crowded, and Dr Lee presided. Mr Hurst was received with mingled cheers and hisses. After referring to purely local matters, he said he would now 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, or deserted the principles, he would have deserved censure ; no one disputed that he had loyally supported the Government, and seconded the address at Sir George Grey’s special request. He was even then troubled about the financial condition of the country, and spoke to Sir George Grey 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 a victory for the Government, but without success, as they were defeated by one vote, that of Pyke, who made no secret of the chief motive which influenced him, namely, to get rid of Grey. The subsequent senseless factious opposition on the retirement of Grey from the leadership of the party convinced him of the impossibility of tne Opposition forming any Government which would command the respect and confidence of the House or the country. Eight days before he undertook to support the present Government, or had any communication with them, he addressed Sir George Grey, and expressed great dissatisfaction at the course pursued, especially after the startling and serious statement of the Colonial Treasurer. Sir George Grey’s reply was, “Well, Hurst, I am satisfied myself.” He (Mr Hurst) then stated that he contemplated exercising his own judgment. Sir George Grey replied, “ I can’t blame you. I am sure you will act wisely.” The financial outlook of the colony was gloomy, and party feeling would have to be sunk if a grave financial crisis was to be averted. He was confident repudiation would never enter the minds of the people of New Zealand, but it would require all their endurance, as it would demand all the skill and patriotism of her public men, to tide over the next two or three years. That object could only be obtained by practictal men of known administrative ability, and constant Ministerial changes would have to be avoided. As to the native affairs, he approved of the conduct of the Ministry, especially of Mr Bryce, who deserved every support. He thought the representation of both islands should remain untouched. Auckland would lose two members by redistribution of seats. In every large constituency there would be difference of opinion on political 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 Hust’s speech, which

was so inf rnipted th B he threatened to give iris notes to Re cp .rtcis, and leinc the hall. Mr W. ,1. Napier moved that this meeting thanks Mr Hurst for his addiesS, but declares its want of confidence in bun as its representative in Parliament. This was seconded bv Mr Tyre. Mr .7. M. Lennox moved as an amendment a vote of thanks, seconded by Mr J. Carr. . The meeting was most disorderly, pnucally through a few persons, who were m an excited condition, and at at last were got out of the hall. Hurst’s supporters could not obtain a fair hearing. Messrs P, Neylon, Patrick Donovan, C. Hill, Dorrington, and Whitehead addressed the meeting, and at 11 o'clock Hurst endeavored to leave the hall, but was prevented. At 11.20 the amendment was put and lost, and Napier’s resolution carried by a large majority. Three cheers forSirGoorge Grey, aid three groans for Hurst, closed the liveliest meeting ever held in the City West.