The Premier at Wanganui.

Manawatu Herald, 16 March 1895, Page 2

The Premier at Wanganui.

The Hon. the Premier delivered a political address at the Oddfellows' Hall, on Thursday night. The building was packed to its utmost capacity, those present including ladies. Mr Spurdle, in the absence of the Mayor, presided. Prior to his speech, Mr Seddon was presented by the Liberals of Wanganui with an address of welcome, expressing confidence and referring to the bond of union which had always existed between the late member for Wanganui and the Premier, the Hon. John Ballance and Mr Seddon. On rising to speak Mr Seddon was greeted with three ringing cheers and loud applause. Having expressed his pleasure at receiving this unexpected address, he said he had always considered it hia duty to continue the policy bequeathed by his late chief, and had always endeavoured to do so. When it came to a political address, the Premier continued, he advocated no quarter; he believed in placing the position fairly before the people, and letting them judge. He defended the action of Ministers in speaking throughout the Colony. The people had a right to know the true position of affairs. Referring to the Sergeant -at- Arms , question, he said that this had been

the ohief attack of the Opposition after the session, but it had signally foiled. There had been no violation or evasion of the law. He had stated at first that when the charges had been made against Colonel Eraser enquiry was asked, but the Hall Government refused its sane* • tion. On his arrival in Wellington, he saw a leader in the Evening Pott characterising this as another mis* statement by the Premie., and a proof that his veracity was apt , reliable. The Post stated that the resignation of Colonel Fraser had been gazetted by the Grey Govern* ment, and called upon him to apologise. Before many minutes had elapsed every intelligent matt and woman present would call upon the writer in the Post to apologise for slander. The writer was quite ignorant of the facts relating to this matter. To show that the memory of some people was defective he (Mr Seddon) had received a letter ftom Sir John Hall, who asked if it was true that he Bad said that the enquiry was refused to Colonel Fraser, and asked for substantiation, as the statement was incorrect. All he could say was that Sir John Hall'B memory was defective, not his. Mr Seddon then quoted from the official records, 1879, that the request for a commission of enquiry by Colonel Fraser was refused — at first by Sir John Hall, and later by Mr Roileston. This was proved by the minutes r and departmental records. This occurred after the Hall Government came into office, yet these persons were hurling accusations against the Liberal Government for making what they termed improper appointments. So far as the present Gb> vernment was concerned, no person had been appointed to the public service who was not qualified to fill the position, and within the Civil Service Act. The charges of placing relatives in the service was entirely incorrect Mr Seddon complained of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce descending from their high position to become mere political machines, and referred to the annual speech of the chairman, in which he said that the depression was due to the interference with traders by re^ cent legislation, and the determina** tion of those unfortunately possessed of land to restrict their expenditure ,y on improvements, thereby increasihgV the number of unemployed. The Premier also spoke on other matters, and defended the resumption of the control of the railways by the State. Mrs Bullock, president of the Women's League, moved a vote of thanks and confidence in Mr Seddon and the Government. This was seconded by Mr Montgomery, and carried.