MR. MOORHOUSE’S ADDRESS TO HIS CONSTITUENTS..

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5403, 22 July 1878, Page 2

MR. MOORHOUSE’S ADDRESS TO HIS CONSTITUENTS..

(PER PRESS AGESCT.) Christchurch, Sunday.

Mr. W, S. Moorhouse addressed Ids Christchurch constituents last night. He said the Opposition of last session, though its members held still the same opinions in a slightly modified form, had ceased as a party to exist. He denied with soma warmth the appellation given to him of being the “prince of humbug;" he know people would not consider him capable of being such ; and he also denied being “ played out.” His present political at- ’ titude towards Sir George Grey was briefly this : He recognised the Premier's eloquence and exceeding ability. He had done his best to keep Sir George Grey out of office; but seeing that gentleman’s enormous majority, and how completely tho colony had chosen to trust him as its political leader, it would be very arrogant on his (Mr. Moorhouse’s) part it he did not stand on ono side and witness the experiment, and support Sir George Grey in his valuable measures. He had too much interest In the colony to offer factious opposition ; but : he would be a very sturdy rebel indeed to try measures which bore the impress of bad or mistaken policy. The last change of Ministry had been largely contributed to by the desire of some persons for office. The tactics used to obtain possession of the Government benches were ,in some degree nnohivalrio) and the means used were, not to bo admired on the' score of generosity. He had come after reflection to the conclusion that it was a very good thing, as a matter of public education, that there had been a change of Ministry. He dwelt especially on the spirit of moderation that had come over the Ministers, and bore , testimony from his own daily knowledge at Wellington to their undoubtedly able powers of administration,' and he was especially forcible on the, point' that Mr. Maoandrew since taking office was not guided by the belief that Otago was all New Zealand. At the same time it was impossible that the Government could make realisation of all their promises. They talked of manhood suffrage in Auckland, but the further' South the Government sent and the colder the climate, the more conservative they became.. He trusted there would be a short session, no factious opposition, and little unnecessary legislation, with as much rest as possible. A vote of thanks was heartily pissed to Mr. Moorhouse.

The question of want of confidence was not allowed t» be put by the meeting. .