A POLITICIAN AT BAY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2194, 31 March 1880, Page 3

A POLITICIAN AT BAY.

Mr Hurst, member for Auckland City West, addressed a meeting of his constituents last evening, and had a lively, not to say hostile, reception. With the view of preserving decorum, if possible, for a noisy demonstration was anticipated, the rooms of the Young Men’s Christian Association were hired for the occasion 1 . The supposed sanctity of the building, however, failed to preserve order, and the member’s appearance on (ho platform and retirement from the building was the signal for a chorus of cheers, hisses, and groans. After referring to local matters, Mr Hurst endeavored to explain the causes of his secession from the Grey party. Ho said the result of Sir George Grey’s appeal to the constituencies showed that the country had lost faith in his principles. Certain liberal measures were announced in the Governor’s speech, and he confessed that if ho had deserted that Goverumeat and those principles ho would have deserved censure. No one disputed that. Ho had loyally supported the Government, and had 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. He did all he could to achieve a victory for the Government, but without success, as they were defeated by one vote, (hat of Mr Pykc, who made _ no secret of the chief motive Avhich influenced him, namely, to get rid of Sir George Grey. Mr Hurst went on to say that he saw no probability of the Opposition forming a ministry that would have the confidence of the country, and that he expressed his fears to Sir George Grey, who replied that he (Sir George) was satisfied. He denied that any stipulated * sum for Auckland had been mentioned as the price of his and his colleagues’ secession. The celebrated compact only provided that justice should be done to Auckland in fair proportion. He, like the rest of the colony, was in favor of the maintenance of the secular system of education, and the passage of certain liberal measures, and be agreed to support the present Government to the end of the session. He was now quite unfettered and independent, but still disposed to give them loyal support in their efforts for retrenchment, as well as in a general measure, for the welfare of the colony. He was asked to follow Mr Macandrcw, but that gentlemen was in no way fitted to be a leader in the House. He did not under-estimate bis ability, or impeach his honesty of purpose, but his sanguine disposition ill-fitted him to steer the colony through its present difficulties. Referring to the Electoral Law, Mr Hurst deplored the abolition of leaseholders qualifications and in illustration be cited bis own ease. 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 will demand all the skill and patriotism of her public men, to tide over the next two or three years. He thought the representation of both Islands should remain untouched. Auckland would lose two members by any re-distribution of scats. Ho appealed to bis fourteen years’ career as a public man in proof of his sincerity and desire to benefit his fellow-citizens. At the close of Mr Hurst’s speech, he was so interrupted that he threatened to give his notes to the reporters and leave the hall.

Mr W. J. Napier moved, and Mr Tyre seconded —“That this meeting thank Mr Hurst for his address, but declares its want of confidence in him as its representative in Parliament.” Mr Lennox moved, as an amendment, a A'otc of thanks, which was seconded by Mr J• Carr. At 11.20 p.m. the amendment was put and lost, and Mr Napier’s resolution was carried by a large majority. Three cheers for Sir George Grey and three groans for Mr Hurst closed the liveliest meeting ever held in City West.