The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1914. MR HINE'S MEETING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 18, 13 May 1914, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1914. MR HINE'S MEETING.

At * conscientious representative of tho people, Mr J. B. Hiue M.P., duly delivered his pre-sessional speech in the Town Hall last evening, and there was present one of the largest audiences Mr Hiue has ever addressed in Stratford. One outstanding fact was patent—that Mr Hine's personal popularity is by no means diminishing. Even those who may differ from him in his political views recognise sterling honesty and real uprightness, the sense of duty which leads rightonward, and above all the ability to irise above the trammels of mere Party. Though it was evident that a fairly largo. section of the audience was not in favour of the Government, its attitude towards the Member for I Stratford was quite kindly and free from bitterness of any sort. Naturally, as a supporter of the present Ministry, Mr Hino defended its policy and traversed tho statements of the Oppositionists who have recently visitted Taranaki. In instances he certainly scored, and his toleration and independence on other points were in his favour. Taking last night's meeting as a criterion Ave should say that the present Member for Stratford has not lost ground in any way in the estimation of his constituents. It was not of course very difficult for a speaker in the Government favor to find holes in the sides of the units of the "Flying Squadron" which recently floundered in these parts. Rash statements even at country aieetiagi ar« not always iwallowad whale, and the discharge* mada »y the "Flying Squadron" tt«"» not in '

frequently a little reckless. Mr Hino's statement that he would not feel compelled to vote with the Government if he thought the measure they were advocating a wrong one, is no 'mere assertion, for the Member for Stratford has on occasion shown his independence in just this way, and it is an independence that has gained him respect. The rest of Mr Hine's speech was on lines in general support of Mr Massey's policy and in reply to critics of that policy. His reception last night was certainly a very good one.