MR W. S. ALLEN'S FIRST ADDRESS TO THIS ELECTORS OF TE AROHA.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 463, 16 April 1890, Page 2

MR W. S. ALLEN'S FIRST ADDRESS TO THIS ELECTORS OF TE AROHA.

The announcement, widely circulated, that Mr W. S. Allen, of Annuidale, would address the electors of Te Arolia in the Public Hall hint night, drew together a large assemblage of voters and others, desirous of hearing the candidate’s views on the various subjects of political importance which are likely to engross public attention in the near future. Although, as was to be expected, the greater part of those present were residents in the township and its immediate neighbourhood, there were many from the outlying districts : und their number would doubtless have been very largely augmented if the weather andstateof the roads had been more favourable to after-dark traveling. The prestige with' which Mr Allen comes into the field as an ex-member of the British House of Commons, and other circumstances connected with hiH entry upon the arena of colonial politics, gives to his candidature an interest which does not usually pertain to such events, and. the cordial reception which was accorded to him last night showed that his audience fully recognised the claims he had to an attentive hearing. The chair was*occupied by Mr E. Gallagher, Chairman of the Town Board, who briefly introduced the candidate.' < >•'

As we purpose giving a full report of the address in our neat issue, we will now only mention a few of the more important subjects upon which Mr Allen expressed his opinion. He is a believer in Free Trade ; is opposed to the Property Tax ; believes Sir H. Atkinson to beja man of principle, but cannot support all his views ; considers there is room for railway reform- and fora more liberal management, is decidedly of opinion that Education' should be free and secular. Referring to the first fifty years of the history of the Colony, he thought the position -it had attained gave assurance of future prosperity. In concluding Mr Allen intimated his intention of returning to England fora brief period, and of being, back in the Colony again in time to address the electors in every part of the electoral district before the election. j * wT ;•:< • Qn the motion of Mr F. Pavitt, uerconded by Mr C. Comes, a hearty and unanimous vote of thanks to Mr Allen for his interesting and able address was passed amid great applause. ~ The usual . vote °f thanks to the chair elpsed'jthe proceedings. ' = f,.V