THE WESTLAND SEAT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8150, 6 July 1906, Page 2

THE WESTLAND SEAT.

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

TOM SEDDON IN HOKITIKA. A BECOBD MEETING. MB PBEBB ASSOCIATION. Hokitika, .July 5. Mr T. Y. SedJon and Mr 11. L. Michel were the only candidates nominated for Westland. Another nomination was received by the He. urning Officer, but without the neces. sary deposit and was therefore re. (used. \ Mr Seddon addressed the largest crowd ever assembled in the Theatre this evening, |thero being over 1000 present. The candidate received a great ovation on stepping on to the platform, oheer after cheer being given, and was continued as the address prooeeded. The speeoh was mainly on the same lines as that delivered at Kumara a few days ago. The statements made by his opponent about the neglect of the Westland Land Board to grant rebates of 10 per cent, to Crown tenants were shown to be fallacious. With refer, ence to the Otira tunnel, he expressed himself strongly in favor of the work being let by contract as against day. labor by the Government. Mining matters were largely dwelt upon, the speaker expressing his belief that before long a most important derelop. ment would take place, as foreshadowed by Dr. Bell, Government geologist. Education, Local Government Beform, and railway construction works were exhaustively dealt with and a large utimber of purely local matters were strongly emphasised, the statements boing received most favorably. He alluded to an artiole in the "Evening Post" praising up his opponent, as coming from a paper that had always opposed the Seddon Government and everything eonnected with the name of Seddon. He wound up a speech lasting an hour and a half with a strong appeal for their support, as the accepted Liberal candidate. In answer to questions, Mr Seddon said he was in favor of siuking funds being established for all loans. The survey of Point Elizabeth might be undertaken without delay, and if favorable harbor works should be constructed. He was in favor of the State Coal Minos paying royiitios the same as a private company, and also of the age limit forlOld Age Pension's purposes for womem being reduced from 65 to 60. He expressed himself opposed to the Absolute Majority Bill, and also against a totally Elective Legislative Council, All answers wore given most promptly. At the conclusion, a slight disturbance took place owing to a prominent citizen attempting to speak, but the County Chairman, who pre* and the candidate would not allow it. A vote of thanks and confUence was carried unanimously amidst deafening applause. The whole audience sang "He'a a Jolly Good , Fellow' and " Auld Lang Syne."