Mr W. J. Hurst before his Constituents.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3514, 31 March 1880, Page 2

Mr W. J. Hurst before his Constituents.

Mr W. J. Hurst addressed the City West electors at (he Booms of the' Young' MenV Christian Association last night, i The hall was crowded : JDr Lee presided. J Mr Hurst was received with mingled cheers and hisses. After referring to purely local matters Mr Hurst sarid: Vow he would address himself frankly to the transactions of the last session. A dissolution having been granted to Sir George <Trey, the issue submitted to the country was clearly aye or no, confidence in (he Government on the principles or certain liberal measures announced in the Governor's speech. He confessed that if he bad deserted that Government or deserted those principles he would have deserved censure. No one disputed that he had loyally stfp'ported the Government, and he seconded the address at Sir George Grey's special request. He was even then troubled about the financial condition of the colony, and had spoken to Sir George Grey about it. Grey^ cautiously replied " Hurst, speak the flPUih as it appears to you; I want nothing else." He did all he could to achieve a victory for the Government, but without success, as they were defeated by one vote, that of Mr Vincent Pyke, who made no secret of the chief motive which influenced him, namely, to get rid of Sir George Grey. The subsequently senseless, factious opposition on the retirement of Sir George Grey from the leadership of the party convinced him of the impossibility of the Opposition forming any Government which would command the respect and confidence of the House, and of the country. Eight days before he undertook to support the present Government, or bad any communication with them, he addressed Sir George Grey, and , expressed great dissatisfaction at the [ course pursued, especially after the startling and serious statement of the Colonial Treasurer, Sir George Grey's reply was " Well, Hurst, I am not satisfied myself." He (Mr Hurst) then stated that he contemplated exercising his own judgment. Sir George Grey replied "I cannot blame you, I am sure you will act wisely." He recognised . his duty to Sir George Grey, and having dis : charged it, considered himself free. He likewise owed a duty to his parly, and correspondence which took place, and which he would read would shew he ful filled it. He regretted Sir George Grey had forgotten the conversation, and was ignorant of these letters, or he would have done him the. same justice he did Captain Colbeck. Sticking to a party was a virtue, but to stick to it to the sacrifice of the interests of the country was a vice. Sir George Grey admitted so far as the Liberal principles were concerned he had gained all he could 1 desire.

He 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 a loyal support in their efforts for retrenchment as well as in their general measures for the welfare of th ■ colony.

He was asked to follow Macandrew, but, that gentleman .was in no way fitted to be the leader of the House. As to Mr Macandrew's feeling to the North, he would refer to tho vote of £50,000 for roads au« works in the NV.rth Island, which item he moved should, be struck out by way oi.displacing his affection and voted accordingly, but felt it bis duty to support £60,000 lor district rui ways. Referring to Electoral laws, Mr Hurst deplored the abolition of. the leaseholders qualification, and in illustration he cited his own case. He had a2l year's lease of premises at an annual rental of £400 a >etir, and the city rate two per cent, in the £, but although Lie passed.the bulk of his working hours in City West he was not permitted to rx-rcise a franchise there. He was not --jware 1 that leaseholders had abused the political trust committed to them. Even democratic V'ctor'a ac kr.owledged their right by rating clauses. The financial outlook of the colony was gloomy, and party would have to be sunk if a grave financial crisis was to be averted, fie 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. That object could only be obtained by practical men of known administrative ability. Con-tant ministerial changes would have to be avoided.

As to native affairs he appro Ted of the conduct of the Ministry, and especially of Mr Bryce, who deserved every support. He thought the representation of both Islands ,should remain untouched. Auckland would' lose two members by any redistribution of seats. In every large constituency there would tea difference of opinion on political matters, but he appealed to his 14 years' career as a proof of his sincerity and desire to benefit his fellow-citizens. LiTEE, This day. The concluding procedings of Hurst's meeting last evening were very disorderly. Mr Napier proposed a vote of thanks, and . that the meeting express its utter want of confidence in Mr ffurst as representative of City West. Mr Eyre seconded. Mr Lennox proposed and Mr W. Carr seconded a vote of thanks. After a stormy discussion, during which Mr Hurst descended from the platform and endeavoured to leave the room by a side door, but was prevented amidst loud cries of " don't let him out," the amendment was put and ten hands held up for it. The original motion was carried, about half the meeting not voting. The meeting concluded with three cheers for Grey and the Liberal party. I