The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1881.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3899, 28 June 1881, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1881.

Me Johk Shbehan's address to the electors of the Thames last evening was listened to with patience and interest As ia well-known, Mr Sheehan was at first considered to have acted in a rather peculiar manner in regard to the Pa tetere transactions, and there were numerous damaging rumours afloat—

alike hurtful and devoid of truth — concerning his connection with the matter. In consequence, Mr Sheehan was- placed in some measure upon his trial, and we must say that he made an able refutation of the charges. Still, a man in the position of Mr Sheehan is sure to make enemies, and probably the canards set afloat, with the object of injuring him in the eyes of the electors, were propagated by some gentlemen hoping to make a little political capital. The hon gentleman thoroughly satisfied the meeting that he had acted in a perfectly honorable manner, and the vote of confidence he received bears testimony to the cordial sympathy felt for him by the public of the Thames. Mr Sheehan gave it as his opinion that the present Government could not last long, but thafc instead of forcing them it would be better to allow them plenty of rope. Referring to the Thames-Waikato -railway, he opined that until a change of Government was effected the line would remain unconstructed. This seems to be but too probable, as the present Government have shown themselves to be oblivious of the numerous requirements of this district, as well as the much pressing '.necessity, for a railway communication with the Waikato. The present Ministry appear to be doing their utmost to prevent the Thames and Piako districts from going ahead. But if our railway is not completed in a very short time, the Ministry will find that the Lincolnshire farmers, with their able pioneers (Messrs Grant and Foster), will not be too well pleased with the manner in which they have been treated by the present Government of New Zealand. What inducement is offered to settlers in the Piako and Thames districts? None, and unless extra facility for the carriage of produce is afforded us, we may expect to find a vast area of laud eminently suitable for agricultural purposes lying idle and unproductive. In replying to the very numerous questions, Mr Sheehan expressed his views on most of the subjects agitating the public mind.