Mr Speight at the Theatre Royal.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 4040, 9 December 1881, Page 2

Mr Speight at the Theatre Royal.

Mr W. J. Speight addressed the electors at the Theatre Royal last night. There was a large attendance. Mr D. Miller was Toted to the chair, and after a few words in praise of Mr Speight, called upon him to address the meeting.

Mr Speight, who was receired with applause, said it was hardly necessary for him to go over his opinions on the policy of the Government, and his proposals to put matters straight—they were already known, and though his speeches had been railed at, he found that neither his supporters nor.'his> opponents had laid down a better line of policy. He then went on to describe a few of the incidents of the present campaign. ' While in WelHogton he found by reading the local papers that there were already two candidates in the field—one of whom (Mr McCulloogh) was never tired- of telling the electors how much better it would be if they returned a local man, one who thoroughly knew tlw wfots of the district.

This cry was kept up until a short time ago, when it was suddenly dropped by the Press, but he believed it was still strong in the hearts of the people. It was; his belief that if it bad been any one but himself opposing Mr Sheehan, Mr McCullough would still be found backing the local man up, and he further believed that it was in order to keep him (Mr Speight) out of Parliament that Mr McCullough had resigned. Of Mr McGowan he could speak with genuine respect; he had resigned as any honest man would do, but the conduct of Mr McCullough in this election he considered as perfidy of the deepest dye. Were they to return to-morrow a man who never yet had had a contest for this seat, and Who had to be posted up in Thames matters when any information was wanted, or himself, who knew the wants of the place thoroughly P He then refuted the charge of ingratitude, saying that he had many closer friends in the House from the South Island than Mr Sheehan, and his friendship with that gentleman had been of a very desultory character since the time the four "rats" deserted. 'When miners took up a claim, they had to,work it, or else their righf to it would be forfeited; it was the same with the Thames. He claimed the seat because he was willing to work it, and Mr Sheehan had not- done so in the i past. This seat was the people's seat, and they could return whom they likfrd; no one had any claim to it. He then referred to the position taken up by the 10-caT Press with regard to him, and said they had not given him fair play. The people had resented: this, and had offered him most liberal support. He would*fight in a straightforward and honest manner for the rights of the place,. but would not trample principle under foot for the purpose of securing money for the district.. He felt sure that the numerous leaders, in the local Press running- him down were not the productions of a local man, but were written by imported talent. While in Wellington he was looked upon as almost a Thames member, and had settled a large number of small matters for the Borough Council, as Mr J. Wilson could testify to. Anyone reading the speeches of some local men at the banquet given him for his services in connection with the Bail way, and the articles which had lately appeared in. .the local papers could hardly believe that they were about the same man. Why was it that they: could not obtain the £700 due to the Borough, as subsidy on money expended on public roads P Be* cause the then Native Minister had neglected to make a minute of the fact when he promised the money. < It was with Sir George Grey's full consent and knowledge that he sat for the Thames, and the fact was generally known in Wellington, while Mr Sheehan himself hid re*, monstrated with him about going . for this seat. It was the intention of Mr Sheehan's friends that he should be nominated for Waitemata as well as for the Thames. (Mr Sherrin: That's not true.) Mr Sheehan himself had said so at a public meeting, and had! gone to Auckland on the eve of the nomination to stop them. Be Mr Sheehan's statements about the City East election, he would state the true facts of ■, the case. He had intended, to go for City West, and he believed he would have. won it too, but the Central Committee wanted a man to oppose MoCosh Clark and he was the only one who would face the task. The reason he did not ask Mr Sheehan's permission to stand for this seat was that Mr Sheehan' resignation had been handed into Major Harris, the Government whip.

After a few other remarks, Mr Speight gave his views on local matters, and answered a number of questions satisfactorily. Mr McGregor then moved a ; vote of confidence and pledge of support. ;Mr B. McDonald seconded, and it was carried unanimously. Mr Speight: was listened to attentively, and was frequently applauded. A vote of thanks to the Chair and hearty cheers for Mr Bpeight, concluded the meeting.