Thames Election.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4846, 22 July 1884, Page 2

Thames Election.

COLONEL FB.ASEB.

The Naval- Hall was well filled last night by an enthusiastic crowd to hear Col. Fraser give his views on- politics and' matters in general. Mr Jas. McGowan occupied the Chair, and introduced Col. Fraser, who was received with loud ap» plause. He briefly gave his reasons for contesting the Thames seat, referred to his thorough knowledge of local wants, and pointed out that his welfare was largely bound up in the Thames, and that in advancing- the interests of the district he was also working for himselfv He re-iterated' his previously expressed opinion that in the coming Parliament Sir Julius Vogel's following would be tke largest, and that however much a coalition between Sir G. Grey and Major Atkinson might be desired and longed for, it was not likely to take place. Sir Julius "Vbgel was a prominent; man in our past history, and had done a great deal of good for the colony, for which we should be grateful to him. In reference to our railway he referred to the forming of a company to construct it, and the willingness of an English syndicate to advance the money, and condemned the injustice of Government in not granting the necessary lands, as they could easily have done. The line was .a necessity to the district, and many would have to leave were it not constructed, so they could depend on his doing his utmost to secure its completion. The freehold of goldfields should be purchased by Government, and he would further this desirable end with his best endeavors. Even if he did not personally like any of the members returned for the districts immediately sur-' rounding the Thames, that would not, they might feel confident, prevent him from amicably working with him to secure the advancement of the district. He was, as they well knew, an enthusiastic advocate of local industries. He repeated his opinions on the questions of the Customs, duties and the gum leases, extolled the land policy of Mr Brycey but expressed his opinion that ■ Waste "Lands Boards should certainly be elected by the people, and not, as at present, nominated by Government./ There was no unpleasantness between himself and his opponent, and MrtH. Mcllhone was not in any way connected with his party, the advertisement in the Advertiser to that effect being an emanation from his opponents. In conclusion he hoped supporters would not follow the example of some of those in opposition to him, but would exhibit a charitable feeling in the contest. Colonel Fraser was very warmly applauded during his speech and at the close. In answer to questions, he said he was in favor of the Law Practitioners' Bill, and would vote for the abolition of Hansard, considering the excellent reports in the newspapers a quite sufficient record of the doings of the House, and Hansard only an unnecessary expense. : A vote of confidence, embodying a pledge of support, was proposed by Mr T. B. Hicks, seconded by J. Northey, and carried unanimously, much enthusiasm being manifested. A vote of thanks to the chair concluded the meeting.