RAGLAN

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 506, 28 October 1899, Page 2

RAGLAN

The Government candidate, Dr. Hosking, gave a second address here on Monday last. Mr T. B. Hill occupied the chair and in his introductory remarks, spoke in eulogistic terms of the present administration. Dr. Hosking briefly related the circumstances surrounding his adoption by the Liberal Party and stated "their determination to run him for all they were worth and all he was worth too." In alluding to his tour through the ;Icctorate, he said in some places Liberalism was in the ascendant, while in others the Opposition held the field; but Raglan had the power to turn the scale, or, ou the other hand, nullify the vote. He had nothing against Mr Lang on personal grounds; it was a fight between the Government and the Opposition. The electorate was far behind what it ought to be. Large sums should have been spent on its roads and bridges and on other public woaks, but unless a Government candidate was returned there would be no change. (Cries of '' Shame aud corruption." Well, if tkey backed him up he would back them. The Waikato electorate had to suffer for returning a Conservative member. He found that people were waking up in some places iu the electorate where Mr Lang had never been. He complained of the tactics of the Opposition in the House. By their obstruction of business they could do no good. Mr Lang was one if the greatest obstructionists of the lot. ( ' No, no.") Wis action in voting against the O d Age Pension Amendment Bill was condemned by the candidate. The Opposition did all they could to mutilate the Bill. Their conduct was a disgrace to Parliament. (Dissent). He purposed going through Mr Lang's political history, and would shortly publish a list of his votes. He was one of the bitterest opponents of the Government He favoured the cutting up of the Karioi Block. He favoured a bridge atHuntlyand a ralway from there to Raglan. (Give us a good road). Waikato had to be converted to Liberalism. They had a good Government, aud he believed in letting well alone and proceeded to eulogise the Government for their legislation. Population had increased during the Liberal reign by 20 per cent, and the wealth of the colony had increased by 32 millions. The capital value of land had increased 30 million?, and who could take credit but the Government. (Question). Iu this district people taking up land are perfectly satisfied with the land policy. The savings of the people amount to ten millions, thanks to the Liberal Government, but the colony would go down if tho Conservatives returned to power. (Rot). The party that ought to be grateful to tho Government are the farmers. (Strong dissent). They hud built for their use 500 bridges aud spent two millions on toads and bridges. (Yes, their own money). Raglan would go ahead by backing up the Government. Mr Seddon thought it an important district, he had a good feeling for Raglan in his heart. (Gammon), and was coming to visit them aeain. By voting for Mr Lang and securing his return they would stultify themselves, and if their votes were divided they would nullify them. In reply to Mr Couradi as to stultifying themselves by voting for Mr Lang, Dr. Hosking said : "if this district gives a block vote for him its influence will be felt ; but, if they divided their votes and give half to one candidate and half to the otner, they might as well stay at home." In reply to a question by Mr Heury, Dr. Hosking said he was in favour of giving the people in the King Country the same righti to demand a license as they had, and it should be decided by the same rule as in other parts of the country. He was not in favour of licenses anywhere. On the motion of Mr Henry, seconded by Mr Conradi, a vote of "thanks was given for the address.—(Own Correspondent). _^___