Mr J. B. Whyte at Huntly.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2345, 21 July 1887, Page 2

Mr J. B. Whyte at Huntly.

Mr Whyte addressed a very crowded meeting of electors at Huntly on Tuesday evening, Mr Harris acting as chairman. The building was filled to overflowing by a most attentive audience. The speaker dealt, fully with the actions of the Government, pointing out how, by what they had done and by what they had successfully tried to do, they had enormously increased the burdens of the people, and would have increased them very much more. It must be admitted that in this he mads out an exceedingly damaging indictment against the Ministry, and one which appears to be unanswerable. He also showed by what they bad proposed to do last session that the Government had evidently not grasped the situation, and still wished to further increase the burdens under which the colony is groaning. The speaker also dealt fully with the subject of retrenchment, showing its extreme necessity, and how the Opposition had at least succeeded in preventing a great deal of extravagance and financial recklessness on the part of the Government. He also dealt with subjects of education and protection, stating that he favoured the encouragement of local industries by direct aid, but objected to any further increase of the Customs duties for that purpose. Mr Whyte also dealt fully with the question of railway reform, showing how absurd it was to say that he who had practical experience of the difficulties with which settlers had to contend should be indifferent or hostile regarding such an important matter. He also showed how grossly his action had been misrepresented, and explained his views upon the subject generally. His views apparently entirely satisfied the audience, as was shown by repeated applause. Mr Whyte also reviewed Mr Bussell’s proposed line of action as laid down in his published addresses, showing its many inconsistencies and how nearly impossible it was of realisation. The address, which lasted over an hour and a half was listened to with the greatest attention and evident interest, and was greeted with great applause when the speaker sat down. After a few questions were asked and answered apparently to the entire satisfaction of the meeting, a vote of thanks and confidence was moved by Mr Bailey, and seconded by Mr Sampson, and carried with acclamation, only one non-elector dissenting. A hearty vote of thanks to the chairman closed one of the hesf attended and orderly meetings ever field in Huptly,