MR W. C. WALKER, M.H.R. AT THE TOWN HALL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1453, 11 February 1885, Page 2

MR W. C. WALKER, M.H.R. AT THE TOWN HALL.

Last evening Mr Walker, M.H.R., addressed a meeting of his constituents at the Town Hall. The attendance, owing probably to the influences referred *o by the Chairman in introducing Mr Walker, was not large, but the hall was fairly well filled. His Worship tHe Mayor (Mr R. Friedlander) occupied the chair.

The Chairman said that they were all aware of the object for which they had mat. Re was sorry to see a much smaller attendance than he had anticipated, but probably harvest operations had prevented many electors availing themselves of the opportunity to hear Mr Walker’s account of hia stewardship, and others, doubtless, had such implicit confidence in their member that they had not troubled to attend. He (the Chairman) would not detain them with a long speech, but at once introduce Mr Walker. Mr Walker, who was received with loud applause, said that he had met them that evening to endeavor to lay before them an account of the proceedings of the last session of Parliament; to explain the position he had taken in respect to them, and to submit his views as to the present

position and future proposals of the Government. When he last met them in that hall the Atkinson Government was in power ; but the general elections had gone against that administration, and feeling that they were not strong enough to meet Parliament they announced their resignation a few days after the newly elected representatives assembled in Wei lington. By adopting this course they had, no doubt, occasioned considerable embarrassment to those members who had been returned pledged to oppose them. He would tell them how. The old Opposition was not in such a position as to be able at once to step into the place of the rearing Ministry The new Parliament included a number of prominent gentlemen who hai occupied places in previous assemblies, but had taken no part in recent political affairs. Of these latter some ware recognised as necessary

and component parts of any new Ministry. It was almost impossible to realise, and quite impossible to adequately describe the difficulties presented by these circumstances, but they had been compelled to overcome them as best they could. Sir Julius Vogel agreed, and prevailed upon a number of his followers also to agree, that Mr Stout should be Premier. Certain members who in the former Parliament had followed other Opposition leaders, were fully justified in demanding that those leaders should occupy seats in the new Cabinet. Thus the first Ministry succeeding that of Major Atkinson was formed. Personally he had no hesitation in following its lead. He thought that the older leaders referred to were entitled to the consideration they receive J, but it was soon found that a majority of the House did not acquiesce in this view. They would recollect that he had had the honor

of seconding the Address in Reply. Ho did so with every feeling of loyalty to the Ministry he was supporting, and he felt that this loyalty was consistent with the pledges he had given during his election campaign. They would remember that ho had at that time mentioned the names of the gentlemen who subsequently held seats in the Cabinet, as likely to bo found in that position Many circumstances acted adversely to the new Ministry, In the first p'ace, they end the ; r supporters were pearly all representatives from the Southern Island. This, in itself, placed them in an unfortunate position, as it is almost impossible for any Ministry so situated to fairly represent the colony at large, and besides jt has a tendency to reanimate the old provincial feeling, which was to be strongly deprecated. He need hardly recount the circumstances of the defeat of the first Stout-Vogel Ministry. That event was followed by the reausclatation of the Atkinson Government. TfielifeofthatMinistry was even shorter than that of its predecessor, as members returned pledged to assist in ousting Major Atkinson could not possibly support a Ministry of whichhe was found at the head. A very trying period followed, during which many attempts were male to form a coalition Ministry. They, however, were not suecssai'ul, and he thought it fortunate that such had been the case, for ha considered it wise that Major Atkinson should re-' main out of office for at least some time to come yet. The electors had clearly indicated a wish in that direction, and he also thought that when the time came, as come undoubtedly it would, when Major

Atkinson returned to office, ha would do so with a much higher reputation than he could have dona if the attempts to form a coalition had been successful. He (Mr Walker) thought there was nothing they should value more highly than the character of their public men, and even if opposed to the views of some of their older politicians, they should jealously guard their reputation. The Ministers now in office, he thought, were on the whole satisfactory to the colony, they should at least bo satisfactory to Canterbury and that particular district, as at the general election Canterbury, almost unanimously, had pronounced in favor of a combination of the character

now in office. They had placed the pubiio business upon a much more practical footing, and as far as they had been able had enacted legislation of a useful character. Another advantage enjoyed by Canterbury in the New Parliament was that having returned members holding similar opinions upon many of the great questions of t e day, their representatives had acted more in unison than they had ever done before. He did not for one moment wish

to lower colonial politics to the level of petty' provincial jealousies He strongly deprecated such a cpurae, but in the past they had seen the evils resulting from dissensions among the representatives from their Provincial District, The principal measures brought forward by the Government last session wera-»

the West Coast Harbor Bills, the West and East Coast Railways Bill, the District Railways Bill, and the appointment of a Commission to determine the route of the proposed trunk line through the North Island. All of these were of a useful character, and although one—the District Railways Bill—had been thrown out by the Upper House, much good

would result from their introduction. The West Coast Harbor Bills would create a perfect revolution in an important part of their colonial trade. They had hitherto sent from the country annually hundreds : cf thousands of pounds for coal, while deposits of ■ ijpneral of a much, better quality existed cl°? e at Ijaud...- Iphe object of these Bills was to place the West Coast harbors under the control of bodies able to raise sufficient money to make them attractive to. commerce, and then, instead o f sending a vast amount of money from the colony, they would no doubt attract much additional trade to their shores. Ttys East and West Coast railway, which 'had recently made an important advance towards seining practical shape would make ah almost incalculable difference tp this part of the oology. Thp population attracted by the prosperity following the operations of the West Coast Herb >r Bills would - dntaaud for supplies, which, originate a.. --M bo drawn

without the railway, wou.v. from Australia, but with the railway would come to Canterbury. Another result of the railway would be an increased attention to the devetopement of their minerals. The output of gold particularly would be considerably greater tb;ir> , it hac been for many years These BilL had not, of course, been passed withouf / opposition. Soma people had said that j they were paying too dearly for the fd* J

vantages sought, on the otherhand other* contended that the East and and West Coast railway scheme would delude people

into taking up an affair whioh.would bring ruin to themselves and discredit to the colony. It was impossible,.-that both these contentions could be correct, ancl, for himself, he believed that neither was. Wi hout the concession of land no Company could be induced to the. construction of the railway, and without the railway very little of the land proposed to be conceded would be occupied Their lands must be occupied to become

remunerative to the State. It was quite beside the question to say that the colony should retain these particular lands for settlement. He (the speaker) had already said that the District Railways Bill had been thrown out by the Upper House. This Bill dealt with a question which the Government had approached with an earnest desire to settle. Both sides of the House were agreed as to the gravity of the difficulties besetting it. One of these

difficulties was that the district railways were not all precisely on the same footing. Some were prosperous and others were in a financial state which he had almost called discreditable. This difficulty was the one which induced the Upper House to reject the bill, but the Government, with a view to settle ihe matter as far as possible, prevailed upon the House to authorise them to negotiate during the recess with the companies for the purchase of the lines ; any proposals in that direction to be submitted to Parliament daring

the next session. It was hoped that in this way a better understanding would be established between the ratepayers and the companies until Parliament met, when some measure of a more permanent character would probably be adopted. The railway in which his 'hearers were immediately interested was undoubtedly a source of some grievance, but others entailed much greater hardships upon those affected hardships which were almost incredible. Some of the lands in those localities were liable to pay annually 6s 8d per acre—a tax that rendered settlement torany great extent impossible. He sincerely hoped that next session they

would settle- the question once and for all. The route of the North Trunk Railway had been determined upon by means of a a Committee in an eminently satisfactory manner. Even those dissatisfied with the recommendation of the Committee were compelled to admit that the question had been dealt with by a thoroughly impartial tribunal. The Government had undertaken to push this work on, and iu the course of a few years the railway would be completed and much of the adjoining land settled. That would mean a greater addition to the wealth of the

colony than was generally realised. The North Island contained a much larger variety of resources than did the South Island. The productions of the latter were comparatively few, chiefly wool, grain, and dairy produce ; but there was not an an industry or production existing in Europe which might not be brought to a successful conclusion in the North Island. The North Island, in all probability, presented facilities for the maintenance of a much larger population than did the South. *The prosecution

of the railway would do much to rem >ve what remained of the “ native difficulty.” The Ministry had been compelled to confine themselves merely to the treatment of practical questions which they found staring them in the face. They had probably felt that they had not sufficient time to do everything. Anpngat the questions deferred was that of railway management; but they had - made announcements that led, the House to believe that this important matter was in

good hands. They had also given promise of improved land administration, and he had no hesitation in saying that the cost of their Railway and Land Departments would next year show a considerable reduction. He need not say that every measure had not been satisfactory to every member of the House ; but they had re? ceived such support as indicated the approval of a large section of the Opposition, Major A kinson and Mr Bryce had on occasions supported the Government in a

manner that showed they were both gentlemen far above feelings of petty jealousy and rivalry. They had shown themselves large-minded men, who thought more of the benefit and ultimate advancement of the State than of the gratification of their own private views. He (Mr Walker) was sorry to state that the whole of the Op-

position hai not displayed the same generous spirit. The two members who had most embarrassed the Government were Canterbury men. It was at no time pleasant to him to speak unfavorably of the sayings and doings of men behind their backs ; but to him it was strange that these two men should have beeu Canterbury members It was strange that the only extended and adverse

criticism of the Ministry bad been made by a Canterbury member —Mr Wakefield, at Leeston. It wan stranger still that that gentleman had received a unanimous vote of confidence, as if Mr Wakefield was right, the rest of Oanterbuty was essentially wrong. It was, he thought, Lord Beaconsfield who had said that the best critics were usually unsuccessful authors Mr'Wakefield was an

eminent critic, but whether a successful politician or otherwise it was not for the speaker to say.. Two questions had, during the session been treated perhaps hardly with the attention they deserved, so far aa long speeches and parliamentary consideration were concerned. He referred to annexation and confederation. Since the prorogation of Parliairient these

questions had assumed larger dimensions, but still they had not attracted any very considerable amount of public attention, He thought that in these matters their leaders in the House hqld views far in advance of a large part of their followers,, and ceplainly In advance of nipe-tentha of the electors, ife had thought jt a’tpange while listening to eloquent and patriotic

speeches in support of these proposals, th°t great indifference existed in regard to the questions, both in Parliament and among the people. The leaders must recognise that before doing anything in the direction they advocate they must educate the people towards it. When the

q lestion was taken up it should be approached with a full recognition of its importance, Ha was aware that the Premier looked forward with confidence to the time when universal confederation would result in navies and armies and the pomp and circumstance of war becoming things of the past. He (Mr Walker) had heard

similar aspirations expressed when a boy', at the time of the great Exhibition. Philanthropists .averred even than that the of war had gone, but since that periodno year Wd passed withoutaome part of the world being disturbed by war, and

unless things very muoh changed, so it it would remain. Undoubtedly, the existence of other nationalities in the Southern seas would involve this colony in .European disturbances. When such misfortunes arose the question of defence would have to be promptly and earnestly considered. This question of defence suggested the other one, of their ]?olun-

teer force. The present Parliament had shown a disposition to do something to batter the statqs of the Vpluqteers. Qreat injustice had been,done to the Volunteers of England and nf this oolopj. Parliaments had treated the question as one of “teat importance, and one upon which -- o , '’ ■ “ ,rr ‘e<iditqco should be no considerama 1»t----iucurrod. The Minister to whose aoyc- ,

ment this matter belonged had promised to give it his attention during the recess, i i-i he (Mr Walker) trusted that their Volt uteers would shortly be placed upon a much more satisfactory footing. A most important consideration for this part of the colony was their railway administration j

he might say that their existence almost depended upon it. If the change cf Government had resulted in an improve* ment; in this matter, the constituencies wouldrapprove of the part their members had .'filled in securing that change. He cottld venture to put some guarantee before them that such an improvement would be effected. The present Minister for Public

Works had been returned as an opponent of . the Atkinson GoTOi^Wefit > T, ffitta^ttßiK“ , ‘' his speeches .delivered 'before hiaassumption of office, it was bvidont that lie was aware of tße and hindrances to traffic that then eriqted Since he had filled hia present position he- - must have learned much more, and what he felt six months ago must be felt much i

more strongly now. He. (Mr Walker)" could give them no better illustration of the Minister’s determination in thia matter < than by reading’an extract, from, his Public Works Statement. It ran as follows: “ I have been of the opinion, ever siuee our first railways were opened, that-such a system of management aa at present prevails could not produce satisfactory .re* 5 suits ; and aa each year has passed o/i tSa£ k opinion has been strengthened. And, if

anything was wanted to convince me that - a great change was wanted, the short time I have held office has afforded me ample proof that it cannot be made coo soon. It is a matter of the deepest regret to me that, owing to the late pjriod of the year, the Government have come to the conchy ' sion that it will be impossible to carry through a Bill thia session creating Bosnia

of Management, which would be responsible for the working of our railways ; and, did I not feel convinced that the Government and the House were determined to take thia course at the earliest date pos--sible, I should not have consented to take office. The House will understand that, in saying this, I mean no disrespect. I feel bound to state these .opinions, because 1 should otherwise accept a false position. Whilst 1 believe that, strong Boards' are necessary to guide and control the management, both in the Middle Island and the Auckland district, I find myself, with multifarious other duties to perform, vir-. tually standing in the position of the two Boards. I will do the beat 1 can, but 1 must not pretend to think that, unaided, I can reform the railway system as it requires to be reformei.” Ho words of the - speaker could be stronger than these, and to do the Minister for Public Works justice, he (Mr Walker) believed that it was bis intention to give them offset. Great departmental -changes could not be carried out in a single' day. Daring the last few weoM , *lßr Richardson had shown his determination to do something. He bad lowered the.. tariff in respect to grain, and bad given the people opportunities to travel at greatly reduced fares, and he had announced it as his intention to give such - opportunities so long as the people showed a disposition to take advantage of them. It was therefore clearly his policy to carry out as far as possible the views - expressed in the Public Works Statement. He (Mr Walker) would like to refer to one or two subjects touched upon by the . Premier iu his recent address to his constituents at Dunedin. The moat important question of local Government was one of particular moment to a district like this—one endeavoring to make the best possible me of the measures at its disposal and to apply the present machinery provided by the Government as advantage? oqsly as possible. Since the present Government took office local government had been a prominent question and would, no doubt, form a strong point in the pro- : gramme of next session. The Premier had said:—“ What “is our. position ? We have now 69 boroughs, 48 town districts or little boroughs, 63 counties, road boards in counties, and 803 road districts in the colony. We haye also harborboards, river boards, domain boardsj education hoards, school committees, and all : sorts of things in this colony, yet everyone, from Auckland to Stewart’s Island, says that our local government system ic imperfect. What, shen, do I proposa l Well, gentlenfen, I propose that there shall be no rnde carvipg and patting of existing institutions, bat ths| we take existing institutions as they are, and. shall utilise them- I would not disturbthe road district, I would not disturb the counties, and ' I would not disturb the? boroughs. I would continue the riding 1 in a county or a road district as a local government unit, outside of boroughs bn town districts, but 1 would try and make the ridings, the counties, and road dis* iricts coterminous if possible. But I do not believe that the colony ahbnla have all its institutions exactly alike—of one pattern. That is the Chinese system.. . , . . I would let them have' different institutions in'Auckland to what they have in Otago, if it pleasedi them—for example, the oonnty system might suit Auckland, and the road board system might suit Otago; or the road boardey#tem migh*- suit Auckland, and thecounty system might suit Otago. All that "the colony cares for is that the Ideal: system is well managed, that the - roads are Welt looked after, and that local institutions are properly managed.” On that baairfae (Mr Walker) cordially supported the proposals of the Premie'*. The system might be expanded with much profit .to the colonists. The Premier had not'been ySry' cleat in his proposals' BeanbgnfpiU) Hospital and Charitable Aidj“ but iwH appeared to point to the constitution of large districts. Ho (Mr Walker) had seen in the past, tfio failure of such a system, and he would regret -to see it again adopted. It had in a great measure wrought about Abolition’, a .Staff which the Premier and several other prominent politicians grieviously lamented. The outlying districts would strenuously oppose any amalgamation with centres of population. It had been shown that they were far better apart and allowed to man| age their own affairs. He trusted that the Government! would not “attempt ’itq force so qriqatUral a ‘nbion.' “For" mailjr years this question had bepn neglected'. Each cjistrict had been Igft to do qr leave alone as they* chose, " The Provihiial Government of Canterbury bad maintained their expenditure out of the vincial Treasury, and ■ had left cit a legacy to the General Governments Other districts had, however, reproached Canterbury with receiving a larger amount of charitable aid than any other

provincial district. The administration of obarit ible aid in their midst had bean undoubtedly generous, and he thought it not improbable that they, had supported, many claimants from other parts of the colony. If the charitable Institutions were generally banded over to the iocat bodies they would/ he thought, be mote

economically, and efficiently manege#/ There should be no insidious distinctions betwgep different localities. , ISTith to the Ministry’s views tasatibn',-utev had from the first acknowledged their preference for a land tax over a property tax. This was one of the questions upon

which he distinctly differed,! with many others, from the leaders, of the House, lint it was not sufficient to justify;him in withdrawing his aupport frpm them. ,The preference ,■ had; been announced before the’ general ’election _ and their assumption of office- Speaking'at Dunedin in reference to the question Mr Stoat if ad said—“ I oapnot'dsaiwiiffi H»a

questioq of af I shoqld Jilfe to##. I must deal with it on epma other 009^sipa. Lgt me only aay thisj fhat: not see any chance of this Parliament getting passed a land tax such. as I lieve ought to be passedthe maidnjty of *n«t it. - J h6D€k. j.OW»

the House is - - - . . ever, to see the Property tax so lalterea as to make it, at all events, a land and what may be termed a money or capital tax. How that will be accomplished it is difficult dr impossible for rop to say. We yjU make an effort to accomplish it, and Id

provide a better system of taxation than tbe present 'property tax." 1 h ; s was not very clear, and the Premier was evidently aware that the majority of the t i mise v e e favorable to a property tax es .against a land tax. Ml that the MimViy hid attempted last session was a redo :n »■ », the property tax, a step which ha (dr Walker) did not think was desired by its supporters. An indication had been held out that the local bodies would be left to collect the tax. If this course was adopted it would remove the greater part of the objection® to it, andthe difficulties would disappear. But until the Government made up their mind upon this question it would be impossible for him (Mr Walker) to say what the position would be. On this and several other questions the Premier had candidly admitted that his views were not in consonance with those of the majority of the House. , He was at the head of a coalition Ministry, and he and Sir Julius Yogel had agreed to unite upon a broad basis. This understanding had worked satisfactorily during last session, and the Premier had only pressed his views so far as he could with propriety. He was a man that upon whatever be took up, bis opinion was clear and decided, but he had candidly said that his colleagues were not ia unison with many of bis views, They oid not take up his advanced position in reference to taxation and other subjects. At the same time he was loyal to his Cabinet and to his fol lowers, and while regretting that they were not prepared to follow him in every respect be did the best he could to embody bis views and advance | the interests of the colony. Another! point taken up with much enthusiasm by the Premier was that of technical education. He (Mr Walker) regarded this as a most important part of secondary education. In a young country like this, where ■ young people are growing up, and their parents looking for suitable employment for them, It is particularly important. They cannot expect all to be farmers or lawyers, and one effect of technical education would be to largely induce the people * to undertake industrial pursuits it 'would also create a healthy opinion of the dignity of labor. Young men instead of going into offices and learning mechanically to tot lip figures would undertake handicrafts, equally well calculated to produce good citizens and useful colonists. Education properly applied would enable boys to rise from any position in life to the proudest in the land, and would enable,them to find employment and selfrespect in any. For these reasons he was exceedingly pleased to see the Premier taking an interest in this division of their •. educational system.—ln conclusion, he /, would only says a few words as to the attitude which the elec', ora should assume towards tbe Government and Parliament at the present time. Some degree of ■patience was necessary for tbe results which would, he belived, follow the recent ■ changes. They had seen in the newspapers predictions of magical chaiges to follow in the wake of the new Ministry, j but men of sense expected nothing supernatural. Tbe tendency of the age, the ' effect of rapidity, by steam and electricity was to expect magical changes in an unscionably short time, like the child who periodically pulled up a fiower to see |f it were growing. He trusted the electors and Parliament would have a little patience and recognise that the Government could not possibly effect everything in a ’foment. The railway department could not make great . changes hurriedly without great risk. No „ beneficial change could be made without due they must not be too fiasty in demanding results, and must patiently await great reforms Reforms there had been, were, and would be as long as file world existed, going on. If the changes were not in the direction of Improvements they must be in the other Tfay. : The Premier of Hew Zealand was , a pian with these reforms at heart, and if . he could wait ayrely the electors could dp the same. He (Mr Walker) thanked , them for the patient manner in which they had listened to him. He bad gone tp Wellington thinking, as he flattered himself that some of them thought also, that iffs long residence amongst them and hip experience in public capacities had acquainted him with the requirements of 1.-: the district and fitted him to see those -*/requirements supplied. Those who had watched the proceedings of the last session of Parliament aa recorded in the public prints would have noticed that he had not troubled the H onse with long or frequent speeches.' He had had enough , to do to, familiarise himself with the ‘ forms of the Bouse and learn to become a useful 1 member. It might perhaps be that ha was not qualified to make eloquent speeches, but be could assure them that be was actuated: by an earnest desire to , advance their interests. Mr Walker, . . having spoken for one .hour and twenty minutes, resumed his seat amid loud applause. / The Chairman said that Mr Walker had expreseed himself as willing to answer any question that might be put to him.— There was no response to the invitation, and the Chairman suggested that as they all; appeared satisfied with Mr Walker’s exposition some elector should propose a resolution. • Hr David Thomas said that it might indfeate a considerable" amount of impuffmme on ins part, he having been a pro- ' minent opponent of Mr Walker at (he general election, to now propose a vote of -ooufidence in that gentleman. However, tbeservices rendered to the district, by Ur Walker storing the last session of Parliament had completely won his (Mr Thomas’s) esteem, and he was much gratified to be able to recollect that his opposition to Mr Walker’s candidature had been a of most friendly character. Every matter relating to the district and the.colony at large had received prompt and intelligent attention from their member.. - His (Mr Thomas) bad beard Mr caUbd a Writing) machine, as hp . sooner.'(lid a communication rea'fih Him in ; Wellington, even on tho most trivial subject than it. was immediately aoxnow- - lodged, and attended to. During Mr Walker’s sojourn in Wellington he had done more for-the district than had been done for five or, six years. He said this ' without wishing to deprecate the services of their late member, but Mr Walker’s suavity and personal popularity enabled : him to. effect much that would be impossible to ordinary men. Mr Walker had said - that he was not much of a speaker, but he {Mr Thomas) could assure them that when Mr Walker did speak his utterances were listened to with marked attention and re- • spect. Mr Thomas proposed a very hearty vote thanking Mr Walker for his address ed expressing confidence in him as memp far the district., . & %lspn said tfiat fie had bad no In&ptioiidf addressing the. meeting, bqt iwriog witnessed Mr Thomas's acknowledgement ofbis conversion, he (Mr Nelson), thought that he could not do better than follow suit, and second the motion T proposed by that gentleman. He had opposed M? Walker at the election, and when he opposed anyone he did so |n earnest, but, he boped bn some future odcaiWjfchave that- pleasure of supporting lakir present member.. He (Mr, Nelson) ■.* '* lift# correspond wi*»u M? ” it! Walker, and" fie tpally bplipyefi that in sojnp lUbmpes. .replies were , r^ tu £s® d before the comm un <»tionß reached -wei-

, Friedlander asked permission to refer-to' some remarks that bad fallen ••tftaSWteSkKSa JSfSS '*■' -MitWrlmmeakfortha • district than had ■ for fire or,six years previously -‘SeKMe Vriedlander) thought this was itii'j? W>inU .*U« Uto W«6itßWr w **

Mr Thomas said that he had not the slightest intention to speak lightly of Mr Wright’s services. No one was more fully alive to the very great services rendered 10 the district by their late member than ihe (Mr Thomas) wia. Circumstances had I given Mr Walker greater opportunities. On be ng put to the meeting, the motion was carried by prolonged acclamation. Mr Walker in acknowleding the compliment, assured the electors that he highly valued their expression of confidence. It was particularly gratifying having been proposed and seconded by two of his late opponents, and he had also been pleased on returning from Wellington to receive similar compliments from a number of gentlemen who had opposed his candidature. A vote of thanks to the chairman, proposed by Mr Walker, concluded the proceedings.