RANGITIKEI.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1291, 21 November 1911, Page 6

RANGITIKEI.

ME. NEWMAN AT BUNNYTHOEPE. Mr. li. Newman addressed the electors at Bunnythorpo last Friday evening and received ' an excellent hearing. Air. Newman, according to the "Feilaing Star's" report, explained that the Opposition party will not repeal such things as the old age pensions, advances to soltJcrs, and closer settlement., becauso such humanitarian legislation is being passed fill over tho world. If was not. in_ the interest of tho country that a Alinistry should remain in force for 'J2 years, whatever the party. Ho spoke of the great increase in the National Debt, and said that while much of tho borrowed money was invested in reproductive works, about 77 per cent, the percentage was greater in Victoria, where tho percentage of money spent on reproductive works was 1)3 per cent. Jle held that the Government had been vacillating and spineless m their land policy. His own land policy was one of leasehold with a right to purchase. Mr. Newman said that an injustice was done to the North Island in expenditure upon public works in comparison with the South Island, owing to the North Island being insufficiently represented in Iho Ministry. Ue a more progressive policy regarding Native lands, and claimed that the Maoris wcro geLting too much unearned increment owing to the public works policv adopted,' especially in regard to roads, rai I nays, and bridges, as they were aot contributing anything like iho tame onujiiul to the.

taxation of Hid r/iuntr.y, as the European si'tllers. Tlie limo had como when all Maoris who had paved 1 lie Fourth Slanuard and had properly r-ullieienl. to live on should In; treated I he same as a. European, j ln claimed thai: (lie Maoris had too lniicli representation in I'arlinmenl, and quoted Mr. Kaihan, who did not tnko his seat at all last cession. Mr. Newman dealt in turn iritis the ijumtions vf taxation, an ciectivo Upper House, ilie Dreadnought, lliue charges, the Mo'naii, ele„ and at tho ciosc of f.lio meeting reeeived the usual complimentary vote, and a vote of thank'j to the chairman concluded the meeting.