THE HON. J. C. RICHMOND BEFORE THE ELECTORS OF NELSON CITY.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3094, 28 May 1881, Page 3

THE HON. J. C. RICHMOND BEFORE THE ELECTORS OF NELSON CITY.

[BY TELEGRAPH.] Nelson, May 28. The Hod. J. 0. Richmond addressed a large meeting of electors last night. Alluding to his career prior to his late absence, he said those who knew him formerly would not find him substantially changed. Although he had been ranked as an anti-provincialist, he did not regard abolition without regret, as the vivid interest taken in local affairs no longer existed. Provincial Councils had exercised a sort of official audit on colonial finances. Referring to their original constitution he blamed Sir George Grey for endowing the provinces with the land fund, which was the patrimony of the colony, and should have given it an opportunity to construct railways without incurring further foreign debt. He considered the land tax and the abolition of primogeniture safeguards against the monoply of large estates. He favoured capitation to volunteers, but insisted on efficiency as far aa possible. Consistent with treaty obligations the immigation of Chinese should be restricted. He blamed the Grey Government for continuing expenditure when the credit of the colony was at stake, and a financial catastrophe was only avoided by the free use of the cable. He recognised the admirable service then rendered by Sir Julius Vogel. He appeared favourable to the property tax. He said he was a Socialist, and was glad to see that all the essential points of tbe Chartist programme had been carried out here, where all classes must work together for the common good. He thought if the railways were properly formed they would pay interest on cost, and on money squandered on other works. He advocated a scheme of general assurance to provide against poverty, so that the aged and infirm should not be obliged to seek relief as beggars. He was in favor of the Nelson provincial system of education, aud would support a reduction of c Custos duties. A vote of thanK «md confidence was passed.