GENERAL ELECTIONS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 714, 24 December 1875, Page 2

GENERAL ELECTIONS.

MR B. R. BAIRD AT ALEXANDRA. Mr B. R. Bai d addressed the Electors at Alexandra on Monday evening last at Alexandra in the Library Hall. Janies Samson, Esq., Mayor, occupied the Chair, and in a few words introduced the Speaker Mr Baird said the lateness of the hour, (half past 10) would necessitate his being very brief—He appealed as a Candidate for the suffrages of the Electors of the Dunstan District at the request of a large number of the electors, and though at first declining, thinking there were many local men better qualilied for the position of their representative than himself, however eventually consented, it being urged' on him as a reason, his large vested interests, with his practical experience as a miner. Ho here briefly stated that ho held largo mining properties in the Cromwell district, both quartz and alluvial, and therefore he thought was entitle ! to their votes. He now read from his printed address tha leading points, and said, though he could not but admit that the country had been too much governed, and that a change in the'*’ form of government was demanded, he yet was not in favor of the Abolition of the Provinces. He was in favor of Insular separation, and would go in for the abolition or reconstruction of the Legislative Council. He could not go further into these matters. The Land question is one of paramount importance. He was in favor of the deferred payment system as at present, but the Government should be a'de to place at least 30,000 acres annually in tha market—the system will work well, and do much to settle a prosperous class of people' in tho Country. As to the pastoral lands, a good many of the large leases will fall in dming the next and succeeding years, and when th-t happens, he would ho in favor of catting them up into blocks of 2 to 10,000 acres ; by this means the country that is now occupied by One man and a few sheep will be occupied by forty or fifty thriving families. At one time he thought tho cutting up of the runs Would have been injudicious, he however had changed his views on that subject—it must bo evident that when the Public Works are stopped, and occupation for the large number of unemployed must be found, and tha* can only i>e done by offering every facilities for them settling on tho land. Jle meant what ho sai 1, and if he was returned, he would go i i for the lands reverting to the people. Respecting the railways, ho would like to see them pushed into the in'erior—he had been told that the Waipaheo line would be more beneficial than tho line direct from Lawrence, as the former would connect Tapanui with its for sts, with tho up-country districts that require timber for its quartz and alluvial rabies—ho would he in favor of that line. He was in favor of the reduction of the Gold Export Duty which was virtually a tax of two shillings per week on every minor. He was in favor of a n dilation in the cost of Gold-mining Leases and the rent, and he believed in tho reduction in the char.es for Certificates. He . gain referred to th« largo and extensive mining interests hold by him and tai 1 that independently of hisintereat in the Cromwell Quartz Company ho was paying 170 a month Vitgiß, therefore ho was speaking on the question relating to gold-mining from experience; ’ Ho said as the hour was ectting late Ire tfbuld diaw to a close, but would be happy to answer any questions. If he was returned he would make it Irs his business to become versed in the po-

litics of the day, and he thought from his intimate connection with the district he had a right to solicit their support. A number of questions having been askod and replies given, Mr Baird said if he had not been able to make himself clear he was sorry ;he confessed he was no politician, not having read up, bis time having been so much engaged in his own affairs, and the duties of his office; if returned, ho would, join the Progressionist and Liberal party, and ho had no doubt when he returned from the session, the electors would he satisfied with him. Mr Chappie said ho would propose a Vote of thanks to Mr Baird for his address—he could not, however much he would have liked, propose a Vote of Confidence, Mr Baird had admitted ha was no politician, and he was of opinion that it was a politician tho district needed to represent them. Seconded by Mr Fox well. Mr Bereaford moved as an amendment a Vole of Confidence, which being seconded by Mr Cameron, was declared carried. Mr Baird returned thanks, afterwards proposing a Vote of Thanks to the Chair. Tho meeting then separated.