POST-SESSIONAL UTTERANCES.

Evening Star, Issue 2866, 26 April 1872, Page 2

POST-SESSIONAL UTTERANCES.

MR REID AT OUTEAM. Mr Reid, M. H. R. for the Taleri, met his constituents in the driil-shed, Outram, last evening, and addressed them on the legislation of the past session. About fifty persons were present; and Mr J. Shand, M.P.C., was called to the chair, Mr Reid commenced his address by thanking the electors for having, during his absence, elected him to his present seat. The last session, be said, was one of great expectancy ; the minds of the electors had been greatly excited in regard to the very large schemes which were to be dealt with by the Assembly ; and there was a general belief that the schemes would be so modified as to contribute greatly to their more successful carrying out. Although those high expectations were formed, he regretted to say that the session was exceedingly barren of good or useful results. One or two amendments were secured; but, on the whole, the results were anything but satisfactory to this part of the Colony ; and so far as Otago was concerned, very serious indeed. One result, however, was to secure what he might call a rallying cry for the ministerial party. Those who had noticed the political action of that party during the last four years might have observed that they were adepts at securing something which would form a rallying cry for their party. In 1867-8, when its leaders were in opposition, there was the Provincial party, which constantly told them Provincialism was in great danger ; next session there was tlie Constitutional party, who were joined together to protect the Constitution from the innovations which the people were assured the Stafford Government contemplated. He thought when the electors contrasted the action of these people in regard to the Constitution during those sessions with that of their predecessors, they would come to the conclusion that the so-called defenders of the Constitution had been those who would have uprooted and pulled it down. In one session they had the great cry of the public works policy; last session the cry was what was termed the great policy. No matter on what subject—whether in regard to the Education Bill, the land laws, or the reckless system of finance being Eursued— if a member got up to criticise it, e was met by some one in defence of the Government, who pointed out that they were carrying out a “great policy;'* therefore, any finding fault with it was to be condemned. That was why he termed it a “ great policy.” It was a new Assembly; and although" he did not pretend like sense of the City members, to be able “tofeel the pulse” of new members, still he was not an unobservant spectator of what was going on. He formed his own estimate of the Assembly as elected, and came to the conclusion that the new members, who composed half the House, were on the whole men of sound, practical views, but he missed several of the old and prominent members of the last Assembly, and these he hoped to see at no distant date again returned to the Parliament of New Zealand, It was evident that a great majority of the new members had been returned pledged to support the Ministerial party; but he was convinced that before the close of the session many of those members regretted that they had been so pledged. On many occasions he had heard dissatisfaction expressed by them with the state of affairs ; and they appeared to feel that they were so clearly bound by the pledges they made on coming forward, that they could not alter the position which they had taken up with their constituencies before the close of the first session. It was often the case that the Assembly bad matters before it on which these members seemed doubtful as to whether they would support the Government or not. One member who acted as whip for the Government, and who had been since rewarded by what he presumed was an appointment, and had now resigned his seat, had declared in the Assembly “that the members had been elected to support the Ministerial policy, and they were bold enough to support in that House their election pledges.I*' 1 *' It must be admitted that it was boldness to do so —boldness bordering upon recklessness. There was w deubt the present Parliament

was in one respect an improvement upon the last - The present Maori members were a credit to their race, took a most intelligent view of, and gave a careful consideration to, all measures affecting their race. They contrasted very well, and he was sure afforded a . g°on copy for many of our own representatives. Moreover, the}' showed an independence of action and freedom from Government control, which also might be well copied by representatives of many different parts of the Colony. Referring to the Education Bill brought on last session, Mr Reid traced its rise and progress through the House. He did not approve of the Biil as brought in ; he disapproved more especially of the aided clauses. By them there was intended to be introduced a purely sectarian or denominational system of education. Whatever bis feelings might be as a private person in regard to any particular denomination or sect in reference to giving instruction in a particnlar way, as representative of a constituency comprising individuals of many denominations, he felt it to be his imperative duty to act in such a way as would prevent any advantage to one class of the community or denomination above another. (Applause), He was therefore entirely’opposed to denominational education ; and no system would obtain his concurrence which did not provide a purely national education, so that children of every denomination might be placed upon an equal footing. There were no advantages in aided schools : on the contrary, disadvantages, They gave to the majority the power of entirely coercing the minority; would have the effect of multiplying schools, and at the same time reduce their efficiency. Under the present system, which, bethought, was a national one on the whole, they could scarcely keep up with the wants of the districts. With Denominationalism they would split up the schools to such an extent that the salaries would be comparatively small, and they would be unable to obtain efficient teachers, because they could not get men of high standing as teachers at low salaries. Therefore he saw many evils, and failed to recognise any corresponding advantages. Objection had been taken to the Otago system of education by a portion of the community. It had been urged —and with some degree of truth—that there were passages in the school-books which reflected—whether j natly or not he would not say, though he believed they were truthful representations of history—on the religion of these persons. But he said it was unnecessary for them to retain the offensive passages, even if true; all they had to do was to educate their young so that they could find out for themselves hearafter as to to the truth of history ; they did not require to instil into their minds particular passages that were offenfive to their fellow-men. Ho would therefore be prepared to sanction the revision of the class books and to excise from them any passages offensive to any denomination—Episcopalian, Roman Catholic, or Jew. (Applause). The amended Bill now being circulated retained the ohobjectionable clauses; and would again come on for discussion. He trusted that the people of the Colony, now that they had the opportunity offered them of securing a colonial system—seeing the advantages they at present possessed and their freedom from religious difficulty—that they would insist on adopting, and their representatives be united in their determination to adopt a purely national system.—(Applause.) He referred next to the Otago Waste Land Bill; and charged the Government with using all its influence against the measure. He said he was assured by some members, who, he believed, were to have had seats on the Board of Works, that they were entirely with him; that although they would not vote for the Bill, they woud not vote against it. He was told the meaning of this and understood it. On the third reading he succeeded in making converts of Messrs Fox and M‘Lean, who J then voted for it. He had some doubts about the sincerity of that pojjyersiou; but th e electors might depend upon it, if he were spared in health and strength for a couple of months, he would pat that sincerity to the test. Such a measure would Lave very material effect in view of the large schemes of the Government. If they could not offer inducements to the people who were to be brought oat to construct our railways to stay among ns, then, he contended, it would be a very bad day for the Colony that these large works had been undertaken. If the Bid was carried out, as passed last session, it would have an important bearing on the of people in the Pfovinge. Large numbers of immigrants were to "be brought out; and unless they were given opportunities of making homes for themselves in the country, it would be of little practical utility in the long run. He was afraid the undertaking of these works would not continue for many years; and other colonies would begin works, so that if it was only intended to retain the population for.two or three years, they had better have never introduced thsm. They must have means of retaining the people after the loans were expended, and it was only settlement of the people that made a country truly great. What was wanted, was a steady, iudustfiqus, frugal population, and he felt sure they could adopt a system which would secure that, vis, by giving facilities for attaching them to the soil. That was how they would obtain their mills and factories, and promote the trade and commerce of the country. Another important matter was immigration and public works. The Bills passed the previous session were again brought forward last session for amendment, and, although perhaps egotistical to say so, it was gratifying to him to see that the objections he had urged eighteen months before, when advising the. Provin6ial Council against the scheme, were recognised by the Government. He then proceeded to show that the Government admitted, by repealing it, that the 19th sec. of the Act did not secure the Colony against being called upon to pay for uxt; remunerative railways." He heard with satisfaction the statement made by the Minis, ter of Works at an early period of the session as to the principles which would guide the Government in recommending the construction of lines, but be regretted to see their action before the session’s close. The schedule, as brought down, was a fair one as between the islands. It proposed to construct 262 miles in the South at au estimated cost of L 932,500 ; and,lß7 miles in the North at a cost of L 766.500. Would it be believed the Ministry were consenting parties—before their proposal was out of committee—to> the addition to it of 235 miles in the Norte, at an estimated cost of 1i507,000, and for South 77 miles at a cost of L2f12,000 5 After their fine, flourishing statements, he said a Government which dealt with millions in that way, was not fulfilling its duty to the colony nor to the taxpayers. After having areiully considered their proposals they

cshould not, in order to conciliate members or it might be, obtain support, have allowed such large sums to be voted for the construction of lines, which it was very doubtful and problematical would pay half working expenses, when constructed. The result was that the schedule as now passed for this year showed, North Island 426 miles, L 1,060,506 ; South, 278 miles, L 935.410. It was but right to inform them that part of, the North Island expenditure was for tramroads, which were estimated to cost L 2,500, ■while railwaj f ß cost about L 4,500 a mile. Mr Keid next criticised at considerable length the Brogden contracts which, together with the resolution adopted by the House, he condemned. He strenously opposed them, because he considered they placed too great a power in the hands of the Government; and because they were unfair to the local contractors. He was aw re that if the conStruction of our lines had been ottered to pubcompetition (open tender) the contracts would have been taken on the terms proposed in the resolution. He therefore thought it unwise to extend the dealings with Messrs Brogden. The other feature of the question which deserved consideration was the danger of centring such a large political power in the hands of one firm. He did not say Messrs Brogden would use that power in an improper way, but they did not know how soon Messrs Brogden might transfer their interests to some other person. The question the electors had to consider was, whether it could possibly be used preiudically to the best interests of the Colony. He was convinced it could be used in a way that would be very dangerous to the political institutions of the country. He could conceive Messrs Brogden, through their different agencies, making it impossible to sav where the system of railway construction would end. He knew he was placing himself in an inviduous position by making these remarks, but be was careless of the Government or Messrs Brogden. He was bound to give expression to the views beheld on the subject, (Applause.). He was not very favorab’y impressed with the action on the railway schedule, nor with the prospects before them in regard to the “ great scheme.” He blamed the representatives of different constituencies. Members said to themselves “ If we can secure something out of the loan forourdistrict, that will condone all our sins of omisson and commission, and we may vote for the Masterfcon railway or any other iniquity.” If he was placed in the position of being expected to vote, in order to secure special favors for his district, for anything which in his conscience he did not believe to be right he should be compelled to come before his constituents and receive their censure. So long as he had the honor to represent any constituency, he would do his utmost to obtain what he felt to be just; but he would never sacrifice his principles. The matter of immigration required careful consideration. So far as it had gone, it bad not been such as to give him satis!action. It would have been much better for the Province to have continued its old system of immigration—qne •which brought immigrants of a comparatively superior class into the country. He did not wish to speak disparagingly of the Scandinavians, gave them credit for being an industrial, frugal people, but to introduce Englishspeaking communities would be better. He next referred to the Chinese immigration circular. The Government, iu thinking of Chinese immigrants to cairy on public works, must have forgotten the basis of their own scheme. Of course it had been denied that it was intended to introduce them ; but he thought a circular from the Colonial Government to the highest officer in a Province, clearly showed that it was attempted to flood the country with Chinese. If this was a sample of the great policy intended to be carried out, it woqld have been well for the people to pave forgone for a time the construction of large public works. He referred to the remarks he made in 1869 as to the necessity of the provincial authorities having supervision of the works in progress. He was still of that opinion, and was convinced that the thing could be better administered by persons resident on the spot than by the central authority. This was borne out by the action of the Government themselves. They proCi a Board of Works of persons having a knowledge of the works. Why with provincial administration should they elect a Board of Works with high salaries, the •members to be in effect at the disposal of the Ministry of the day ? Why not adopt the machinery in operation which admitted of control; and was preferable to that which admitted of no control ? He was convinced if further alteration was made in the Act, that it would be wise to make use of the provincial machinery in the administration of public works, in the case of Provinces that had the necessary machinery. In this matter the Government must go a little further, or it had gone too far : either they entirely take over the. functions performed by the or they must allow Provinces having the necessary machinery to administer the public works, To keep up two staffs of officials was a ruinous waste of money. Kecurring to the Board of Works, he characterised it as a machine of the most corrupt character that could have been devised. The Minister of Works, in his place in the in the House, said it was to be composed of five members and the President j but there was provision for an unlimited number of sub-hoards. He suggested the formation of a sub-board for the Taieri; then perhaps he might have changed his views on that subject. LIOOOa year and an irresponsible position were things not to.be trifled with, (Laughter.) Now it had been said the Ministry was composed of very clever men. He was not prepared to admit that; but if they were so clever, he would prefer that they had been less so, and possessed of more ordinary talent to devote to the affairs of the Colony. When millions were being squandered—perhaps that was too strong a word—well, expended, why did they not attend to their posts, and see that the money was carefully and properly expended ? But that appeared to be quite beneath the notice of clever men ; they took pleasure jaunts to different parts of the world, and were of such great ability that they thought it unnecessary to attend to details or office work-. He would rather see state of things remedied ; and men applying themselves to the duties in hand. At' the same time he might be excused if he differed from the opinion as to their ability. He judged individuals by the success of the schemes they launched forth. He then commented at some length at the financial proposals of the Treasurer in 1870 and 71 ; the reduction of the capitation grant, &c. The Province, instead of getting 40s per bead, with a gradual reduction, only got 15s. But the Colonial Treasurer, understanding human nature well, offered HOU,OOU

to the Eoad Boards; but the grant was out of loan. He (Mr Reid) preferred to see L 50.000 distributed from revenue, which had not to be repaid, than LIOO.OOO from loan, which had to be repaid by the persons receiving it. He opposed that vote because he preferred to see road boards borrow on the security of the Colonial Government, than that the Government should borrow a lump sum to be distributed ; because in the latter case it led to a scramble to get a share ; while on the other hand there would bo more judicious expenditure if the boards were left to borrow as occasion required. Referring to the increased duties, he said the grain duties were imposed, so they were told, as a protection to the farmers. The question of protection was one that required serious consideration on the part of the farmers, and it was quite possible they might be made a catspaw of by the Government in order to secure larger revenues. It was a sort of protection he did not approve, and would prefer to see it in the ■way of giving facilities for distributing produce. Why, the West Coast imported its flour from Adelaide, because we had no means of sending it to them. We sent it to Adelaide, and thence it was sent to Hokitika. We did not require protection. What was to be gained by it ? We sent produce to every part of the world. While they saw the cry was protection to the farmers, the ironmasters of Auckland said they could manufacture farming implements, and required a duty to be put on imported machinery. Protection meant ruination to the farmers ; it would not bring a farthing into the farmers’ pockets. Other classes would ultimately cry out against the tax on bread ; it would be struck off, and other industries would retain their protection. He hoped the farming interest would not give way to the very plausible cry of protection. [We are obliged to hold over the rest of the report.] A vote of confidence in Mr Reid was proposed by Mr Sim, seconded by Mr Snow, and carried unanimously.