THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE AT KAIAPOI.

Evening Star, Issue 3995, 14 December 1875, Page 2

THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE AT KAIAPOI.

The Hon. C. C. ilowen addressed the electors at Kaiaf oi last night. He spoke well, and was very cordially received. He reviewed the conduct aud measures of t£e Government during the last session ; and speaking ?>-ii 6 P rop ? Re<i new local Government Hill, said the Government hoped tho • r ?u V oun ? lls , would b e able to aid in the bocal administration all over tho country; that they should also take up all administration that nan possibly bo manage l locally ; lhat they should have not merely the residue of the land fund to spend and, if necessary, to distribute nmonget the road boards without their bordore, but should also have tho power to raise l>ans on special rates for special works: that they should have main roads and bridges to attend to and that they should have the power to make, if necessary, branch railways or any necessary works except the great trunk lines within their borders ; that they should have the poweas to raise tolls if it » found necessary, and t hat generally they should have all the powers of administration and management of navigable waters, or whatever is within their borders ns would be the case now with regard to the Provinces by all of winch he thought they would find that the administration would be more localised than under the present Provincial system. He pronounced the various schemes propounded by members of Opposition for the future Govern-ment-gas impracticable, and la some cases positu'.ly absurd, tie held that as soon as possible here should be a re .motion of customs duties, and objected to protective duties. If additional taxation was necessary, it should be in the direction of a properly tax.