Mr Stevens at Makino

Feilding Star, Volume V, Issue 59, 20 May 1884, Page 3

Mr Stevens at M akino

A good number of electors assembled in the, schoolhouse at Makino on Saturday evening last to hear the address of Mr John Steveus, M.H.R. Mr Fry was voted to the chair, and in ftfW suitable words introduced Mr Stevens, whose address was iv substance the same as had been delivered by him in the other parts of the electoral district, and which has already been*published. The matters of the action of the Government with reference to the lioads and Bridges Construction Act; the federation and annexation proposals ; the railways, and the Crown lands settlements ; the educational, and defence questions ; insular ; the deficiency in the revenue, and the necessity for retrenchment ; the direct steam service ; the parliamentary honorarium, &c, were all again dealt with by Mr Stevens. His views thereon were- expressed at length, and his past, and what would be his future action with reference thereto, was explained. The meeting frequently expressed its opproral of Mr Stevens' opinions by applause* which also followed the closing of his address. The usual invitation as to questions was given. Mr- Q, Mr. Stevens how, if the reforms in education matters proposed by him were made, the country schools were to'be kept up. Mr. Stevens replied that by laakiug'thctwo reductions he-suggested was the yery way to provide primary c-duc«.f.ioii^ for <> very child" in 'the colony, snd extend ■educational, priviliges to every country settlement, this indeed being part of bis _jiropt>aed -object in advocating the reforms roferrcd to. -*-' J ' - "'■' ; ■ ''''"' Mr Guy ley asked hfiff "what were his views*on 4> tHe' -deritimlftafiohal educatum' quest-isifa. flft«wj./I-->»...i:-lv '* s -'- " "^ M r S t<»^§s jlidf jiejw**itlail»ih i iifflft fc ter had been named, -trt— he had quite overl ooked it, at& H&iMn '•%'Hfe t 41/e s u b^ stance bt Tils' vf^\s""on"ps/que^iott4^ich r are already 'VeJI-KnSwn. ' tl * k" * " Mr vStubbiugtou asked him, that, if as iie was so anxious for retrenchment, he w ouio? be* will i n j.- to ■hXfe- «h is "'s a lai-y ' ' reduced (laughter). Mr Stevenx repeated (hat this was the thing he bad -hisd already projSbsed, namely a rlduciion h\ tho b-.-.-ior^ru::), .and if no one else brought forward in tlo House, he should aeiVlrJaly d.° so Ijiui-.e.i''. Mr Wallace asked him for his vi^ws on the deferred psyuient system, and if lie ■was in favor of extending the time for tae deferred payment of land. MrSteveHS thought- the present sys iem an easy and feasible one. As long .as the Crown had iaiid for disposal it •should afford every means for K„a acquiluent and settlement. It was uot in his opinion the duty cf the Government fco mate money by its lands, and that such *ip«et prices should not be put upon_ rt ieyoni what was required for developing the country. Mr Ranald Cameron moved, and Mr .John Humphrey seconded, That this meeting of electors within tlie Kangitikei «lectoral district presents its thanks to JA r Stevens for coming forw.ird to address them, and expresses its confidence' in him A* their representative in the Colonial Parliament.. , The motion was put to the meeting and carried unauimous'y with acclamation*!'X Mr Stevens said he admired the interest the electors present evidently took in political matters. He had been asked anore questions there than at any other xneetine he had addressed during the week, and he look this as a compliment. In thanking them for their confidence, lie would ask them to renew it when occasion required, and then proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, which being given th© meeting closed.