MR ARKWRIGHT AT TAONUI.

Feilding Star, Volume XII, Issue 49, 9 October 1890, Page 2

MR ARKWRIGHT AT TAONUI.

Mr Arkwright addressed the electors sfe Taonui on Tuesday evening last. There-"' was a very fair attendance. Mr Walter : Bailey , who was voted to the chair, introduced the speaker in suitable terras "Mr" ' Arkwright apologised for. calling a meeting last week and not appearing. He " then referred to taxation. In speaking of * the taxation of the colony he considers that Freetarade ought to be established,, • and all things imported free of duty except luxuries. He would not, support a single ; ; land tax, as he thought sufficient revenue would not : be derived therefrom, tinleis^"" the tax was yery. heavy. He thought all land might, be clasgified— bush, arable/ - etc.— and taxed according: to^S^elasa^ whether improved or otherwise. Ail persons should be taxed feirly arid jnsfly atirr '< cording, to their means. Touching on theland question, he would agree to have the= large estates broken up and settled, provided the owners were fairly compensated. •' He would also like to.see the Cfcown land* settled, and thought the land ought no to be sold for cash, as it somewhat as- -~ > sisted speculation. He further consideredit a wise provision of the Government to* ' make the main roads' through a block before offering it for sale. Speaking on the Education question, Mr- Arkwright iaid. ' he was in favor of giving a capitation, grant to. all voluntary schools (irrespeStive of religion) under certain conditions t 1. It must be a public elementary schooL 2. The average attendance muat not b». - below 30. 8. The school building must be as suitable as a State school, the schbi- V ars should be examined and show a sufficiency. 4. There should no grant allowed for building. The people must build the school themselves; also,. th& master^ residence, , and pay the master. He thought by this means the Education vote would be reduced, and at the same time provide schools where necessary. . Eeferring to the labor question, Mr Airk-^ "• ' wright said he would like to see tradesmen and others liniting together so long as itwas not carried too far.. He thought that these unions would some' day be' ther means of solving the labour question, and would result in a more equal distribution of capital. He considered the present strike quite unjust, not originating or belonging in any way to this colony,and that the men had been misled by a tew. If returned would further the interests of the working man in every way that lay* in his power. He would be a free and independent member ; he agreed with th» present Government, and would not like to see them out of office, but would sup' port any party as long as he conld conscientiously do so. ; ■•" ■■■■■■ '..-• The chairman in vitfidaquegtiens from the audience, but none were forthcoming, Mr Bailey proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the speaker, which was seconded by Captain Campbell, and supported in a neat speech by Mr Colby. • - Mr Arkwright responded, and propoßed. a vote of thanks to the chairman,; which was carried unanimously, and the meet- : . ing terminated. ' -• • - •

Mr Arkwright addressed the eleotors^at . Mangaone last night. Mr H. Forlongin V the chair. A vote of thanks was proposed, also an amendment of thanks and confidence.* As the numbers ip : fayor of ; each were equal, Mr Arkwright acoepted a vote of thanks, , •' * • . "