MR MACARTHUR AT BUNNYTHORPE.

Feilding Star, Volume XII, Issue 62, 27 November 1890, Page 2

MR MACARTHUR AT BUNNYTHORPE.

Mr Macarthur addressed the electors at Bnnnythorpe on Monday evening last. There was a very good attendance, and a few ladies were present. Mr J. Dixon took the chair, and said it might appear strange for him to take the chair for Mr Macarthur's meeting, when at last election he voted against him and for Mr West ; but it was on the question of protection versus freetrade which induced him to vote as he did, although admiring Mr Macarthur as a statesman. However, since that time he saw that protection had failed, and therefore he had much pleasure in according Mr Macarthur his support. What he admired in Mr Macarthur was that he sticks to his principles, and many who did not three years ago agree with him will do so now. Mr Macarfchur who on rising was received with a hearty greeting, said he was pleased to see ladies among the audience and was also glad to hear Mr Dixon the chairman's remarks as to his change of views on political matters. Many persons hid altered their opinions, but a very few had the honesty to acknowledge it so openly as Mr Dixon had done, and he would be glad to see more of this political honesty. Mr Macarthur then gave a lengthy speech, the purport of which has already appeared in his remarks at Feilding and Ashurst. He claimed to be the author of the principle of the Loans and Local Bodies Act, and in a speech of some length proved this claim. The following questions were asked : — The Chairman : I would ask Mr Macarthur, does this Single Tax exempt you from local taxation ? Mr Macarthur: Not at all. These single tax gentlemen do not take into consideration what land does pay locally for such things as roads, charitable and hospital aid ; and stamps to succession duty comes from land and thus to relieve all who hold personal property and who can trot ofi with it whon thpy likf, is unjust. In respect to this non improving business 1 believe a sliding scale of local rating could be adopted so that the man who improved his land should be relieved. Thia ia a recent idea of mine and not mentioned publicly before. Mr Matheson: Is ftflr Macarthur in favour of woman suffrage? Mr Macarthur ; Yes, lam in favour of woman suffiige (laughter). Mr J Jefferies: Is Mr Macarthur in favour of providing funds for making bridges over the rivers where necessary ? Mr Macarthur: Yes undoubtedly. The Chairman : As Mr Macarthur has had so much experience I should like to ask him if what Mr Arkwri&ht stated about Bellamys was true ? Mr iViacarthur: There are no card ' rooms. As for the library being crammed with novels, these do not compose one twentieth part of its contents. A few are there, but very few. In regard to Bellamy's most members pay up before leaving Wellington, immediately after receiving their honorarium, L 2.000 is not a Lirtie sum to be expended at Bellamy's, and if Bellamy's was sold up to-morrow, it would clear itself ; Bellamy's got no assistance from the Government. M r Slipper : Is there any probability of getting a goods shed at Bunnythorpe? Mr Mitchelson promised there should be one, but the Railway Commissioners being appointed it upset that promise. The Commissioners seem very independent, and resented that interference or Parliamentary pressure. However, I will do my best to get the building erected if returned. Mr Slipper : What is your opinion on the absentee question ? Mr Maearthur: I do not believe in what is called penal taxation, this only frightens away capital. The number of absentees are only 1150, and thetaxon v them would amount perhaps to £33,000 annually, but m raising this you would damage the credit of the Colony. Mr Matheson : I haye much pleasure in moving a vote of thanks to >ir Macarthur ; I did it three years since, and during that time I have seen no cause for taking my support from him but rather the reverse, as his consistent political actions have materially increased my respect for him. — Seconded by Mr W. Andrews, and carried by acclamation. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the meeting.

meeting at Mangaone on Tuesday night, yter he had given his address a vote of ;hanka and confidence was passed, tlthough Mr Macarthur had requested ihat the yote should only be of thanks. Mr Macarthur addressed about twohundred of the electors last night at rataenui and was accorded a cordial rote of thanks. All thope who are willing to join a lobal committee to further Mr Macarthur's return to Parliament, are requested to meet at the Mangaone Public Hall on Saturday night at 8 o'clock.