Political Association Meeting

Feilding Star, Volume XIII, Issue 90, 28 January 1892, Page 2

Political Association Meeting

A largely attended meeting of eettlers was held id the Assembly Rooms yesterday afternoon for the purpose of forming a local Political Association for th c Kiwitea and the disliict m the neighbourhood of Feildiug, with the ultimate object of affiliating with the various political associations of a similar character which are now being formod throughout the colony, to protect the interests of those who have a stake in the country, however small, against the ayowed intention of the party now in power to finally place all taxation on land. F. Y. Lethbridge, Esq., was voted to the chair, and expressed his pleasure at seeing such a large number present. Letters had been received from Messrs Dixou and McKmnon, apologising for their absence. Mr D. H. Macarthur, M.H.R., then proposed the following resolution:— 11 That a Political Association for Feilding, Kiwitea and the neighbouring districts be horeby formed for the purpose of carrying into effect the following objects :—l. To promote economy and honesty of administration ; 2. To support an equitable system of taxation ; 3. To uphold freehold tenure as against nationalisation of the land; 4. To oppose the renewal of an extravagant Public Works borrowing policy; 5. To obtain the dual electoral vote, i.e., that every ratepayer should have a vote in addition to his residential vote." Mr Macarthur referred to the meeting held at Marton a few weeks ago and which had been a great success. The present meeting had not been for any in-, dividual, or sect of politicians; the circulars had been sent out to everyone irrespective of party because it was considered that every settler could meet on a common platform, but if there were any who disagreed with any of these proposals, then by all means let him decline to join the Association. The members would not pledge themselves to support any particular set of politicians or candidate, but would be at liberty to exercise their own discretion. It might be said that he being the member for the district was working for his own interest, but he would ask them to dismiss that idea from their minds, as unless a great improvement in the state of his health took place he would not be a candidate at the next election; but although he might not be their representative he would not give up his interest in the country. The proposal would include settlers both in town and country, for there were people in the towns who were as truly settlers as those who were on their own farms. What was wanted was a union of all true settlers in New Zealand, that was those who had made land their home. Unfortunately the political power had passed into the hands of those who may be described as not of that olass and thus the settlers had not that power which rightfully belonged to them. It was intended to work and endeavor to restore the settlers of the country to their true position. Frst, by organisation and sinking all minor differences to try and unite on a common basis. What was wanted was an organisation which would enforce the carrying out of the objects of the Association, which would command the respect of everyone interested in the welfare of the country. The second object of the Association—" To support an equitable system of taxation" —was probably a political question, but in pointing out the necessity of organisation it was difficult to avoid mentioning these questions. He maintained that not only had this Government this prin-

disregarded ciple, but the previous Government also went to taxing the farmers unjustly. The to alter this was by

only way organisation. .£400,000 had to be raised direct taxation, and they would be

by surprised when he told them that he now only paid one quarter of the amount he paid under the Property Tax. He knew that the revenue would not be forthcoming under the present system. The Government recognise this and say it will be made up out of the large estates. A similar plan had been tried in Australia and had failed, He thought everyone in the room would agree with the 3rd object:—"To iiphold freehold tenure as against nationalisation of the land." He had not spoken to a single settler who was going to take up land who approved of the perpetual lease. He meant the

perpetual lease pure and simple. The motive that brought the majority out from the old country was that they might obtain a piece of land to call their own. The 4th object —" To oppose the renewal of an extravagant Public Works Borrowing Policy." He thought they would all agree that this policy had been carried too far; the less we borrowed the better, and then it should only be for works which would be productive; There had been extravagance in the past, the electors themselves were to blame for that and not the Government. The sth object was —" To obtain the dual electoral vote, i.e., that every ratepayer should have a vote in addition to his residential vote. " This was a new feature in New Zealand politios, and it had been said we were very unwise to press for this, that we should alienate a number of people who are not ratepayers. In a country like this it was within the power of any man who liked to be industrious and sober to obtain a dual vote, and he considered it but just to demand this dual vote. If they were not in a majority on this question why they would have to submit, but let them try their strength. In concluding he would ask them to remember it was necessary to organise and join loyally together, and sink all minor differences in order to take up the true position of residents in New Zealand. (Applause.) Mr Bobert McKenzie said he had much pleasure in seconding the resolution. Whatever benefit union had for any class of people, it must be far greater to people residing in country districts than in townships. The country settlers were isolated by their occupation and were unable to give much attention to politics. In towns it was part of their everyday business to watch political movements, especially in regard to tariff or taxation. An example illustrating this point was quoted. A few years ago it was proposed to alter the laxes on pertain commodities, but the merchants w^re aliye to. the situation, and in one da^' the bonds were emptied of these particular lines, He agreed with Mr Macarthur that co-operation was wanted in the country as well as in the towns. The Hon. John Bryce, on rising to support the resolution, was greeted with loud cheers. He said that this and all similar movements had his cordial sympathy. He looked on this matter in the most serious light, and he believed they had themselves to blame to a large extent for what had happened. As colonists they should not neglect their farming operations, but it was their duty to take part in the public affairs of the colony. He was a Liberal, but he had got almost ashamed to call himself a Liberal, because the word had been so misused, and those who were Liberals now had forgotten the traditious belonging to that name. As stated by Mr Macarthur, there is a tendency to look at in this way: This Land and Income Tax will fall lightly on me, perhaps only half as much to pay as under the Property Tax. This is a shortsighted way to look at it. We find that when the Premier is interviewed on the question he apologised for not going far enough. Did they think the Government were going to stop at what they were doing now? Mr Seddon declared that this was to be final; that this was an honest non-borrowing Government. But no.w it stands confessed that their profligate expenditipe must be kept up by profligate borrowing. ' What 'do their'promises amount to ? Mr Seddon will say that this tax will be final, chuckling in bis

sleeve the whole time, but when the tini c comes for the tax to be increased do yon think he will remember those allusions as to finality,? The design is to put the taxation on land, and the present Government won't stop as long as they see a chance -of doing it. The Premier calls this second vote a property vote, a diabolical proposition; he (Mr Bryce) did not regard it as a property vote at all. "We see when a man has property it may be £40 or £50,000, the voting power would be the same. How can it, tinder those circumstances, be construed into a property vote? The Government had boasted that they carried their Wellington candidate in against four-fifths of "the ratepayers. Such a thing could not be to the interests of the colony, and he expected .that working men would agree with him that such a thing could not be to the interests of the working classes. An organisation of the kind now proposed must be regarded to some extent as a matter of discipline. He hoped to see it affiliated with all other associations of the kind in the colony, until all shall become one. Although discipline would have to be exercised, it was not expected: that a man should give up his own private judgment, for there were times in every man's experience when he must say H I should like to go with you, but I find I cannot," but he would say give up all minor considerations and act for the public good and for the welfare of the colony. He hoped that that Association would go on and prosper. The resolution was then carried unanimously. Mr H. C. Wilson proposed that the name of the association be " The OolonistsjPolitical Association, and that the committee thereof have power to affiliate with any other association of a similar character throughout the colony, and that the subscription he 5s annually paid in advance." Mr Wilson said it was only by united effort/ and : presenting themselves in a solid front, that they rouidgi^the justice they sought or get things earned out as they should be. . It seemed to him that this movement would appeal to their patriotism because if they did their duty they would send men to the House who would do their work honestly. The revenue must be provided and they should not think by getting out of it in one form that they would escape it in anotherj-as there were two things which were sure, death and taxes. (Applause). Mr H. Worsfold seconded the resolution and it was carried unanimously. Mr Gv C. Wheeler proposed That a general committee with power to add to their number be appointed, 10 to be a quorum, and that those willing to act on such committee. hand iv their names to the chairman at once. ' ' . F Mr H. P. Buchanan seconded this proposition and it was carried unanimously . Mr Walter Bailey proposed That the general committee have power to prepare bye-laws for the regulation of the business of the association and to appoint an executive committee and sub-committee for the various parts of the district should such a course seem desirable. This was seconded by Mr ILWorsf old and earned unanimously. /The following gentlemen were then elected to form, a committee i:— Messrs J. Saxon, H. C. Wilson, G. Kutan,'-J>. ' Biddiford, H. Worsfold, Jas. Corry, U-, Wheeler, T. Eyans, J. H. Murray, H. P. Buchanan, W. Bailey, P. Stewart, B. Kidd, H. L. Sherwiu; A. Levett, Louis Holden, W. Mills, G. Wilks, C. Bray, W, A. Sandilands, A. ViT. Bidley, Wi ; Hi, Hartgill, C. H. Burnett, A. Lance. Seyeatyrono persons-joined the association. ■ ■ • - . ; • •••■.■•■■• ■;• ■' •■':'. ;:'A ' On the motion of Mr Macarthur a vote of thanks was pasfsd to the Chairman. This brought a most enthusiastic meeting to a close.