Mr F. Pirani, M.H.R., at Apiti.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 201, 27 February 1896, Page 2

Mr F. Pirani, M.H.R., at Apiti.

Mr F. Pirani addressed his constituents in Guy's Hall, Apiti, on Monday last. There was a good attendance. Mr E. H. Cummeriield was voted to the cbair, and briefly introduced the speaker. Mr Pirani gave a short resume of the past session's work, saying it was the most important since the inauguration of the Public Works 92 Acts were passed — the most for one session since the days of the old Provincial Government. Amongst those passed were the Cremation Act so that Crematories can be used if so wished. The Fencing Act Amendment was a distinct improvement on the old one as it gave the right to settlers to have the bush felled half a chain on each side of the fence line, and, also, gave the right to make the Maoris fence on native lands. The Family Holdings Act was one that was much needed in a country like this where there were so many reversals of fortune, through banking difficulties, &c. The Licensing Bill as amended is a great improvement on the old law. It gives the poll to be taken on the same day as the general election and two votes on the three following questions : — Ist, Prohibition ; 2nd, Reduction ; 3rd, Licenses to remain as at present. The Lunacy Act Amendment was a very useful measure, as it gave the administration of the estates of lunatics in the Public Trustee, so that property belonging to them would not be allowed tp go to waste, and to save the expense of taking every little thing to court to get power to act. The amendment to the Advances to Settlers Act will be much more workable under the new Act, a feature of which is the Board of Management is reduced to three, one of which is outside of the Civil Service. Regarding the Land Act he did not believe in the ballot system at all, as it was the very worst form of gambling. It offered no encouragement to the bona fide settler. He suggested that applicants should be enrolled on a list as their applications came in, and if there was more l^nd to be opened up than there were applications for then it could be balloted for. This system would enable a genuine settler to have a chance of getting a section. There is also a clause enabling relatives of a deceased settler to obtain a transfer, which conld not be done before. Also, licenses can be registered under the Land Transfer Act, which pnts them on the same position as holders of other land, so that they can mortgage, etc., and have them registered. The amendment might still be further improved, so that holders should be able to vote under the Local Bodies Act. He advocated the Consolidation of Local Bodies' Loans which with the Government guarantee, floated on the London market, would be a great saving to all local bodies. He criticised the action of Government in advancing the Bank of New Zealand such a large amount of money, as it gave the Bank the power to come on the Government at any future time for more money, as well as saddling a debt of £8 per head on the New Zealand population. Mr Pirani replied satisfactorily to the various questions asked. Mr Vieary proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Pirani for his services in the past and confidence in the future. Seconded by Mr Henwright and carried unanimously. Mr €rascoigne moved a vote of confidence in the present Government, seconded by Mr Curteis, and, on being put to the meeting, was lost on the show of hands. Mr Pirani moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman, which was carried by acclamation. i ■—— »