M.J. Stevens at Awahuri.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 118, 17 November 1896, Page 2

M. J. Stevens at Awahuri.

Mr J. Stevens, a caudidate for the ; Mauawatu scat at the coming election, addressed the electors at Awahuri last night, wheu there was a good attendance. Mr H. C Bennett was voted to the chair. Mr Stevens said he bad supported the present Government in the past, and would continue to do so, as they had done some good, although mistakes may have been made. This Government had dove more for the country than its predecessors, and he referred to a number of Acts passed by them which had been of great benefit, notably the Land Act, Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act, Bankiug Acts, Advances to Settlers, and other Acts. The Government had of fered facilities to all classes to secure laud, and he referred to the progress in lund settlement, 90 per cent, of those who took up land being satisfied. He spoke in favor of tbe Lands for Settlement Act and the purchase of the Cheviot estate. The cheap money scheme was a desirable measure, and the Government had done what previous Governments had done with respect to the sinking fund accretions, which it was only proper should be made to earn interest. The Government were not responsible for the accounts, but the Coutroller-General was, as it was impossible for the Colonial Treasurer to draw i'l without the consent ot the Controller General, excepting the Imprest supply. He reviewed the progress of the colony in land settlement, the increase of cheese and butter factories, increased exports and the increased population. He supported the Land Tax as against th*-* old Property Tax. No appreciable extra taxation had been imposed through the Customs although an increase waa shown, but this was caused though increased imports. Belief had been given on some articles imported such as abolition of duty on fencing wire. The Old Ago Pensions was a desirable scheme. It was estimated that there were 6000 persons in rhe colony who were over 65 years of age who would bo entitled to pensions which would aggregate £150,000 and not £300,000 as stated by .Mr Hutchison. He approved of the Banking legislation as having been necessary iv the interests of the colony. Iv reply to questions Mr Stevens said ho did not think it was dishonest for the Government, after having promised not to do so, to have borrowed, as it was necessary in the interest of land settlement and for public works '-nd that the money would be used for remunerative purposes. It was desirable: that they should connect Auckland aud Welliugtuu by rail. The Premier was ouly paid for one portfolio ia the Ministry although he held several, there being , an Act prohibiting the payment of more than oue salary to any -Minister for the portfolios held, but the Premier drew a salary for a seat which he held on the Bank of New Zealand Assets Realisation Board and, also, for a position in a German syndicate. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Stevenson the motion of Mr R. Hammond, Mr Stevens having desired that the vote of confidence should be omitted. «____