POLITICAL ADDRESS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 12 June 1901, Page 4

POLITICAL ADDRESS.

Mr. Guinness, M.H.R., addressed his constituents in the Opera House last night. The Mayor, who occupied the chair, mentioned that Mr. Guinness had served the constituency for seventeen years, and had done it very well, and earned the thanks of all in the district. Before introducing the speaker, he dwelt very severely upon the action of the Grey County Council in collecting a Charitable Aid rate, and refusing to give _ any part of it towards the object for which it was collected. Mr. Guinness, who was heartily received, took this, the first, opportunity of thanking the electors for having again returned him. In every instance he had had to contest his seat and been returned by substantial majorities. In regard to the PRESENT PARLIAMENT He might'say that the recent election had returned a larger majority for Government than ever, showing that the Ministry had the confidence of the people. In that party, however, were many factions that, although all Liberals, yet differed somewhat in detail. Under such circumstances the position of leader was a difficult one, and many measures were altered, but in a beneficial manner ; and yet in a way not calculated to impinge upon the Government. He then sketched the financial measures passed last session that were of a beneficial nature, such as the OLD AGE PENSION ACT And amendments made thereto. In regard to the pension, he regarded it as incomplete until it was made universal. Any colonist of a stated number of years in New Zealand who had attained a stated age should get such pension as a right. This was the only way to render it universal, independent and equitable. The present pension was not sufficient and should be increased to 10/- per week. The colony was well able to bear the strain and he was prepared to continue an advocacy in such direction. INDUSTRIAL ORPHANAGES, Came in for a good deal of criticism, in a case that occurred in Nelson it was shown that in all cases children did not receive the care that they should have received. Pressure was brought to bear upon Government in the matter and an Act to deal with such institutions was passed. The measure did not go as far as he would have desired, but the Act was a step in the right direction. It was however, necessary to go further. Government should disassociate the children of criminals from those who had no taint of criminality in them, and a measure in this direction would have his support.

school teachers* salaries. The better payment of school teachers was a matter that required attention. The calling was a most arduous one, and yet in many instances teachers were sweated. He favored a colonial scale, but the scale proposed was not a satisfactory one. The Department appeared to he unable to deal with the matter, and relegated it to a Royal Commission to enquire into. When the report of that Commission was before Parliament he would bo found supporting better salaries. In regard to technical education ho had voted, and would vote for subsidies being granted to State Schools only, and under the control of the Board of Education. They must maintain that system and no other. GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES. In regard to the payment to employers on railways, he held that the same law which applies to private firms and companies should apply to Governmout workmen. On the West Coast railways employees should bo paid equal Wages to that pniJ for like avocations in the district- He was strongly in favor of this, the opposition of the Government not%vithstanding. It was wrong to reduce railway traffic while the employees were being sweated. In regard to classification it was defective and should be altered. He quoted Mr Ronayne’s salary at £IOOO, while a [like office in Australia was paid £2,500, as a sample of the want of classification, He maintained that when Government had a good man they should pay him well. . RAILWAY COURT OF APPEAL was defective. lu point of fact it was .too ono-sidod. Ho held that other than railway officers should sit on such Boards and be quite independent of tiro Railway Department or of Government. LOCAL GOVERNMENT. Tbo Municipal Election Act' was an improvement on its predecessor. But the Act was defective, inasmuch as it did not provide for the abolition of a number of tbo smaller bodies. There were far too many local bodies. In regard to the measure to come up next session, dealing with County reform, which was sadly wanted, he would strongly urge amalgamation, which -would mean economy and efficiency. On the West Coast they should not have more than one or two local bodies. LOCAL WORKS. The speaker refered to the Harbor Loan passed, and the necessity for a new Post Office. STATE COAL MINES. In the coal industry it was desirable, nay, absolutely necessary, that Government should sot in and develope the coal measures of the district without further delay. The Government should have State coal mines, and coal yards for the sale of coal in all centres, GREY COUNTY COUNCIL. Dealing with the Grey County Council’s refusal to allow mining property rate collected for Charitable aid being pftid for such purpose, he said he would see that the uncertainty was put at rest. The action of the County was not a creditable one. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. In regard to money voted for this district ho complained of the action of the action of the Public Works Department in not having more foresight and having the survey work better advanced. This was particularly plain in regard to the continuation of the Midland Railway to Otira gorge, which was delayed owing to ( the Department not having ‘ the survey ’ completed for the main tunnel. He intended to represent this dilatoriness in a strong manner for it was ridiculous to suppose that a great colonial work should he retarded by much want of forethought and capacity, QUESTION. In reply to questions, the Speaker said he desired to see how Federation worked out in Australia before giving a vote upon the question. He held that country school teachers'-' should receive a substantial salary quite irrespective of attendance, He could uot see the advantages of a railway to Westport ; neither did he think it would pay. Ho would strenuously oppose any further extension of time being granted to the Point Elizabeth and Coal Creek Coal Company. If work was not begun at 'once no would urge cancelling the lease. VOTE CONFIDENCE. On the motion of Mr Morris, seconded by Mrßoddy, a vote of confidence in Mr Guinness as the Representative of the GrcyjElcctorate was carried'unanimously. A vote of thanks to the chair tormi- 1 patecl proceedings.