THE PATEA SEAT.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 83, 16 April 1901, Page 2

THE PATEA SEAT.

CRITICISM BY MR ROLLESTON. HINTS THAT HE MAY OFFER HIMSELF FOR ELECTION. (Special to Times.) Wellington, last night. In reply to an interviewer, who inquired wliether*it was true that he had been invited to stand for tho Patea seat at tho next election, the Hon. W. Rolloston replied : “It is true that I had been asked to stand for Patea. Nothing, however, but a firm conviction that those who havo trusted mo hitherto wish mo again to go before the public would induce mo to change the rest of my later years for a period of unrest and political strife. I fool, too, that I would not bo able in any reasonable time to look for the realisation of my hopes in respect to many questions of public interest. Just now the eyes of tho people are blinded with glamour, and a period of unparalleled prosperity leads them to bo careless on subjects which in less easy times would forco themselves upon consideration. The questions connected with education and land settlement are instances of what I mean. It appoars to me that a strong attempt is boiug made to centraliso the administration of education in Wellington, and to mako of it a political agency for tho benefit of Ministers. I am surprised that the people of Canterbury, who havo stood by the education system throughout, should not realise the tendency of recent proposals. “ 1 am fearful from what ono sees that when the next elections como on tho position of teachers may havo becoino so uncertain as to load thorn to respond to tho desire to obtain what they want through appoals made by tho local authorities. No worse thing could happen—eithor for tho teacher or tho educational system. I should think that enlarging the functions and extending the local administration in connection therewith should bo for tho benefit of tho public. “ I havo been astonished at the patience with which local bodies, such as Chambors of Commerce, submitted to be treated ns if they were children. A very largo number of subjects aro best dealt with by such bodies. They should bo independent, and free to express opinions that apply to the case.

“As to land settlement, I do not care to complain on that subject up to the present, but it strikes me that tho progress of public works in the colony is not what it should be.

“ I believo it might bo expected -that the railway from Cape to Cairo will be completed before tho line from Ilur'unui to Blenheim, or that from Huntcrvillo to Auckland shall have been opened. “ With respect to land settlement, I believe that there is a favorable opportunity of settling workmen on tho laud as each railway is advanced to its final stage. “ I have no desire, as I have already said, to re-enter public life, but at the same time I may state that circumstances might arise which should compel mo to reconsider such a resolution. I havo no intention of severing my connection with those among whom I have lived for many years.”