POLITICAL ADDRESS.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 89, 24 April 1901, Page 2

POLITICAL ADDRESS.

MR MILLS BEFORE lIIS CONSTITUENTS. SURPLUS OF OYER 11100,000. [By Telegraph—Press Association.] Picton, last night. .. The Hon. C. H. Mills addressed a largo and appreciative gathering of constituents - in 'the volunteer shod this evening, the Mayor, Mr A. P. Seymour, presiding. In his opening remarks he referred to the rapid march of events during the past year, in this connection reference being made to the war in Sd\ilh Africa, and the death of our late Queen, the accnsion of King Edward VII. to tho Thorne, and tho Vvisit of the Duko and. Duchess of Cornwall to the colonics.

LAND SETTLEMENT. On coming to the questions of the day, he first of all referred to the Lands and Survey Department, and showed that the number of selectors placed on the land for the past ten years, exclusive of surrenders and forfeitures by the present Government, was 13,832, and tho expenditure on roads, bridges, and other public works for the sameperiod was <£1,886,407. He instanced tho case of Cheviot, which, when purchased, only kept 160 people, whereas tho population now was 1300, and from a comparison of the post-office revenue there, which, prior to its being taken under the Lands for Settlement Act, only amounted to AM26 for money orders issued per annum, now amounted to ABIB6 per annum, and the deposits 'had increased from .£BIO in 1891 to <£6437 in 1900, thus proving the success of the Government policy, in his opinion, with respect to the land for settlement.

TAXATION AND REVENUE. Ho next referred to the great remissions of taxation made by the Government during last session, in the customs, railways, post and telegraph, and Lands Department. Notwithstanding that the remissions amounted in the aggregate to <£327,000, the ordinary departmental revenue shows largo increase. The total revenue for the year prior to the concessions was <£4,859,700, while for the year just ended it is anticipated that the amount will be <£5,112,200, the surplus probably being over .£400,000. RAILWAY POLICY. bpon the question of the railway policy he strongly adverted the completion of fcho main trunk lines in both Islands, and for a fast ferry across Cook Straits to Titaki Bay or Plimmerton. TRADE'WITH SOUTH AFRICA. In connection with the opening up of trade with South Africa, ho was of opinion that there should be a continuous service established with that country. It was to our interest to find new markets for bur produce, and he felt that the appointment of the Trade Commissioner just made, and his visiting othor countries in the interests of commerce, would tend eventually to increased export trade. PUBLIC DEBT. The gross pifblic debt of the colony up to 31st March, 1900, was £47,874,452, but the indebtedness was represented by substantial assets. > BANK OF NEW ZEALAND. He complimented the managing diroc-' tors and officials of the Bank of New Zca- 1 land upon the very satisfactory result of - ;he past year’s transactions, shares now leing worth £'l 11s, whereas a few igo they were unsaleable.

CONCLUSION. In conclusion, ho said that from the result of the past year’s transactions everyone must admit that there was a bright and glorious future before New Zealand, TUANKSj. Mr Mills addressed the meeting for arj hour and three-quarters, and on sitting down was warmly applauded. The following resolution was carried unanimously : “ That this meeting thank the Hon. C. H. Mills for his able and instructive address, and has great pleasuro in expressing entire confidence in him as their member, and in the Government of which the Hon. R, J, Seddon is Premier.'