THE ACTING-PREMIER.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 441, 13 June 1902, Page 3

THE ACTING-PREMIER.

SPEECH BY SIB J. G. WARD. By Tclograph—Press Association. Winton, last night. Sir Josoph Ward addressed the electors of Awarua at Winton this evening. There wore 700 presen*, and the Acting-Premier was given an enthusiastic reception. After dealing with the finances at length, Sir Joseph referred to the various Departments. Dealing with the war now happily concluded, he mentioned that the total expenditure made in New Zealand was £2,095,055. The Government had been trying to obtain a direct line of ' steamers to South Africa, and a tender had been received from the Blue Star line, which was now under consideration in London. Sir Joseph Ward referred to what the Government had dono to itnprovo the condition of the farmers. Cheap money had been obtained for them, and the results from the working of the Agricultural Department showed that it had been of inestimable value. The grading and inspection of butter and checße had lifted the trade in those articles to a high level, and the legislation for purification of manures had dono good. Tho lowering of rates on farming produce upon railways meant a great saving, and the regular cabled advices from London were of value. A representative had been sent out to find markets, and the laws had been broadened in a way which bad enabled thousands to get holdings at easy rates. Bocauso Government has also endea- . vored to do good to artisans and workers in town was no reason why tho farmers 1

should turn against them. To create class prejudice was inimical to tho interests of tho colony. Tho legislation to be submitted during the session would, ho said, doal with tho limits of practical procedure. The Government should agree to adopt a referendum, so that large social questions should at cortain times bo submitted to the people for consideration and decision. Tho electoral law required attention, as also tho all-important matter of the export of our products. Measures doaling with the superannuation of railway employees, tho regulation of sharebroking, juvenile depravity, conservation of rivors, rebate to Crown tenants, and State firo insurance would bo considered. Improvements would bo mado in tho Factories Act. Safeguards for the public doing business with second-hand dealers would bo mado law, and amendments , dealing with the Bating on Unimproved Values and tho Coroners Act would be introduced. Tho land laws would bo further amended. Ho did not think that any attompt would be made to doal with tho licensing laws during the session. A further remission in railway charges would be announced during the sitting of Parliament, and a moasuro would be introduced for the classification of the civil servico. In regard to expenditure, Sir Joseph said that wholesale retrenchment, except where actual necessity compelled it, should be avoided. The effect of such a policy was followed by disasters never contemplated. Unnecessary expenditure should bo avoided, and that upon reproductive works should bo first undertaken. He was far from nervous about the position ahead of the colony. Bailways already begun should be continued, and the connecting link of the North Island railway should be vigorors'y carried on. Tho surplus revenue from the Consolidated fund this year should bo used for opening up lands and roads of tho country. Constituencies should be reasonable, however, and while Government would not shirk its legitimate responsibilities, it would not bo driven upon a course which it believed to bo unwise or unsafe for tho colony to follow. In conclusion, he said tho outlook was hopeful, and there were no grounds for apprehonsion.