POLITICAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1470, 2 June 1905, Page 4

POLITICAL.

SPEECH BY MINISTER EOR . PUBLIC WORKS.

PREMIER SENDS OUT A FEW

TORPEDOES.

Timaru, last night

Tbo Hon. W. Hall-Jonos, Minister for Public Works, in his pre-sessional address stated that Binco ho last addressed a meeting in Timaru bo had hod an opportunity of a trip round the world, and by comparing the condition of the peoplo here and in other countries ho could say without hesitation that the conditions woro immeasurably superior in Now Zoaland, particularly for the working man. In reference to the prosperity of the colony, ho said that although bo'could not olaim that the Government had brought it about directly, they had cortoinly greatly assistod it by extending thß field of production, encouraging and assisting industries, and providing conditions in which business men felt soourity in their undertakings. Ho spoke in favor of providing land for workmen’s homes, with advances of 60 per cent of the cost of buildings. He referred to the criticisms of the Opposition ro charging expenditure to the public works fund that should be charged to revenue account, and gave the general reply that the transfers from revenue surpluses to the publio works fund far more than equalled those payments, and details were given of Borne of the items. Ho ridiculed Mr Massey’s proposed Commission to decido what railways should bo gone on with by quoting the blundors made by the Railway Commissioners of formor years, one of whioh allowed the Wellington-Manawatu lino to be a private concern, and another repotted that the only justification for a Ckristcburch-Dunediu liuo would bo that it would join tbo two citio3, as there was no country to be profitably served botween them. Mr Hall-Joncs stated that information had been received that tho Imperial authorities desired to have a conference with representatives from Australia and Now Zealand with i\ view to obtaining somo uniformity in the law affecting merchant shipping, Rud he thought it very probable that such a conference would be arranged. In dealing with tho legislation of the coming session, ho said bo hoped to introduce a Bill to provide for tho oleotion of Hospital and Charitable Aid Beards on tho Parliamentary franohiso. At tho conclusion of the Minister’s address a vote of thanks and confidence in Mr Hall Jones and of continued confidence in the Government was carried with acclamation. Dunedin, last night.

Speaking at KaitaDgata, the Premior dealt eovoredy with Mr James Allen, the moinber for tho distriot, calling him one of tho most unscrupulous opponents of the Government. Ho defended the Government’s legislation and administration, and said if over ho brought iD a Tariff Bill he believed be would reduce the duty on tobacco. Financially, he was on velvet, and before long might givo somo information that would astonish Mr Allen and his friends. Ro tho land question, he believed the present agitation would result in the abolition of tbo leasehold. If it did it would be a sorry day for tbo country. As to the coal mining industry, why was so much coal imported ? He believed it was due to the cost of delivery in the colony, and it was intended to bavo a searching enquiry as to why we were importing so heavily from Australia. A vote of thanks and entire confidence in the Government and its administration was carried. The Premier was subsequently entertained at a banquet.