POLITICAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1593, 3 November 1905, Page 2

POLITICAL.

(Pe«j Press 'Association.) Napier, laßt night. Mr Montague Lascelles, a oandidateifor the Napier seat, addressed a large meeting of electors at Port Aburiri this evening. He expressed himself in favor of the pre*. sent Government, but thought some of their legislation was not good. He favored the present system of appointments to the Legislative Council, but would make the term four years instead of seven years. He was a supporter of the Lands for Settlement Bill, and of the lease in perpetuity, though he thought under particular circumstances it might bo better to grant the freehold. He considered that land for workmen’s homes should be acquired under the Lands for Settlement Act, and approved of the labor legislation passed by the Government, but thought they should have to go slow until the maohiDery had a ohance to get oiled. He was in favor of unionism. He favored the present methods of taxation, but thought the duties should be reduced wherever possible, and hoped soon to see a “ free breakfast table.” He considered the Old Ago Pension Bill the most meroiful ever passed -by the Government. Every worker, whether State or otherwise, should be able to look forward to a pension. ,To raise tbo neoessary funds receipts for wages should have a stamp, the funds from whioh oould go towards the pensions. The Bible in schools question he would have settled by a referendum, though personally he was opposed to the State interfering with religious liberty. The question of the abolition of the totalisator should also be referred to a referendum. He was in favor of no-lioenso, A vote of thanks wbb passed.

Blenheim, last night. Mr John Duncan, who is contesting Wairau seat against the Hon. 0. H. Mills, delivered hia principal speeoh tonight at Blenheim, He adversely oritioieed the administration of the Government, aud declared himsielf a freeholder with limitation of areas. He advooated an lilec ive Legial.t.ve Council and consolidation and cxteniiou of looal GovernmeDt, so as to take the power of briberv’of oonstitaen. es with public moneys outof. the hands of party Government. Mr Dunoan s speeoh was largely composed of con-