PREMIER AT KUMARA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1651, 18 January 1906, Page 2

PREMIER AT KUMARA.

(Pm Press Association.) Kumars, last night.

The Premier addressed a crowded meeting this evening. The Mayor of Kumars occupied the ohair. Referring to last elect’on Mr Seddon contended that the manner in which his family bad been assailed had much to do with the roceDt charges of corruption and maladministration, which had never been proved. After analysing the composition of the new House, he dealt strongly with existing monopolies, whioh must be checked. Land for settlement must proceed more rapidly, and the ballot system be improved. The surplus of five millions of acres of native lands in the Notth Island must be settled. Half a million acres must be reserved for ednoation and a •: quarter of a million for obaritable < a’d purposes. The aggregation of large estates must be effectually prevented, and definite steps taken oarry out local government reform. An equitable adjustment of tho local franchise was imperative, and subsidies payable to local bodies regulated. The right of wives to their homes should bo seen to, and men prevented from selliog or mortgaging their M homes without the consent of their wives. He was as much as ever opposed to a Civil Service Bosrd and Railway Commission. Indirect taxation required reduotion. Passing homes for trained nurses will be providod, and the position of friendly societies improved. Speaking on the financial position of the colony he anticipated there would again be a very large surplus for tbe present year. He was proud to announce that a million loan had been floated in the colony on most advantageous terms. Two million debentures falling due daring the current year had‘already been provided for. The revenue for the last nine months amounted to £52,136.933, an increase of £188,617. The Public Works expenditure for eight months was £1,029,379, and on tbe Midland railway £87,000 had been expended during the last Dine months. The summit of a tunnel had been delayed by bad weatbor, but be hoped to announce to Parliament that a contract had been let.

After paying a visit to South Westland he was thoroughly satisfied of it 3 great future for land settlement and mineral development, and its scenio attractions were unsurpassed anywhere. He was most credibly informed that a payable alluvial goldfield would shortly be openedup there. f Tho North Island Trunk railway wtMild*, be .completed within three years. Thei" necessity of opening up Point Elizabeth as a national harbor was pointed oot, and the Admiralty were to be asked to make a complete survey. Ho referred at great leDgth to the land question, opposing aggregation of large estates. Crown tenants would never be allowed the fieehold, and no reason was shown to alter existing tenures. What was required was equalisation and graduation of land. He would advocate ttj.e following scale of charges.: 1 per oent on capital value of'third class land, 2 per oent on second class, aod 3 per cent on first class land. He believed lowering rents on leaseholds would popularise the leaseholds. Tho claims of landless Maoris must be provided for. Referring to the fiscal question he stigmatised himself as a Freetrader, but in-

dustries must be protected where neoessary. He characterised it ss monstrous that New Zeeland mutton end lamb should.be sold cheaper in Ihe Old Country then in the colony. This indicated mompoly, and would have to be stopped. Speaking of labor questions he greatlyregretted tbo action of the Employers’ Association in refusing to join in tbo proposed Conference. The question to be decided was whether the Oonferenoe should take place under such conditions. He was proud of the Labor Party, Alter reforring at langih to the condition of the gold min'mg in Kumara district, he concluded by an eloquent peroration. He reoeived tremendous applause, and was accorded an unanimous vote of thanks and confidence.