MR E. C. J. STEVENS AT COLOMBO ROAD.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 466, 11 December 1875, Page 3

MR E. C. J. STEVENS AT COLOMBO ROAD.

Mr E. C, J. Stevens addressed a largelyattended meeting at the schoolroom, Colombo road, upwards of two hundred and thirty electors being present. On the motion of Mr Stevens, seconded by Mr F. C. Hall, Mr Packer took the chair. Mr Stevens having been introduced to the meeting by the chairman, addressed the electors at considerable length, his speech being the same in substance as that delivered on a former occasion in the Oddfellows’ Hall. In answer to the questions of various electors, Mr Stevens said that he did not consider that the system of Government scholarships, advocated by him, would become a means simply by which the children of the rich would be educated at the public expense. He knew of many, such as mechanics and others, who, having obtained higher education by means of this system, were now attending the University classes, both in Dunedin and elsewhere. To such he desired to see the advantages of the University extended free of charge, the fees being paid by means of endowments. He must say that in his opinion Sir J. Vogel’s last visit to England was neither justifiable nor necessary. With regard to the Licensing Law, Mr Stevens stated that he saw no occasion for any alteration in the present position of matters with reference to the granting of licenses. He also said that, though entirely opposed to any bar trade being carried on during Sundays ; yet, considering that, under the present system, there was a very great amount of law-breaking in respect of Sunday trade, he thought that, provided it was carried on under great restrictions, and the hours being such as not to interfere with diose of Divine service, the sale of liquors might be allowed on Sundays. He did not consider suchameasure as the enforcement of the militia law, which would greatly inconvenience most people, at all advisable. He would decidedly prefer that the Government should devote the money now spent in volunteering to the fortification of the coast, and that every facility should be given to rifle practice. He thought that it was unadvisable that any alteration should be made in the Contagious Diseases Act, If such a measure as a property tax should ever be required, it should not be restricted to land, but levied on all property generally. Mr F. C, Hall proposed, and Mr Lockwood seconded, “That this meeting thanks Mr Stevens for his attendance and address, and pledges itself to support him during the furthcoming election.” The resolution was carried. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings. MR ROLLESTON AT BIOOARTON. Laskevening his Honor the Superintendent, a candidate for the representation of the Avon District in the House of Representatives, addressed a meeting of the electors at the Riccarton schoolroom. There was a fair attendance notwithstanding the unfavorable weather. Mr Rolleston spoke at some length, and at the conclusion of his address the following resolution, moved by Mr Harper, and seconded by Mr Henry Gray, was carried unanimously—“ That this meeting thanks Mr Rolleston for his address, and desires to express its entire confidence in him as the representative of the district in the next Parliament.”