ADDRESSES TO CONSTITUENTS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1677, 5 July 1879, Page 2

ADDRESSES TO CONSTITUENTS.

MR TOLE AT NEWMARKET. AUCKLAND, July 4. Mr J. A. Tole addressed his constituents at Newmarket to-night. He reviewed at some length the work of last session. He defended the Native policy of the present Government. Ho believed that for the solution of the problem no man in the country was more adapted than Sir George Grey. He thoroughly understood the peculiarities and disposition of the natives, and was so intimately acquainted with their needs that for the administration of Native affairs he was unrivalled. Mr Sheehan’s administration was more open and straightforward than Sir Donald McLean’s, and for this reason criticism had been keener. He doubted if the removal of the duty on timber had acted so prejudicial in Auckland as some people made believe. He . spoke in favor of the land tax, because, while it did not effect the poor, it made the large absentee landowners contribute to the revenue, which, being expended in public works, went toward increasing the value of their property. He strongly advocated the prosecution of the railway line from Auckland to Taranaki as ths speediest method of advancing the prosperity of the country, and affording the most effectual settlement of the Native difficulty. He was opposed to centralisation, as much of the legislative work was such as might be done by Highway Boards. He advocated a firm attitude by the Government in reference to the present trouble. The arrest of the offending Natives was a step which would tend to inspire them with a respect for law. Referring to the education question, he said it was the only one on which he was not in harmony with the bulk of his constituents. He minutely explained that giving voluntary aid to private schools was not denominational, and was a system superior to the State monopoly in education. The State’s only duty should be to provide education for those unable to pay for it. While he believed in State education being thoroughly secular, he was strongly of opinion that those bodies or poisons who established and kept up effective educationestablishments of their own, should receive aid from the Government. He read Mr Curtis’ Bill, and argued that it was not a denominational, but a real secular measure. He thought the education agitation was led by intelligent and designing people of the higher classes, whose motives were to obtain higher education for their ewn children. He had no desire to break the present system, and did not believe such a thing was possible. But he was opposed to monopoly. He expressed hia intention of voting against ilhe introduction of the county system. In reply to a question Mr Tole expressed his intention of supporting Mr Curtis’ Bill in future. Mr Lennox moved a resolution expressive of regret at Mr Tole’s action in reference to this Bill, and urging upon him the necessity of voting in future in support of the present education system. 32 voted for,]and 43 against the motion. A vote of confidence was carried. A ratepayer said this was not a proper expression of opinion, as many of those who voted against the first motion were mere boys.

EECONSTEUOTION OF THE MINISTET.

[By TELEaBA.PH.I WELLINGTON, July 4. Mr Gisborne's appointment has since been gazetted. The Premier ie, for the present, ActingTreasurer, and it as thought probable ho will retain the position. All the Ministers met in Cabinet to-day, including Colonel Whitmore, who returned by the Hincmoa. The “ Post ” believes the remaining portfolios in the Ministry will be offered to Mr Oliver, of Dunedin.