THE ELECTIONS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1713, 16 August 1879, Page 3

THE ELECTIONS.

MB SAUNDERS AT KAIKOURA. (By Telegraph.] KAIKOURA, August 15. On Thursday evening Mr Saunders addressed a large meeting of electors in the Kaikoura schoolroom. The chair was occupied by the chairman of the County Council, Mr W. South. Mr Saunders commenced by pointing out what ho considered the loading features of really liberal political principles, and then proceeded to show how Sir George Grey’s action had violated every one of them. By destroying the Extended Franchise Bill of 1878, after it had passed both branches of the Legislature, ho showed at once how little he cared for the rights of the people or the lawful power of Parliament. By increasing the expenditure on the civil list to reward his own creatures, filling tho Legislative Council with men only calculated to degrade it, and doubling tho payment to members of both Houses for the present year, he had wasted as much money as would have eduoted 20,000 children. He had used tho public money to corrupt the public press, and had filled the colony with newspapers that were blinding instead of enlightening the public, and twisting round in any direction to defend him, as the great promisor of Liberal measures. The lawful authority of Parliament was treated with contempt even in the construction of public works, and whilst railways that had been approved by the Legislature were neglected, those that had never been knowingly legalised were pushed on in defiance of the people’s representatives. With Sir George Grey to sci amble for the extreme N orth, Mr Macandrow for the extreme South, and only a wax doll, like Mr Fisher, to protect the central portions of Now Zealand, it was easy to see where all the money would be spent, if the authority of Parliament was to he set on one side. By treating his colleagues like naughty schoolboys, Sir George Grey had made it impossible for men with any proper self-respect to sit in the Cabinet with him, and thus left the colony with nothing but his personal rule. In everything ho had proved himself the reverse of a liberal, and was always seeking to set aside the common rights of others to secure his own power. The following resolution was proposed by Mr Parsons, seconded by Mr G. Borrinson, and carried, after the rejection of an amendment proposed by Mr Harnett, seconded by Mr Arher : “ This meeting thanks Mr Saunders for his instructive address and the information he has given them about the public business of the colony, and takes this opportunity to express their entire confidence in him as their representative in the Colonial Legislature.”

MB WAKEFIELD AT TEMUEA. TEMUKA, August 15. Mr Wakefield addressed the electors at the Volunteer Hall, Temuka, to-night. There was a good attendance, notwithstanding the weather. Mr A. Cox occupied the chair and explained the object of the meeting. Mr Wakefield said when he addressed them last he told them the course he felt bound to adopt. He did not expect to return so soon, but circumstances had occurred since without a parallel in New Zealand history. Ho then told them that the Government must alter their line of conduct, be driven out, or else forced to dissolve. Towards the close of last recess there was much uneasiness felt. A long and dangerous Native war was imminent, though for years before it hod been thought this difficulty was over. It was strange that the Government in such a short time had plunged the country into such difficulty. Their declaration with regard to the land tax also caused apprehensions, and when the Parliament met the Opposition and independent members had a conference on these matters. About thirty-five members from all parts met, and from all parts of New Zealand came tales of uneasiness and distrust. After the meeting it became clear that the Ministry could not last long, and another meeting was held, when it was discussed if the Government should be immediately attacked, and they thought the sooner the Grey Ministry were attacked the better, as the Government was in dangerous hands. Ministers had no measures to bring forward. They had been much away in the recess. Two had resigned, and one portfolio was then vacant, which was afterwards filled by a gentlemen who, a week or two before, did not know if he was a supporter of the Government or not, and yet he accepted the difficult task of Minister of Lands. When the Governor’s speech was read it was found to be full of extremely liberal measures, but not practicable ones. The Opposition then resolved to oppose the Address in Beply, and Sir W. Eox, a respected statesman, a veteran full of energy, was selected as leader. That gentleman deserved thanks for undertaking the post, which required a constant strain on body and mind, and in so doing ho conferred a great benefit on the country, which would never be forgotten by those who were in political life. The Opposition then determined to move an amendment on the Address in Reply. The Government met this as a personal attack on themselves, and more particularly on Sir George Grey, and indulged in speeches more fit for public meetings of the broadest kind than for the doliberations of statesmen. Sir George Grey made a most severe attack on Sir W. Eox, using accusations he should never have made, and which neither he nor anyone else in the House could believe to be true. If he had taken the course of defending the administration of the Government, instead of personal abuse, it would have been far better. But the fact was, that they could not defend their administration. The debate dragged because the Native Minister did not want to speak till after those opposed to him had spoken. This delayed matters four or five days, and when Mr Sheehan, who was one of the ablest men in New Zealand, did speak, he merely threw the blame on his predecessors, and made an exceedingly weak speech. Now, the fact was, this Minister had been in office two years, and ho undertook to correct previous Governments’ errors when be took office. There had been immense sums spent on Native matters, whilst they in the South were without absolutely needed money for schools and other matters. Thousands were being squandered on Native meetings, aud in finding the Natives in drink, or other extravagancies, and all without avail. Ou the West Coast of the North Island, in spite of this huge expense, matters were in a terrible state. Te Whiti’s fanaticism had been unchecked, and that had given rise to the present disastrous state of affairs. A murder had been committed by Hiroki. Te Whiti had sheltered him, and Mr Sheehan went up demanding that he should be surrendered. Te Whiti refused, and raised the burning question of the confiscated lands.

Tho Bottlers became alarmed, and the industry of the whole West Coast had been paralysed. It was a strange phase in this difficulty that there had been no bloodshed. Maoris had been arrested, kept in custody, and accused of malicious injury to property, and were to bo tried before the Supreme Court. When the Native Minister made his speech it was expected he would explain what the Government intended to do; but he did nothing of the sort, simply saying tho Government could deal with the matter, and publicity would bo injurious. Knowing that the Government had caused the difficulty, the Opposition determined to bring matters to an end speedily, but were much obstructed by the Government on the plea that they should not be hurried in a difficult position. At last the division came, and the Government were defeated by the largest majority that ever carried a want of confidence motion in Now Zealand. Delay then ensued, till at last Sir George Grey came to the House and said a dissolution had been granted. Some were surprised, but not he (Mr Wakefield), and it was found that some of the members were in favor of an immediate resignation. However, Sir George Grey determined to fight to “ the bitter end,” as ho expressed it. A dissolution was granted, and tho Governor was blamed by some for not forcing tie Government to resign in the present state of the country. However, he believed Sir H. Robinson had done what was best, as if Sir George Grey had been forced to resign, he would have formed an Opposition, and by what was called stone-walling have obstructed tho business of the country, and ho would have had tho excuse that they were not allowed an appeal to tho country. By stopping the supplies the Opposition could have forced the Government to resign, but they thought it bettor to grant supplies, as otherwise there would have been great public inconvenience. They did not know when they passed the great Loan Bill whether tho country could pay the interest or not; but the home market was favorable, and a clause was inserted preventing tho present Government from touching a penny of it. [Applause.) The Opposition had, it was said, been hard on the Government. But politics were a serious matter, and not a game. Regarding the Thames-Waikato Railway, ho would give them a true history of how the Government had diverted money to other purposes than that intended. It was understood that tho railway was to be from the town of Hamilton to the head of tho Thames navigation, and when Sir G. Grey turned a sod at tho Thames, it was found he had commenced the wrong railway, and contracts for some £55,000 were issued. This line was not surveyed, and could not be, as the Native owners of tho land objected. It was found that tho cost of the line would be £220,000, which was really a gift'of the Government to the Thames people. Now it seemed strange that the Government had the power to let a contract for a railway without being authorised, but they found that Sir G. Grey had cut the first sod, and let contracts mouths before tho proper documents were laid, as the law demanded, before the Governor in Council. So the Premier had violated tho law with impunity. True, in the end these things were done, but not till three months after the line was began. Now what had been done in Canterbury ? It was true a contract had been let for a bridge on their Temuka line, but that was all. Not a mile of tho Oxford and Temuka railway had been made. When the Premier was in the North railways were made, while in the South, whore the lines paid, nothing had been done. [Applause.] He had been told a lot of money had been spent on the Oxford and Temuka railway, but he found that this large sum consisted of payments for rails and rolling stock in London. Not a penny had been paid for constructing, though lhe money was much needed in these bad times. What good would tho stock and rails bo when they arrived if there were no lines to put them on ? The fact was that in the recess huge sums had been spent in constructing lines in Otago, but no rails or stock had been ordered for them. And why ? Because, of course, if there were no lines constructed in Canterbury, all tho rolling stock ordered and charged against the Temuka line would go to Otago. [Laughter.] He should always bitterly oppose a Government who only considered certain parts of New Zealand to the detriment of others, and certainly Canterbury had been neglected. [Cheers.] Ho came before them as a distinct opponent of Sir George Grey. All he would say was, he had been justified in endeavoring to get Sir G. Grey out of office, and he would do his duty by continuing to do so in the future. He was sure no one who represented that constituency could adopt another course. If Sir George Grey had his own way this part of the colony would soon bo in ruins, as Sir George Grey’s policy stopped the circulation of capital in the country, and on that in a great measure their prosperity consisted. They should harass no class, as in doing so they injured all. [Applause.] He would say a few words regarding what was called the working man’s cry. Sir George Grey took a most mistaken view in this matter. He seemed to think the working men were a caste, and always to remain working men. This was utterly wrong. Industry and thought had a broader field in New Zealand than anywhere, and the working man of to-day was the employer to - morrow. [ Cheers. ] Were not the working men who first came out now in many oases the, to use a new phrase, the “ landocrats ” of the colony? Every year working men passed out of the ranks and became employers. In England this was not the case. A working man was there almost without hope of rising, but here all had a chance, and it was absurd to rank them as a caste. [Cheers.] They could take any position that their industry and ability entitled them to. [Cheers.] This being the case why did the working man want special laws ? As long as a man was penniless he was the friend of Sir G. Grey and Mr Rees. Directly by his industry he became possessed of property, they became his deadly enemies, and he supposed would advocate the division of property amongst those who had been idle and imprudent. It would be found that many of those who were raising such a cry in the country were men who would do no work themselves. [Cheers.] Tho privilege of possessing land had drawn many out to Now Zealand, and when that hope was realised it was absurd to oppose them to less successful men. Ho would ask them to return him on the distinct understanding of turning Sir G. Grey out of office, and keeping him out. He hoped Sir G. Grey would retire altogether if the decision of the country was adverse to him, as he had said ho would. They could hope for no security, and no guarantee whilst Sir Geo. Grey held power. What they should ask every candidate was, to vote against Sir G. Grey and his Ministry. Never mind this_ or that measure, but insist on this vital point. He would go into no particulars as to general measures. On tho great question of the day ho had his hearers wore one. Sir George Grey had sent him there, and he wanted them to send him lack to expose him. Tho mere fact of any gentleman not being ready to come forward in favor of Sir George Grey was nothing. Ho would find them a candidate if there wore not a majority who wore in favor of his opposition to Sir George Grey. But if they endorsed his action, and could support him, he would work faithfully and with his utmost ability for their interest. [Loud applause.] Mr Badham asked if Mr Wakcfifld thought the Government money should bo in one bank, or distributed. Mr Wakefield was in favor of the funds being distributed.

In reply to further questions, Mr Wakefield said he thought every possible means should bo taken to preserve the secrecy of the ballot, and if possible do away with the present system of numbering the ballot papers. Ho was in favor of reducing the expensrs of the bankruptcy law. Ho said if a member of the Government had marched up some armed constabulary and taken the murderer Hiroki at the time, it would have cost £25, and now within the last few weeks they had voted £30,000 for contingent defence. Ho would urge on the immediate construction of the Oxford and Temuka railway. The report of Sir J. Coodo regarding Milford Harbor had not yet been received from L mdon, but he had made arrangements with Mr Gisborne that, when received, it should bo immediately forwarded to the local authorities. Tho Counties Act might be so amended that a Road Board could assume tho counties functions. Tho present Act was too hard and fast. There should bo only one form of local body, not a number of Road Boards pulling against a county. Ho was favorable to increased power being granted to school committees, and would vote for any reasonable measure for the restriction of drunkenness. Ho would support Local Option, but thought there should certainly be some compensation, as taking away tho license lowered the value of property,

and might injure tho owner. In many cases besides doing away with public-houses was an immense benefit, and they should be prepared to pay for it. He was much opposed to tho continual borrowing, and hoped some scheme would be used to avoid it. He’ did not believe in parting with their railways to companies, but thought the Government, by consulting shrewd business men, might make the railways pay better. He was opposed to the purchase of Native lands with any portion of the loan. There being no more questions, Mr Grey moved—“ That this meeting heartily thank Mr Wakefield for his address.” Mr Badham moved an amendment —‘‘That that this meeting thank Mr Wakefield for his address, and have every confidence in him as their representative.” Tho amendment was carried by a large majority. Mr Wakefield thanked the electors, and a vote of thanks to the chair terminated tho meeting.

MR LEVIN AT WELLINGTON, WELLINGTON, August 15. Mr W. H. Levin addressed a largo meeting of electors 10-night, and was well received. He said ho was a Liberal in opinion, that the representation of the people should be fixed, as far as practicable, on the basis of population, and to this ho would join in securing a re-adjustment of the electoral divisions. He should vote for triennial Parliaments, as a means of securing the fuller responsibility of members to those they represent. He desired to see such a revision of taxation as to ensure that the public burdens should be borne by all in proportion to their means. There was no good reason why the merchant and capitalist, whose property was not in land, should escape direct taxation, white small farmers and land owners paid. While land should be fairly taxed, other property should not be allowed to escape free. At the same time, he considered it essential that no policy should be adopted to frighten away capital, on which 'especially depended tho progress of a commercial centre like Wellington, and the prosperity of all classes. But by far the most pressing need in a new Parliament would be to put a stop to the extravagance of Governments, and enforce at last an economy which hitherto existed only in broken pledges and empty promises. He held that Wellington should no longer bo deprived of railway communication with the fertile lands of which it was the outlet, and that when tho country on the West Coast was made accessible it should not be allowed to fall into the hands of speculators, but be used so as to secure the settlement of the people on the land.

After considerable questioning on various points, Mr Levin received a unanimous vote of confidence. THE DISSOLUTION OP PARLIAMENT. WELLINGTON, August 15. A “Gazette Extraordinary” has the following proclamation :—“ Whereas I have thought fit to dissolve the General Assembly of Now Zealand, which stands prorogued to the Ist day of September next. Now know ye that I do for that end publish this proclamation, and do hereby dissolve the said General Assembly accordingly, and the Legislative Councillors and the members elected to servo in the House of Representatives are discharged from their meeting and attendance on the said Ist day of September next.” The writs for the new elections will be made returnable by the 17th or 18th of next month.

MISCELLANEOUS ELECTION ITEMS. AUCKLAND, August 15. Mr Reader Wood to-day consented to stand for Waitemata in the Grey interest. This will split the Ministerial vote, Mr Hurst also being pledged to support the Government. Mr Whitaker is named as a possible candidate for Eden. It is no' probable that Mr O’Rorke, who stands for Onehunga, will be opposed. On the East Coast Captain Morris has commenced an energetic canvass, as opposed by Mr Johnston, brother of tho member of the Upper House, and by Mr McDonald, who has already started a canvass. Mr Yesoy Stewart will not be a candidate for the East Coast, as he will shortly return to England. WELLINGTON, August 15. Mr Charles O’Neill is spoken of as another candidate for Wellington. He will command a large proportion of the Catholic votes if ho stands.

The Premier will leave Wellington on the 21st instant for Christchurch, where he will address the electors as a candidate for that city. Ho purposes afterwards going South as far as Invercargill, making speeches at the various chief centres of population, and is expected to return again on the 31st. He will leave again for the North almost immediately, and probably make speeches at Napier, Auckland, and the Thames. Mr W. H. Quick has withdrawn from his candidature for the Hutt district in favor of Mr T. Mason, to whom a requisition is being numerously signed. Mr Quick requests all those electors who promised him their votes to transfer them to Mr Mason.

DUNEDIN, August 15. Mr Hogg, president of the Tailors’ Operative Society, is a candidate for Dunedin in the working man’s interest. Mr J. S. Shanks has received a vote of confidence from the Appleby portion of the Mataura electorate. He intimated that he would give a hearty support to any Ministry under the leadership of Sir G. Grey, Mr MoLaughan will probably oppose Capt. McKenzie for Waikara. Mr P. K. McOaughan notifies that as there are two local candidates already in the field, ho withdraws from contesting Riverton. INVERCARGILL, August 15. Political feeling runs high, and tho candidates in the field are working hard to secure support from the three electorates, Invercargill, Riverton, and Wallace. There are no fewer than nine candidates altogether, namely, Messrs Bain, Feldwick, Hodgkinson, J. L. McDonald, Capt. Hankinson, P. K. McCaughan, J. R. Outhbortson, Hirst, and Joyce,