Page 1 Advertisements Column 1

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1718, 22 August 1879, Page 1 (Supplement)

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF CfIRISTCHURCH. GENTLEMEN,— In announcing myself a CANDIDATE for RS-ELECTION aa one of your representatives in the next Parliament, I think it right to recapitulate the measures which I stated I should snpport when I addressed my constituents on June last, previously to the session of the Assembly. Measures which my past political career will show I have heon in favor of. 1 need hardly, therefore, st.te that 1 am, and always have been, a Liberal, and should I be re-elected I should go to the House pledged to snpport and promote the passing of the following measures:— 1. An Electoral Bill on a liberal basis, manhood suffrage, with a six months' residential qualification. Registration at any time during year, and lengthened hours for voting, but would strongly oppose the dual vote to the Maoris. 2. A Re-distribution of Seats Bill upon a fair population basis. 3. A Property Tax, which would compel every man to contribute in proportion to Lis means to the cost of the Government of the country, omitting from taxation small property holders. J. Any re-adjustment of taxation, bywhi?h it can bo shown that the actual consumer can be benefited without at the same lime seriously impairing the revenue. 5. The question of Free Trade policy is engaging attention at Home at the present moment, and, it is a matter for grave consideration here whether it will not be sound policy in this new country to foster and encourage those industries and productions which it may be satisfactorily proved are and can bo established in the colony. Cth. Secular Education by tho State. 7th. Triennial Parliament Bill. Bth. General Licensing Bill, if including local option, then with compensation clauses. 9. Coi tinuanee of Public Works, with full regard to their reproductive character. 10. Such a re-modelling of tho Native office as will do away with tho present and p »st system of personal Government ia Native matters. 11. I am opposed to the establishment of direct steam communication for immigration purposes for tho present. 12. I would support an Act to fairly control the Chinese immigration. If elected, I reserve to myself tho right to criticise the acts of any Ministry, and so far claim to bo an Independent Member. And at will be remembered I voluntarily retired from the office of Minister for Public Works, after holding offico from the end of the year 1872 to 1877. The reason I opposed tho Government dnring the past session was that I did not approve of their administration. I shall take early opportunity of addressing you in tho various parts of the district, And am, gentlemen, Your obedient servant, 8-14 COS EDWARD RICHARDSON.