THE ELECTIONS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1723, 28 August 1879, Page 3

THE ELECTIONS.

THE ELECTIONS IN CANTERBURY. The nomination and polling days for tho Canterbury constituencies are announced as follows:

MS J. T. FISHER AT UPPER HEATHCOTE.

Mr J. T. Fisher addressed a meeting of the electors of the Upper Heathcote district last evening in the Lincoln road schoolroom, Mr Wm. Henderson occupying the chair. The Chairman introduced the speaker, making a few remarks in which he claimed for the candidate a consideraf e hearing. Mr Fisher then came forward, and commenced his address by referring to tho critical state of the country at the present time, and proceeded to explain the grounds upon which he baaed his opinion that the Government were not to blame for their administration of the affairs of the country, and certainly that they were not by any means so bad as they were represented to be. It appears to be an extraordinary thing that everybody was in favor of tho policy which tho present Government proposed. It was therefore a question of men not measures. Wherefore, he asked, that the people should give to those men who had the pluck to bring those measures forward an opportunity of carrying them out. He then went through the various points of the Government programme, the Electoral Bill, Redistribution of Seats, and Triennial Parliaments, all of which ho briefly spoke upon, showing the necessities they would supply. With regard to taxation, he approved of the Government proposals for the land tax, as he held that those should pay most towards the interest and cost of constructing the railways who were most benefitted by the progress of such public works. With regard to the Canterbury land fund, when he entered office it was distinctly understood that the land fund of Canterbury should be reserved to it, which it would be. In conclusion, he expressed his willingness to answer any questions put to him. In reply to an elector, Mr Fisher said he was strongly in favor of a railway between Christchurch and the West Coast. The same elector said the Government had taken off the duty on timber and grain during Mr Fisher’s term of office. Mr Fisher said it was understood that Canterbury was not to be hurt by the reduction on grain, and as to timber, the depression in the trade was no greater than that generally experienced, and the Government were not to bo blamed for the hard times. In reply to an elector, Mr Fisher said the Government had power to sell Canterbury lands on deferred payments. In reply to a question as to whether he would approve of a Billjto deprivejthe publican of the power to sell liquor over the bar, Mr Fisher said that would be to prevent the public-house trade altogether. [Laughter.] In reply to a question on the local option question, Mr Fisher said if the residents in the district disapproved of the licensing of a house, it should rest with them and not tho Government to take action in the matter. Question —How long would you give to ratepayers to register their votes ? Mr Fisher said that was a matter of detail ho would give his attention to, but he thought extended time should be given to prevent ratepayers being off the roll. In answer to other questions, Mr Fisher said he would support Sir George Grey so long as he kept hia promise to carry out the present policy of the Government ; but should Sir George not carry out the Liberal policy he had initiated, he (Mr Fisher) would give his support to any man who would. He favored manhood suffrage with a residential qualification. He was not in favor of giving dual votes to the Maoris in tho long run, but in (the Bill of last year it was agreed to by the House as a temporary measura of expediency. He favored the passing of a law to make the absentees pay a fair share of the taxation of the country. He also approved of a property and income tax. It was not at the request of the Government that Mr Blair sent in a report of the West Coast railway, in which he said it would not pay. Too much stress should not be laid on his report. No doubt a good route would be found, and the work gone on with. He did not think the time had arrived for a reduction in the postage rates. The delayed telegram system had been introducedyiuring his term of office. Several questions of local interest were pub to the candidate, and satisfactorily answered. Mr Lane proposed a vote of thanks and renewed confidence to Mr Fisher. The motion was seconded by Mr Qarforth, and carried. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedin s. MESSES MOORHOUSE AND FENDALL AT LOBUBN. These candidates addressed the electors at Lobum school-house on Tuesday evening last. There was a fair attendance, Mr S. Barwell, chairman Ashley Road Board, haying been voted to the chair, introduced tho candidates to the meeting, requesting for them a fair and impartial hearing, begging of the electors present not to interrupt but to reserve all questions till after the addresses. Mr W. S. Moorhouse thanked the electors for their presence on such a cold evening, reminded them that his antecedents were well known in Canterbury, and promised, if returned, to serve them to the best of his ability. A great change had taken place in the colony, we ware commencing to feel our importance as a rising nation, the wrangling respecting the abolition of provinces was giving way to an earnest desire to see New Zealand prepare itself for nationality. There certainly was regret for the provinces, but this feeling was being displaced by the contemplation of tho benefits of general administration. The strength of Road Boards, Education Boards, and County Councils was being developed. These are supreme in local matters, tho Assembly taking the general laws under its fostering care. HB was in favor of tho extension of municipal powers, leaving all works except national ones to these local bodies, with full powers to govern in their limits ; also borrowing and spending 'powers. We suffer from a popular impatience to make new laws and amend old ones ; are too impatient ; do not give laws time for proof of effectiveness or weakness ; in fact, do not wear our shoe long enough to find out where it pinches. Ho (Mr Moorhouse) was Conservative of all institutions of value; radical in wishing to cut away all that is oppressive ; not a Liberal in the popular sense; not a follower of those who set classes at variance and make discontented the minds of the uninformed. We all started from the same level. Eminence in science, arts, politics, war, all referred to continual effort to achieve excellence. Success in trade was due to the same continuous effort. Leaders who limit this effort put a weight upon it, destroy the inducements to labor. Wo do not care about working without pay. We would live under laws which permit every man to earn what ho can] and keep what he saves. It would be dangerous 'o limit this. Thera are marked inequalities in classes, social inconveniences, caused by

one party engrossing the major part of the good things of the world. But these inconveniences are cured generally by effluxion of time or by accidents. All schemes of nature are cured by reaction'. In families of fourteen sons in one generation, possibly there may be only one in the next ; heavy weather is succeeded by calm 5 sunshine by storm; and in the affairs ef life great wealth is often succeeded by squalor. Men who hold large properties, as a rule, stand out from among the ordinary mass by their care in playing the game of money making. It a man determines to get rich at a cost and price, he does very often succeed. Working men, no matter in what circumstances, should save what they can, and invest it prudently; they then need fear nobody. All here have a common opportunity of pushing their way without patronage. This is what an honest man should be, and he should be allowed protection for his efforts. On this branch of politics ho (the speaker) differed from Sir G. Grey. It was the tendency of the Premier to go into legislation to degrade the masses into dependence on the higher orders. Sir George believes in exceptional privileges. This is the beginning of serfdom. Mr Moorhouse disapproved of exemption under the land tax, but believed in the principle of the tax. Government has been inopportune, has chosen the wrong lime. It ought to have been left alone till more land had been sold. Our financial system had been disturbed by these changes, English capitalists were alarmed and withheld capital. This alarm is natural, but exaggerated. He would promote the extension of public works consistently with due economy and public honesty. We ought, however, to restrain expansion by means_ of borrowed money. He acknowledged voting for the five million loan, but would raise his voice on every occasion of extravagance. When this loan, municipal, harbor loans, &0., have been realised we shall have increased our indebtedness seven millions, making a total public indebtedness of thirty millions, a serious item for a population of five hundred thousand. Our exports are not quite five millions. Thirty millions, interest of which is chargable on revenue, and a further debt of twenty millions due to private lenders; total, fifty millions. Take the average interest of 7 per cent, deduct five millions exports and there is a small margin left. But every year population increases, and we are receiving monies, &c., in advance, so by and bye the wealth of the country will sustain this burden of debt. Without great care, however, we might be in a dilemma. He (Mr Moorhouse) had boen charged with reckless extravagance when in office. He could say that he carried on extraordinary public works without borrowing a shilling j the loans chargeable on revenue were all extinguished, and the province in 1863 did not owe one farthing. He had half finished the tunnel out of ordinary revenue. The loan connected with his name was for extending the railway north and south. Ho believed in economy in public works; would watch with interest all proposals for extending loans. As regards local option, he agreed with it, but would not confiscate any property without compensation, compensation for damage is a fundamental part of English law. Ho would uphold the present system of education—free, secular, compulsory. It is impossible for a nation to bo orderly and moral without imbued religion; but in that the State should not interfere. It is the office of priest and parent. Nothing outside should interfere. The State should consider every child as the material property of the State, and it should have its share of revenue ; but, religious teaching should not be a State affair. Taxation was a necessity; how should individual subscription sit easiest ? Taxation of luxuries was the right thing. Property was a luxury, and should pay, whether it be land or anything else. Income should bear its share of the charge, but some allowance should be made. All should, however, pay in proportion. Indirect taxation would decay from year to year. It was most easily borne, but eventually it was better to tax property. He would be anxious to see the West Coast line opened as, though not likely to be remunerative for some years, still there would be an indirect advantage in the increase of trade. He would advocate a line from Amberloy to the Coast. Coal and timber would make a profitable trade and increase population. He congratulated the colony on the prospects of improved trade and the rise in tallow and wheat. He hoped the cloud might be dispelled by another run of plenty, and hoped the people would take advantage of it and put something by for a rainy day. In answer to questions, Mr Moorhouse said representation should go on the basis of population as taken with area. He was in favor of cumulative voting for Road Boards, &c., by all paying taxes ; no exemption, all who had land should pay. He believed in manhood suffrage as far as safe ; would give every man a vote, but would make a year’s residence (lodger or householder) a qualification, coupled of course with good conduct. Would not exempt improvements; would tax land and improvements ; would have the income stated as in England, and taxed accordingly. Respecting juvenile criminals, Mr Bowen made great efforts to reform this feature, but the House would not accept his measures. Did not believe in endowments, whether to County Councils or boroughs; thought them productive of laziness. The bankruptcy laws might be improved by removing them altogether from the Statute Book. Bankruptcies were owing in a great measure to commercial laxity, the debtor being often betrayed and persuaded by the creditor. He would have no imprisonment for debt nor bankruptcy law, except to punish fraud.

Mr Feudal! then addressed the electors. He believed it to be the duty of every constituency to return a member who thought as themselves. Country districts represented by town men caused the towns to be over - represented, a great evil. He had resided for nineteen years in the district, and was well acquainted with its wants. [Representation on the basis of population was dangerous, as the country would be entirely absorbed by the towns. Ho came forward as a Liberal, and believed in the policy of Sir George Grey. The Atkinson Government should not have the carrying out of that policy. They had had the chance, and did not avail themselves of it. He did not believe in manhood suffrage. Every man who paid rates should have a vote, and to that he would add lodger franchise. Beyond that, great care must be taken. Ho was in favor of shorter duration of Parliament, say, three or. four years. He did not like the land tax ; it was expensive to colleet; it did not give a a largo revenue, and fell unequally. A general property tax would reach all classes. It would be fairer and less inquisitorial than the income tax. The heavy interest on eur debt had to bo paid. We should therefore settle people on the land os speedily as possible. Public works should be carried on as fast as possible, but consistently with caution. As long as money borrowed was spent on public remunerative works he would advocate borrowing. Without further borrowing, the extension of the Northern line would be stopped, and it is of vital importance that the East and West Coast should bo joined. He would oppose <: political railways,” and would advocate a commission to report on the practicability of a line before it was constructed. On the Native question, our policy should be to treat Natives as Europeans, to give up the “sugar and blanket” policy, and to be firm with them. He objected to one Bank acting for tho country, as it gave a political power which should not exist. Education should be free, secular, compulsory, but we should not lose sight of tho religious element in education, and this should be provided for before or after school hours.

After a little badinage between the candidates on the question of being out and out supporters of Sir G. Grey’s policy, Mr Fendall, in answer to questions, said he would like to see that policy carried out, and would support any man who did carry it out. It might be expedient eventually to found a National Bank, but ho objected to monopoly. He considered that although religious teaching was optional with school committees, it was their duty to press the matter. Ho was averse to injustice being done, and in cities or in large centres where schools could be established, Boman Catholics and Jews who objected to our secular system should receive Government aid, subject to their schools keeping up the standards, and being open to inspection. But he objected to denominationalism, and would not extend this to any Protestant sect. Mr Moorhouse here stated that religious training was for priest and parent, and that he emphatically objected to public money being spent in fostering any dogma or special sectarian feeling. Mr Fendall was then asked if he would support a Government who spent £IOO,OOO without the sanction of Parliament, or who withheld £IOO,OOO belonging to Canterbury. His reply was to the effect that, although not

quite satisfied with the Ministerial explanation, the first point had been completely denied, and in the second place reasons were given why the money was not paid over at once, as the money could only bo borrowed at a high rnto of interest. Ho believed a good deal had boen made of this for party purposes. Mr Barker proposed a vote of confidence in Mr Moorhouse, Mr J. A. Cunningham proposed, as an amendment, a hearty vote of thanks to both candidates. The amendment, seconded by Mr D. Brock, was carried, and a vote of thanks to the chairman terminated tho proceedings at 11 30 p.m, THE NOMINATIONS. The' nominations for tho Grey Valley took place on Tuesday, and were as follows :—P. Brennan, W. Lahmann, E. Drury, R. Reeves, B. Martin, and W. McLean, To-day the nominations for the following constituencies are appointed : —Avon, Dunedin, Invercargill, and Rangitikei. MR BOWEN AT RANGIOEA, [Bx TeiiHGbaph.] [feom oub oto coeeebpokdent.] RANQIORA, August 27. Mr Bowen met the electors in tho Institute Hall this evening, which was crowded in every part. Mr Blackett, the Mayor, occupied the chair. Mr Bowen gave a full statement of his political views, and at the close was questioned by Messrs Parsons, Paterson, Boyd, Busch, Jones, Robilliard, Mclntyre, and others. With regard to the borough endowment he explained that the small grant to Rangiora was owing to tho present Government. He approved of utilizing the planting reserves at tho beach. He agreed to support a new bankruptcy law, and promised to do his utmost to obtain the £IOO,OOO due to the Road Boards, and complained that it was not creditable that the Government hud withheld it. Ho promised to support a property tax. Ho did not think it wise to adopt an income tax. Ha explained the Width of Tires Act, Each answer was well received, and several funny remarks were made by Mr Paterson. At the close of the meeting Mr A. H. Cunningham moved —“ That the vote of thanks and confidence to Mr Bowen given three or four months ago be renewed.” Dr. Burrows seconded the motion. Captain Parsons proposed an amendment—- “ That the thanks of the meeting be given to Mr Bowen,” He asked the electors to refrain from passing a vote of confidence till they had heard the local candidate. [Cheers.] He did not suppose they would hear such a flow of eloquence, and questions so promptly answered, but he asked the meeting to suspend its decision till they had heard tho other side. Mr Bowen’s speech, like the rest on that side, was a tirade against Sir G. Grey, who, in his opinion, was the best friend the country had. [Cheers and counter cheers.] They must not be led away after the pen orator of Canterbury. [Laughter.] The amendment was then put amidst cheers. When the motion was put there were also a large number of hands held up for it. In the midst of some confusion the chairman declared the amendment carried. But, so far as he thought, by only a small majority. Confusion ensued, and cries of “ Divide.” Mr Bowen said—Well, let there bo no fuss. I thank you for your vote of thanks. The usual vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the meeting. MISCELLANEOUS ELECTION ITEMS. [Bt Telegeaph.] AUCKLAND, August 27. The executive of the central committee have selected Dr. Wallis and Mr Hurst to run for City West, and Mr Cunningham for Waipa. The only other district remaining to settle is the Bay of Islands. Mr Reader Wood’s election for City West is considered certain.

Mr O’Eorke addressed a large and influential meeting of elector* at Onehunga. He referred to the twelve years during which ho had represented Onehunga in the Provincial Council of Auckland and filled the Speaker’s chair. Although he was to be opposed, and perhaps with rancour, few had grudged him his short possession of the exalted position of Speaker. A contest was now raging throughout the country with unexampled fury, and the whole storm was directed against one who entered on a crusade against arbitrary government, intolerance and hunger for Native lands, which appeared to be unsaleable. Prom the time Sir George Grey found him, |a young man, in 1861, there had existed an unbroken devotion on his part towards the present Premier, and unshaken loyalty to liberal principles. He referred to the abuse showered on Sir G. Grey since he came forward as the friend of the people. Former Premiers in memoranda intended for Home had spoken of Sir G. Grey as a drivelling idiot, and even the ears of bis Royal mistress been corrupted against him. Electors should not return men who would give Sir G. Grey lip service, but who would give him unwavering allegiance. He had come forward again because, having represented that constituency for some years he could not surrender it to a stranger. He had been designated the enemy of education, but for many years he had sat on the Education Board as an unpaid member, and 'during that period no one ever charged him with failing to administer the education system in its integrity. But, now, in a great political crisis, the cry that education was in danger was raised by the enemies of the Liberal policy embodied in the Governor’s speech. Those were subterfuges to divert attention from the real questions at issue. The speaker also referred to his efforts to secure a Grammar school for Onehunga, and his services on the Education Commission. He also referred to other local matters. A vote of entire confidence was proposed by Mr Jackson, with an expression of regret that any candidate should oppose him. Mr Clarke proposed as an amendment that a vote of thanks be accorded. On a show of hands, 6 were held up for the amendment, and about 350 for the vote of confidence. The meeting concluded with three cheers for Sir George Grey. GRAHAMSTOWN, August 27.

Mr Sheehan addressed 1500 people tonight. He said he had the choice of eleven electorates, but had selected ths Thames, having considered himself their third member all along. After referring to his long connection with the Thames when in the Provincial Council, ho said when he became Native Minister he found the Aroha block was being given to strangers. He opposed that, though he had to contend against private purchasers, but he fought them fairly and beat them, but they took their revenge by blackening his private character. If Government could get the Natives to sell to or through them the land would bo cut up and sold in small areas by auction at a public office. In reference to tho railway, he hoped they would be lenient with them, if they thought Government acted illegally, and they should remember this was the chief indictment against the Government. They might, however, rest assured the railway would go on step by step, and if tho Opposition got returned they dare not stop it. He said all would support the Government policy, even if they would not support the members of the Government. But many of the candidates were only going in for a seat, in their conscience would become very, elastic. He accused tho Opposition of being tho authors of the dual Maori vote. They now raised the cry for interested purposes. The Opposition was composed of two classes, those wanting office and those who wanted to shirk their fair share of taxation. After touching on various points of the Government programme ho said in a few years the subsidies to local bodies would come to an end. He would ask tho Government to continue the old votes of some £20,000 annually towards roads in the North Island, such subsidy to be fairly distributed among the local bodies. He believed the appeal to tbe country would bo successful. He expected Sir George Grey would meet the Thames electors by the middle of next week. Three cheers were given for Sir George Grey, and a vote of thanks and confidence passed amidst enthusiasm. DDNEDIN, August 27. Mr R, Oliver addressed the electors at the Garrison Hall to-night. There was a largo attendance. In defending his desertion of the Ministry, he was severe upon Sir G. Grey’s alleged mal-administration. At the close of the meeting ho received a vote of confidence.

BALCLHTHA, August 27. At the close of a public meeting in the drill-shed, Inohclutha, held last night, to con-

sider the present state of the county roads, a resolution was passed pledging the meeting to support Mr Thomson for the Assembly. Mr Jowitt, the opposing candidate, was present, and urged them not to pledge themselves. Everyone in the hall held up his hand for Mr Thomson, who was not present, and has not been in the district since the dissolution. The feeling throughout the Olutha is virtually unanimous for Mr Thomson, and much regret is felt at the prospect of a contest during the busy season.

Electorate. Nomination Day. Polling Day. Cheviot ... Acg. 29 Sept. 6 Ashley Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Kniapoi Sept. 1 Sept. 5 Akaroa Sept. 1 Sept. 6 Solwyn Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Avon Aug. 28 Sept. 3 Christchurch Sept. 1 Sept. 10 Heathcote Aug. 30 Sept. 8 Lyttelton Aug. 29 Sept. 4 Coleridge Sept. 2 Sept. 15 Timaru Sept. 2 Sept. 6 Geraldine Sept. 4 Sept. 9 Gladstone Sept. 5 Sept. 12