THE ELECTIONS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1724, 29 August 1879, Page 3

THE ELECTIONS.

MB RICHARDSON AX SYDENHAM. A meeting of the electors residing in this district took place last night in the Colombo street school, when there was a very large attendance. On the motion of Mr Richardson the Mayor (Mr Booth) was voted to the chair. His Worship on taking the chair expressed Ms pleasure in presiding at the first electoral meeting in the district. He then proceeded to pass a high encomium on the pluck of Messrs Holmes and Richardson in carrying out the work of making the Lyttelton tunnel, thus making Canterbury what it was. After eulogizing the conduct of Messrs Moorhouse, Ollivier and their coadjutators in carrying out this great work in spite of all opposition, he asked for those present to grant Mr Richardson a fair and patient hearing, and also assist him in supporting the dignity of the chair. Mr Richardson, who was received with loud cheers, expressed his sincere pleasure in meetng the electors that evening, and then went on to address those present at considerable ength on the various topics of the day. He «ia that daring the past few days telegrams

had been appearing respecting the removsl_ of the Commissioner of Railways, and making the head quarters in Dunedin. Whilst he was in Wellington he might state that it was a notorious fact that this matter had been reported upon by the Commissioner, and it wss stated most favourably for the removal, and that it behoved the citizens of Christchurch to take action at once, and to be up and doing. A long string of questions waa then handed up, which were readily answered, the replies being received with great applause. At the close MrNesbitt moved, and Mr E. Hitchins seconded—" That a rote of thanks be given to Mr Richardson for his address." Mr J. P. O'Callaghan moved, and Mr Wakefield seconded an amendment—" That this meeting accord a vote of thanks to Mr Richardson, and beg to express their confidence in him." The amendment on being put was carried by a large majority. A vote of thanks to the Mayor was proposed, and in reply his Worship expressed nia gratification at having presided over such an orderly meeting. Three cheers were given for Mr Richardson, and the meeting dispersed. MR WEARING AT KAIAPOI. Mr G. H. Wearing addreased a well attended meeting of the electors at the Oddfellows' Hall, Kaiapoi, last evening, at halfpast 7 o'clock. The Mayor of Kaiapoi occupied the chair. The chairman briefly introduced the candidate, hoping there would be no interruption during the address, whatever variety of opinion there might be. Mr Wearing commenced by stating his reasons for coming forward. When first asked to stand he refused, because he thought there were many others better able to represent the district than himself, and he asked enquiries to be made if some one else would not come forward. Some days after, however, he was presented with a requisition signed by ninety ratepayers, who expressed a deßire to be represented by a local man. [Applause.] Eventually, therefore, he consented to stand. It had been said he waa brought forward to the interests of the Licensed Victuallers' Association. Well, he had never belonged to that body, had never paid a penny towards it, and he had not been influenced by any member of the association. He also might say he waa neither influenced by any mercantile or banking intereats. If they elected him he should serve them faithfully, and the colony at large. He was astonished in listening to Mr Bowen's address, when that gentleman, as it were, despises matters of focal intereat ; when he insulted the electors by saying he hoped there would be no complaints such as that their " town pump was out of order." [Laughter and applause.] He (Mr Wearing) did not think any matters of an idle or trumpery character had beon set before Mr Bswen for his attention. He then mentioned some of the matters which had been agitated on behalf of local intereata. He instanced town reaervea, upon which he read certain correapondence. He and others were appointed to deal with the matter, and it waa found a selector waa wanted, and that it would coat altogether about £IOO. They telegraphed to Mr Bowen, asking if they would be justified in risking that expense, and they received from him a reply in the negative, on the ground that Government were instituting enquiries respecting borough incomes and expenditure. Well, they appointed a aurveyor to do the work on their own authority, and aome time time afterwards a communication waa received from Sir George Grey, atating that the whole of the two thousand acres had been granted to them. That was one instance of what Mr Bowen called " trumpery " correspondence. Another matter lef erred to by Mr Bowen, as their member, was in respect of requisite railway improvements for the preservation of traffic, and this waa utterly ignored by their member. He might abo inatance correspondence re the Domain. There was a Domain Board, but they had no funds, and no power in any shape or form, and were they not right therefore to apply to their representative for succour. The same thing happened with regard to the Harbor Board. These were not matters of indifference, and should not have been placed in the category of trumpery requests. Aa the meeting were aware he waa a mouse in politics. He had no political career to refer to. But he should explain what hia viewa were on the questions at present before the country. In the first place as to the extension of the franchise, he was in favor of manhood suffrage with a residential qualification of one year. He would not give a shorter term, becauae it would be unfair to thoae persons who had lived a long time in one place, and who had made of the country their study. He would advocate the redistribution of seats. Taking the position of the Canterbury provincial distriot alone, he thought a Bill such as he referred to should have been introduced long ago. There should be a division of the Rangiora distriot, giving back a member. With reference to triennial Parliaments he was entirely in favor of such a measure. The Parliament of the country was nothing more after all than a large Road Board as to the business it had to conduct, and he saw no reaaon why members should be elected for five years—three years' time was quite sufficient. Touching public works from a local standpoint, he should endeavor to get the railway from Christchurch to the West Coaat puahed ahead at once, or at least so soon as they could manage to get a little of the public loan their way. With reference to another important matter before the country, he might say distinctly that he did not believe in free trade, carried out strictly. It meant the obstruction of progress by killing young industries in the country. Take the case of the local woollen factory. If the 10 per cent, tax on imported goods were aboliahed it would ruin that industry, and the factory would be compelled to ahut up. [Hear, hear.] Aa to taxation, he believed in a property tax. Freehold property ahould be made to bear ita fair ahare of taxation. But with regard to an income tax, he conaidered that incomes (at present, at all events) were too precarious to admit of such a taxation. He would stop the introduction of male immigrants into the country—he would confine immigration to females and the nominated system. He did not see any objection to a tax on grain—say, 3d an acre, which might prove beneficial to the farmer. With reference to the great talk there had been about the Maori dual vote, as a charge against the Government, he thought that bubble had exploded. He must ask them to excuse him further, as he had exhausted his list of subjects. He would be happy to answer any questions. Mr Ashby aßked the candidate's views on education. Mr Wearing said a system had been established which appeared to work well, and he saw no reason to alter it. Mr J. D. Hean —Would you give us your ideas on the local option question. Mr Wearing said, if he was elected, in the event of a Local Option Bill being brought forward, he would support it. He must, however, reserve the right to vote for a compensation clause. The same questioner asked where the money should come from to give compensation t Mr Wearing—Out of the general revenue. It is to improve the moral tone of society you want, I suppose. Then I say, if society wants improving, society should pay for it. [Laughter and applause.] Mr Fordham—Can't you give us beer a little cheaper—Bay 4d a quart ? Mr Beyaey asked if the candidate would be in favor of opening museums on Sundays and running Sunday trains ? Mr Wearing would abolish all Sunday work where it could be done without, for the sake of the laboring man. But he was certainly in favor of opening museums and places of the kind on the Sabbath, as it would prove beneficial to society. Mr W. Macdonald asked whether Mr Wearing was in favor of handing over the railways to private companies ? Mr Wearing answered in the negative to the question per se, but added that he should advocate the establishment of a Railway Board to manage the railways generally. In answer to Mr J. 0. Porter, Mr Wearing said he should favor imposing a tax on Bank shares, &c. In answer to a question touching the Maori franchise, Mr Wearing said the Maoris in this island, for instance, would want two representatives of their own if their power to vote at European elections were taken from them, so that it amounted to the same thing apparently, one way or the other. Mr E. Revell asked what were the candidate's views on the conservation of the river. Mr Wearing presumed allusion was made to the Waimakariri Board. He believed if the Board were made elective instead of nominated everything would be satisfactory.

In answer to a question as to whether he was in favour of a Board for the north as well at the south side|of the river, he said he would have no objection to a Board to take charge of the river outside the Harbor Boards boundary. Mr J. A. Holland—Would you favor a measure to prevent the sale of adulterated liquor ? Mr Wearing aaid he believed there was a Bill of the kind in force, but he thought the adulteration of grog was a very wicked thing, [laughter] although he had never drunk any. [Continued laughter.] But at all events he should certainly favor a measure which would provide for the analysis of liquor. I A Voice : " Did you ever sell any ? " and laughter] To a question as to whether he would provide for the cheap transit of local produce for exportation, Mr Wearing replied in the affirmative. Mr J. G. Kidd aßked would the candidate have a sum placed on the estimates to float the Kaiapoi river dredge ? [Laughter.] Mr Wearing —I did not quite hear the question ; but wbb it a joke ? Mr Revell Scotchmen never joke. [Laughter.] Mr Wearing—Well, I can'assure you I shall always do my my best, not only for the Harbor Board but everything else that concerns you. Mr Smithera —Would you make thia a port of entry ? Mr Wearing—l consider the question at the present time premature. Mr Kidd—What would you do about Chinese immigration P Mr Wearing—l would advocate a poll tax if it were found necessary, so as to prevent them entering the country in large numbers. Mr J. Stanton aßked if the candidate would impose a duty on grain imported into this country the same as was placed on New Zealand produce by the sißter colonies ? Mr Wearing replied that if the other colonies were not reciprocal, he thought it would be fair to tax imported grain proportionately. There being no more questions, Mr 0. Oram proposed—" That this meeting has every confidence in Mr Wearing, and pledges itself to use its best endeavours to return him to Parliament." The motion was seconded by Mr J. F. Nettleton and carried. The meeting terminated after a vote of thanks to the chairman. MR HART AT SHEFFIELD. [By Tblegbaph.] MALVERN, August 28. Mr George Hart addreased a well attended meeting of electora in theWaddingtonßchoolhouse, Sheffield, last evening. Mr Macmillan took the chair. The Chairman explained the object of the meeting, and bespoke a patient hearing.^ Mr Hart began by apologising for being so late in coming before them, but his absence in Wellington compelled him on hia return to give some time to hia own affairs. Thia part of the district was all new to him, it having been seven years since he was last here, when he contested the seat with Mr Bluett. The progress of the colony and increase of population had been such that the polling places had been increased from five to twelve, nine of them being south of the Rakaia. He had endeavoured to have greater representation of this district, which contained a population of over 10,000, actually one-fortieth of the whole population of the colony. It was impossible for one member to represent the whole district, unless the local bodies assisted him. At a meeting held in Ashburton several resolutions were passed, but never forwarded to him as their member, and consequently he could not give them attention. His main object when he went to Parliament was to endeavour with others to get a strong Governmsnt, and on his arrival in Wellington he found that the majority of members considered Sir George Grey's Government an unsatisfactory one. Sir George Grey had caused a split in the Cabinet by his dictatorial conduct, and experienced a difficulty in getting others to back him. Retrenchment had been promised, but the practical result was an additional expenditure of over £60,000. The civil service had been disorganised by old servants being got rid of to make room for the friends of the Ministry. The Waikato railway job was a sample of the manner in which the Premier had abused hia office. He would not weary them by going through the various charges pToved against the Government Mr John Lundon, Sir George Grey's friend, had put on the Bay of Islands rolls two or three hundred Maoris who had no right to be on, and the Government had been a party to this stuffing of the roll. It was the Government Agent who put all these names on. In consequence of these and various other matters against the Government, and the Native management, which had nearly created a war, they had been turned out. The valid claims of the Nativea to lands were not recognised and the Government in attempting to proceed with the survey of the Waimate Plains led to the complications that ensued. Many people had an erroneous idea as to the matter of confiscation, but at present the Maori members were endeavoring to come to an amicable arrangement. It would be a most abominable thing to fight the Maoris because they merely tried to assert their rights by ploughing the land. He hoped the wise action taken by the Maori chiefs and members, in placing the matter before the Law Courts, would lead to a settlement; but he sympathised with the settlers who had purchased land from the Government and had their title disputed by the Natives. The majority of members of Parliament had no confidence in the Ministry on account of the mal-administration and more especially when they found that the Government was ruled entirely by Sir George Grey. The general depression existing in the colony led to the necessity for authorising another loan, and Sir George Grey tried to make out that the Opposition would not sanction it. But the fact was that the Opposition wanted some sort of financial statement to give them some knowledge of the state of the New Zealand Treasury. The vote of no confidence was carried by the largest majority ever recorded on such a motion m the colony, and while Sir George Grey had a constitutional right to a dissolution, his promises were not worthy of credence. Hia object was to set class against class. Who were the working men ? They were in a transition state, and there was no fixed class. The cry about their being an oppressed class was clap-trap. In this district they had a large farming, mining, and commercial class, and they were all dependent on each other. He had voted for the motion of want of confidence, because he could have no confidence in Sir George Grey. They were all in favor of great reforms, but there was no doubt that the general opinion was that Sir George Grey was not the one to aid the objects of the liberal party. He explained the terms upon which the dissolution was granted by the Governor, and stated that the Opposition were only too willing to go to the country with the least delay. He thought that the majority of members returned would be opposed to redistribution of members, as the Northern members, who would be most concerned, would strongly oppose such a measure. He again offered himself for reelection, because he had been requested to do so by the Ashburton Council. He was strongly in favor of triennial Parliaments, as it was necessary that the various constituencies should have opportunities of more frequently expressing their opinion with regard to their representatives ; hut he did not approve of the Bill brought forward last session. It was but proper that when a representative found that hia constituency had lost confidence in him, he should resign. He would support manhood suffrage with a residential qualification. Though the present law was fairly perfect, a revision of the rolls was very much required, many having been left out who ought to have been on. He thought greater facilities should be given for registratration, so that every man could register at any time of the year, and not merely during one month in twelve, as at present. Looking at the large indebtedness of the country, largely created by investments on reproductive works, he considered that the expenditure_ should only be on what would be reproductive. There were instances in which some railways were merely constructed for political purposes, and to places where, for many years, they would not create a good return. It was poasible they might push the railways in New Zealand into parts where no fair return on the money invested could be obtained. Something like £360,000 had been spent last year on railways in Canterbury, but that included oharges for plant which had not yet been delivered here. In Canterbury very little money had been spent during the past year upon contracts which had been completed, but a large number of new railways

had not only been commenced but carried through in Otago. There was no doubt about Mr Macandrew being very liberal to his own friends, and all he wanted was an unlimited purse at his disposal. With regard to the Weat Coast railway line, he was favorable to its being carried out, and thought that money would be better utilised in its construction than by making a breakwater at Greymouth, which might be washed away by one storm. He hoped that an equitable system of taxation would be introduced during the next session. Every facility Bhould be given to induce men of property to invest in the country, because if capital ceased to flow into the country the taxation would be heavier. He bad heard that a number of farmers in the Coleridge district had been inquiring as to the facilities for settlement in the Transvaal Republic of South Africa, being afraid of the increasing taxation in New Zealand. The inequality of the land tax was shown by the fact that fivesixths of the whole tax would have to be paid by Canterbury and Otago. If a tax was to be levied why should it be on land and not on other property ? He held that a man should contribute in proportion to the protection he received to property. On account of the next session of Parliament beiDg held so late in the year it would be a brief one, and only a few measures would be passed. Great reform was needed in the matter of licensing, not only publicans, but others, such as auctioneers, aa at present the cost varied considerably. An auctioneer's license, on one Bide of the Waitaki, was £4O, while on the other side it was £SO. He regarded it as almost presumption for him and Mr Wright to come forward to represent a district of 10,000 inhabitants, and there was no doubt that they were entitled to two members. If returned, he would do all in his power for their welfare and interests, and denied that he had ever been opposed to progress, as had been said of him. He came before them in a straightforward way, and if returned, under no circumstances, no matter what was the form of the Assembly, would he be a supporter of Sir George Grey. He had deceived the country, and the whole tone of his speeches tended to create Btrife amongst the different classes. He was a patriarch, and would like everything to be under his thumb. r^Pplauße.]] In reply to questions, Mr Hart said he did not think Sir William Fox would take office again, but if he did, and formed a good Government, he would support him. He believed the Hon. Mr Hall would be the next Premier. He would endeavour to get more polling places on the south side of the Rakaia. He approved of the Local Option Bill, but was of opinion that those who had established hotels ard expended capital thereon should receive compensation. He was in favour of cutting up sections on the deferred payment system. He was in favor of immigration, but considered it should be regulated according to the requirements of the country. He considered that the Government should only construct the main lines throughout the colony, and any district that required a railway should do it under the District Railways Act, bo that they would feel it would depend upon the traffic whether they would be subject to a rate or not. With regard to the Temuka-Oxford line of railway, his belief was, when that line was put upon the map, it was never intended to be constructed. It was only put upon the map as a blind to the Canterbury members to justify a large expenditure in Otago. He sympathised with those who from conscientious motives could not take part in the present system of education, but he thought it would be impolitic, after the large expenditure in establishing these schools, to interfere with the present arrangements. The remission of the duty on tea and sugar was simply a hundred thousand pounds thrown away. He was satisfied that if they could have kept the Provincial Government of Canterbury, with the land fund, they might have made all their railways. He would endeavor to make trade as free as possible. On the motion of Mr Taylor, seconded by Mr Mathiaß, a vote of thanks was unanimously accorded to the candidate. MISCELLANEOUS ELECTION; ITEMS. [Br Tblegbafh.] AUCKLAND, August 28. Mr Swanson in his speech last night said that when members of the House assembled at Wellington little more than a month ago it was speedily found that a majority could be obtained against the Government. Take his friend Hobbs, he was waited upon and promised the office of Native Minister if he would be a good boy. Well, he went at once to Mr Sheehan and informed him that a mine was about to be sprung under his feet, and further, that he had been offered a portfolio, which that gentleman then held. Mr Sheehan said that he had received some intimation of the impending catastrophe, and in answer to the other item of news said—" Well, you had better accept the proffer." He (the speaker) assured Mr Sheehan that he would not do so, but that while he could keep his head above water, he could safely count upon his support. A great deal of talk had taken place with regard to the action of the Government in granting a dissolution, and much obloquy had been cast upon him in consequence. Now although he had not. at the time apprehended that a dissolution would be granted, he was confident in saying that the Governor's course wsb very judicious and very politic. The time was a momentous one ; grave issues were hanging in the balance and the threatened war was engaging men's minds ; so that a refusal to accord a dissolution would have been a rather hazardous and responsible action on Sir Hercules' part. The Ministry which appointed him had sufficient trouble with regard to Africa and India without desiring to involve themselves in the colonies. Mr Tole received a vote of confidence at Panmure. Messrs Hobbs and Buckland received votes of thanks only at Tuakau. NELSON, August 28. Mr Bichmond addressed the electors of Nelson suburbs last night, and received a vote of thanks. He had previously announced his intention of distributing half his honorarium among the public libraries of the district, but the cry of bribery being raised, he referred the matter to his solicitors, wno were of opinion that it would not come under the Corrupt Practices Prevention Act, but as the question would turn on the intention, and not be one of fact or law, they thought it safer that he withdrew the announcement absolutely and unconditionally. Messrs Hugh Stafford and Wanstey (a settler of long standing) are in the field for this district. TIMAEU, August 28. It is rumored that Mr W. Woods intends contesting Gladstone as an independent member. The nomination for Gladstone is altered to September 11th and the poll to the 15th. Mr Turnbull addressed a meeting this evening, about 200 electors being present, and received a vote of confidence. He declared himself strongly opposed to Sir G. Groy as Premier, and would support any Ministry which would carry out liberal measures. He said he did not see how the Bible was to be read in schools under the present system. He returned an evasive answer as to shifting the Government account from the Bank of New Zealand, and dividing it amongst all the banks. The contest for Timaru will be a very close one, though Mr Turnbull is expected to poll strongly in town. DUNEDIN, August 28. To-night Mr Stewart gave his first address at the Oddfellows' Hall. The place was crowded, and the speaker received a, unanimous vote of confidence. Sir Geo. Grey endeavored to get Mr Dick to stand on the Government ticket, but he declined. Mr Dick feels aggrieved at his name having been mentioned by Mr Stout as a likely candidate for the Liberal Association hero. He considers it will lose him a number of votes. [FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON, August 28. Mr Johnston, when addressing the Manawatu electors, made a point against Sir Geo. Grey. He Baid : —" When Sir G. Grey was Governor of this colony, Sir John Pakington had told him that the disposal of the Crown lands should be vested in a Legislative Council, but until the Council was called together it rested with the Governor. But the very day before the notification appointing the time and place of meeting of the Council appeared, Sir George Grey issued a proclamation reducing the price of land in the colony, which had previously ranged from £1 to £2 per acre, to 10s and 5s per acre. The price at which the land had been previously sold was sufficiently high to prevent any land monopoly, but the effect of the reduction was that it was bought up by speculators. It suited Sir G. Grey at

the present time to rail at and run down the land speculators, but he forgot that it was he himself who had brought them into existence."

A great deal of interest is felt here in the Wanganui election, but it is very difficult to tell how the contest will eventuate. Mr Ballance is warmly supported by the working classes, and, it is said, is promising everything to everybody, an agricultural Bank to lend money to the struggling and needy farmer being the latest novelty promised. _ A small farm settlement on the Waimate Plains is another good thing held out. Mr Ballance also promises to oppose the withdrawal of subsidies from County Councils, but otherwise is very reticent on tbe question oi ways and means. Mr Bryce has much injured his chance of return by running on the Ballance ticket, and many of the principal landowners, who have hitherto supported him, will now plump for Sir W. Eox, considering that Mr Bryce is acting inconsistently, after voting with the Opposition, to join Mr Ballance again. If Mr Bryce had stood on his own merits, his election would have been assured. Now it is considered the worst of the three. Mr Hunter's chance for election for the city is improving daily. It is rumoured that Mr Greenfield will withdraw.