MR BALLANCE AT WANGANUI

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1934, 6 May 1880, Page 3

MR BALLANCE AT WANGANUI

[By Tblegbaph.] WANGANUI, May 5. Mr Ballanoo addressed a crowded meeting of his constituents to-night at the Princess’ theatre. Mr Ballance was cordially received. He explained that he had not c tiled a meeting earlier as he had waited for the publication of the public accounts. These had not been published, only part of them, in a fragmentary form. The speaker then referred to the Industrial School Bill, a local question. He described the passage of this Bill through the lower House, and its fate in the Lords. The history of the fall of the Grey Ministry, and the advent of the Hall G>.ve - nment, were then given. Mr Ballance referred to the action of the Auckland four in strong terms of condemnation. The change in the electoral law ho claimed for the credit of the party that supported the late Government, although now all parties in the State accepted the measure. The Triennial Parliaments Act was commented upon. He warmly approved of bodies like the Waste Lands Board being elective. The colony, like the old country, was passing through unprecedented dullness, but this would not last. The evil was in squandering a large portion of their money on unproductive works. When the accounts for the financial year were made up it would be found that not more than one and a half millions of the five millions loan will be expended. Immigration should be stopped, as there were quite as many men here now as could find work. He advocated a ratepayer’s provision being added to the Electoral Bill. He thought that the Native land of the colony should be rated, and the Natives in return allowed the privilege of voting for members of the House. The machinery for voting could easily be managed. He referred to the proposed stoppage of subsidies, and to the statement of the Colonial Treasurer that some other plan will be adopted. He would suggest that as the proceeds from the sale of land are not taken into the accounts of the colony, the fund should be handed over to local bodies. He thought that all raw materials for manufacture should be admitted free. He said that Victoria was anxious to put a duty on New Zealand oats. If this were done, the colony had a perfect right to place a duty on Victorian groduce. The class who will escape most •om the action of the property tax is the runholders. The total result of the tax was estimated by the Treasurer at £250 000. If the land tax had b-en continued £300,000 would have been received, and the colony saved from an unjust and inquisitorial tax. The deficit last year of £BOO,OOO was due to the falling off of the land fund. He referred to the interim report of the Native Commission clause by clause, and contended that the only logical inference which could be drawn was that the Natives were justified in claiming the plains. He was in favor of compensation to houses where the licenses were taken away by the popular vote. Four speakers spoke against Mr Ballance. The burden of their speeches was that if the constituency passed a vote of confidence in Mr Ballance it implied a vote of censure on Mr Bryce, and this new championship of Mr Bryce by the opposite party to him at the last election caused considerable comment. Mr Ballance replied to bis critics and carried the audience with him An amendment of no confidence was rejected by 500 or more to about 20, and a vote of confidence was carried almost unanimously, three cheers being given for Mr Ballance at the close of the meeting, which lasted till long after midnight.