THE ELECTIONS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2357, 22 October 1881, Page 3

THE ELECTIONS.

MV Cowlnhaw addressed a largely attended meeting cf the Stanmore electors last night at Knightstowa. At tbe clo;-e of the speech a number of questions were put and answered to the satisfaction of tho meeting, and a vote of thanks was unanimously carried. Mr J. C. Wason addressed the el ctors at the ’own Hail, Ashburton, l»st night. About 2uo were present, Mr Hugo Frhdland:r. the Mayor, in the chair. After an exhaustive speech, Mr Wason was accorded a hearty vote of thanks on the motion of Mr George W. Sl. Hill, seconded by Mr J. it. Steele. Mr Wason algo received a vote of confidence at Chertsey on Thursday. _ Mr A. Hornbrook announces himself as a candidate for the Heathcote district. Mr Holmes will address the electors of Christchurch South at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Lichfield street, on Friday next. On Wednesday a requisition was presented to Mr Alfred Saunders, M.H K., signed by Mr >i. T. Winter, J. p , and other e'ectors, requesting Mr haunders to stand for Vvakanuiconstituency. Mr Saunders has declined, electing to put r itself in nomination for Cheviot, acd r.minding the requi-itionists that he publicly promised hi* present constituents last May that he would again offer his services to them

MR JOHN ANDERSON AT THE ODDFELLOWS' HALL. Mr John Anderson, a candidate for Christchurch South in the General Assembly, addressed the electors at the Oddfellows’ Hall, last evening. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair. Tho Chairman said that they were all aware of the reason of the meeting, which was to enable Mr Anderson to lay before them his views on tho political questions of the day. He was also authorised to state that Mr Anderson would be prepared to answer any questions that might be asked of him. Ho would uow introduce Mr Anderson to them. [Cheers.] Mr Anderson said—Mr Mayor and Gentlemen, — I have asked you to meet me here to-night to give mo an opportunity of explaining to you my views respecting the measures which are likely to engage the attention of Parliament duriug tho coming session. I should like first to explain ray reasons for coming forward to seek your suffrages. As soon as it became known that under the new Representation Bill Christchurch was only to return two members, and that two of yonr late representatives were not coming forward, I was urged to offer myself as a candidate to represent yon in Parliament. It was only after great solicitation that I consented. Those who sought me with a view of gaining my consent to be nominated represented to me that the electors were desirous of being represented by one of themselves—that there was no person on whom the3 r thought they had a stronger claim than upon myself—that I had been iu Christchurch since its foundation, aud that it was my duty to give up a portion of my time for the benefit of its citizens. Few people at my time of life care to leave the comforts of their homes and enter into the turmoil and excitement of a political struggle; and I can assure you that it was only after great persuasion that I consented to come forward. I am now before you, and without any past political services to recommend me. Still there may be an advantage even in this, as I have no political sins to answer for. I may say, however, that this is not my first appearance before a Christchurch audience. I had the honor to represent the ratepayers in the City Council. Like our worthy chairman, who has so creditably discharged the duties of office, I have occupied the position of Mayor of Christchurch. These, however, are things of the past—to many they are unknown, aud to most they are doubtless forgotten. If you believe that the civic duties which I had the honor to discharge in the times to which I refer were creditably and faithfully performed, it will he an additional reason why I should ask for your support i . the present contest. Sfionld you do me the honor of electing me as yonr representative, I pledge myself to go to Parliament as a thoroughly independent member. But at the same time I wish you to understand that I have no intention of remaining aloof from a party. I look upon the man who, in Parliament, is not attached to any party as worse than useless. While my sympathies are with the present Government, in consequence of the advantages which I believe the _ colony has derived from their administration, I will not support any Government whose measures are, iu my opinion, antagonistic to the best interests of the colony. I shall, as far as practicable, support such legislation as will encourage the development of local industries. About a year ago I took a run through some of the most important cities in Australia, and while there I was, as you may suppose, anxious to see what our neighbours were doing. I found in Sydney that in place of sending to England aud America for locomotives, carriages, and waggons of all kinds for railway purposes, that they were manufactured on the spot, thus giving employment to large numbers of the working classes. This is a course of action which I highly approve, and which I hope in the future to see carried out in this colony. I have known men go from this

city to Sydney to assist in making lailway rolli-g stock such as I describe because they could not find enough employmei t here. In Melbourne the same practice obtains as in Sydney. By carrying out this policy in New Zealand, the advantages would seem to me to be threefold. First, money made in the colony would be kept in circulation here, instead of being sent to purchase railway plant in other countries. Second, colonial manufacturers would offer constant emp'oymenttoalarge number of artisans ; and third, increase of population, in consequence of regular employment being provided, would tend to reduce the taxation of the country. Nothing can render a country more prosperous than to keep the working classes fully employed. One of the most important measures likelyjto engage the attention of Parliament during its next session will be that of education. You will doubtless expect from me a plain and unmistakeable statement as to the course which I should pursue on this question if returned as your member. I believe the present system to be very good indeed, and shall support its continuance if the cost can be born. If, however, the expense becomes greater than the country can afford a modification must necessarily follow. Either the standard of education must be lowered, or the standard of age raised, and I am inclined to favor the latter. Under any circumstances, I shall support a system of education which shall be free, unsectarian, and compulsory. A question of great public interest not only in this but at all times is that of taxation. lam convinced that the fairest tax which conld, under the necessities of this colony be imposed, is the property tax. I say the fairest, because while reaching the wohlthy, it exempts the large majority of the people. lam aware that in some quarters, it has been urged that the land and the land only should be taxed, that machinery and the ordinary articles of commerce should he exempt, bnt why ? If a person like myself, for instance, chooses to invest his capital in machinery, why should he escape taxation ? With what view does he make the investment ? Does he not hope for financial success in his venture, and should he not pay tribute to the State in the same proportion as the man who invests his capital in land ? I believe the property tax to he more equitable than the land tax because it reaches capital, however invested. I shall not suxiport an income tax, because I believe it to be one of the most inquisitorial taxes that was over imposed, and that under it dishonest people make no payment whatever. It is x>ossible that the question of separation may be mooted during the ensuing session. If so, I shall oppose it. Union is strength, and f I believe if, INew Zealand is to become the great country which many have predicted, the unity of the colony must be maintained. I shall he expected to refer to the Licensing Bill. The Act which passed the House last session has now become law. I am disinclined to uphold or condemn this measure until I see how it works. Much discussion, both in and out of Parliament, has arisen as to the number of votes which should be possessed by those holding property, and whether the leaseholder and freeholder should both have votes for the same property. Ido not think that a person having property in different imrts of the colony should he limited to one vote, because I believe that men who by their industry have secured land should have a greater share in the government of the country than the man who has no fixed plnco of abode, no homo, and whose sole belongings can be carried about in his bag. I consider it of the first importance that the man who is a real settler —the man who has a stake in the colony—should have the greatest power in choosing those who are to he the lawmakers of the country. I am of oxiiniou that the leaseholder should have a vote for the same Xirox»erty as well as the xiersou who owns the property, because in many instances the leaseholder may have through the imxirovemeuts he has made a much larger interest in the property than the freeholder himself, and, further, I [consider it most unjust that a man holding premises on lease at a high rent should be debarred from having a vote merely because he does not reside on the premises. It is very probable that steps will shortly he taken to connect the West and East Coasts of this island by rail. I think the scheme a good one, and, if carried out, likely to Xirove of advantage not only to Christchurch but to the colony at large. It will receive my earnest co-operation and supxiort. I have been asked my opinion on several occasous as to the desirability of withdrawing the honorarium paid to members of the Legislative Council. lam in favor of the honorarium being withdrawn from both Houses, and an allowance made for actual expenses. With respect to waste lauds now held under lease, I think it desirable at the expiration of the present lease that each property should be submitted to public auction. I think that it is desirable to establish differential rates ux>ou our railways, because I do not consider that it is just for the railwa3’s which pay to have the freights increased so as to make up for the loss sustained by those which do uot. The most important question of the day is doubtless the Native question. An ultimatum has been forwarded by the Government to Te Whiti, and pending the decision of the Natives, I tbiuk it as well to leave the matter alone. I may say, however, that lam glad to see Mr Bryce back again as head of the Native Department. I cannot say with my friend Mr Holmes that you have only heard one-third of my speech. Those of you who have known me for a long time know very well that I am a man of few words, and, judging from the experience of the last Parliament, it is uot so much speakers as workers that are wanted in the House. I have been in Canterbury for over thirty years, and have seen the province gradually converted from a wilderness into its x>resent civilised condition. I may indeed say that I have, to the best of my ability, assisted in making Christchurch what it is, and I hox>e to live to see the day when Christchurch will have become the first city in New Zealand—a position to which its resources and geographical position must inevitably raise it. I need scarcely remind you that the interests of the citizens of Christchurch are identical with my own. If you wish for an orator you must not return me, but if you believe that I liossess enough business capacity and honesty of pnrxiose to forward your interests in the Legislature of the country you will no doubt choose me as your rejiresentative. The Mayor intimated that Mr Anderson would answer any questions. A Gentleman in the body of the hall said that if returned, Mr Anderson was doubtless aware that be would not be allowed to read bis siteoches from paper. The Mayor said this was not a question. The gentleman was endeavoring to instruct Mr Anderson, which was notin order. The same gentleman asked Mr Anderson whether, being in the confidence of the Hall Ministry, he could say whether Mr C. C. Bowen was to be scut Home as stock agent ? [Laughter.] Mr Anderson said he knew nothing about this question. Another Elector asked whether Mr Anderson would seek for an inquiry as to the management of the Smmyside Asylum x>riorto Dr. HacoD a s appoint* ment.

Mr Anderson said be know nothing about this matter.

lu reply to another question as regarded the election of the Upper House, Mr Anderson said that the time would probably come who u the Upper House would be elective

In reply to a question—Did Sir Anderson reduce his men to suit the railway workshops rate of the Government P Mr Anderson said he raised or lowered the rate of waves of his men as h- thought proper, and not with regard to the Government or anybody else. As regarded whether he would write what took place when he came back from Wellington, they would see when they had sent him there. He might say that he was not prepared to state at present whether he would vote for an elective Upper House or not. As regarded the imposition of the property tax, which was said by some to be imposed twice over, they must recollect that the property changed hands quickly, and therefore the tax was not imposed as stated. He was in favor of grants being undo for free schools of art and science, established in every large city, so that the artizans might be as highlj* educated a* possible. Tho?e sc' ools would be of great use in educating their mechanics and artisans, and enabling them to spend their leisure hours in the acquirement of useful knowledge. As regarded the franchise, he was iu favor of the limitation of votes, but still he uni not think it would be wise to limit, a man of considerable menus to ouo vot- only. Ho did not tm?jk that property was over-re. ilseated at the preseuc time. In re-pect to the removal of the seat of Government to Christ eh nidi, lie was of opjnion that it should remain where it was. It unght be in a *ew years that it would have to come to Christchurch, but ho thoneht the time lud not yet come, aud the expense would be too great, besides the a .vautagj to Christchurch was problematical. [Cheers! Mr C. 0. Aik mail moved a vote of thanks and confidence to Mr Anderson. This was seconded by an elector in tho body of the Hall.

Mr C. Louisson moved as an amendment—'* That this meeting thanks Mr Anderson for his address ; and while recognising his good qualities as an estimable private citizen, is of oj iniou that he does not possess the necessary qualifications for representing the interests of this city in Parliament/* [Cheers ] Mr Cnlfiford seconded the amendment.

Mr J. P. Oliver wished to propose a further amendment, but was ruled out of order.

The amendment was then put aud lost. Mr J. P. Oliver moved—“ That the thanks of this meeting be accorded to Mr Anderson for his address this evening." Mr W. Auderson seconded this, which was put, but the Chairman could not get a vote on it. The Chairman then said he should put the resolution.

Mr James Struthcrs Williams moved a vote of thanks to Mr Anderson. The Chairman said that Mr Oliver had moved this, but no ore would vote on-it.

Mr Oliver then seconded Mr Williams’ motion, rhich was declared to be carried.

A vote of thanks to the Mayor for occupying the chair was carried, and the meeting terminated. At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr Holmes, who was loudly called for, said it would not be courteous on his part to speak that night, but he would take an early opportunity of criticising Mr Anderson's speech, with much of which he agreed, but from some of the prooositions laid down by him he decidedly dissented/ [Cheers.] He should address them that night week, when he hoped the hall would be full. [Cheers.] The assemblage then dispersed.

MESSES LEE AND WILSON AT EANGIOEA. On Thursday evening- Mr John Hodgson Lee, one of the candidates for the Kaiapoi district, met 350 of the electors in the Literary Institute Hall, Eangiora, and, by permission, Mr Isaac Wilson, another candidate, also addressed the meeting. Mr Lee, who met with a good reception, said that he intended to give a short outline of his views, and then leave the electors to ask questions upon other subjects which he might not touch. His reason for coming forward early was in order, as he was politically not known to them, that he might show he was not obliged to any other candidate for his ideas. He would begin by referring to the railways, and must go back to tne early state of the colony in order to give his reasons for taking up certain views which he held. The land in that part of the country was sold to the settlers at £2 per acre, a price double, and in many cases three or four limes as much as that which was given in other parts of this colony. This price was fixed because of the character of the country, the level nature of which rendered the construction of roads and railways easy and comparatively inexpensive. Now, when the scheme of public works was raised by Sir J. Vogel the conditions under which the railways were to be constructed were—first, they were to be debited with the cost of construction and working expenses, and were to pay interest on the borrowed capital at the same rate as the Government paid for it. Second, if the lines did not pay interest on that sum the district had to make up the deficit. How had these conditions been kept ? By the returns it would be seen that the Canterbury lines were making a profit of per cent., and as the Government rate of interest was 5 per cent., they were virtually paying 2i too much. In other words, then, if they were charged a third less on freights and passenger rates they would thus be paying on the proper proportion. Were the reduction made as indicated he contended that the [traffic would he largely increased, and the prosperity of the country would have an impetus given to it. He would aim at having the tariff regulated by the cost of construction and working exxieuses. and where the lines did not pay the districts should be made to assure the deficiency as he would propose later on. Lastly, he thought the railways outht to be managed by a directorate, of members partly elected by the people and partly nominated by the Government—one Board for the North and another for the South lines. Coming to local self-government, it was an unanimous feeling that they should manage their own local affairs on the spot, and so immediately control the expenditure ; therefore he proposed a scheme to provoke discussion, the outlines of which would include the Assembly having control of land. Customs, law, posts and telegraphs ; that the directorates in the North and South Islands should have charge of the railways, and every other matter should be locally managed. A simple form would be to let the districts or provinces coincide with the old provincial districts, and the government of them be managed by the chairmen of Read Boards and Mayors of boroughs, which would secure about the fairest representation it was possible to obtain. Respecting the public accounts, from the debt estimated at £30,000,000, could be deducted for cost of railways, and the £18,000,000 could be provided for, as well as the expenses of the General Government, by revenues from land. Customs, postal and telegraphs, which would more than meet the expenditure. He proposed presently to increase taxation; in another direction and reduce the existing Cnstems tariff. The funds of the local government should go to provide for schools, hospitals, asylums, Hoad Boards and so forth, as well as any deficiency on railway. To do this he advocated their having the power to fix the amount of rate of land, property, and income tax instead of the present tax. Of course this would be heavier than the present tax, but if the Customs duties were reduced, to balance the account, a change for the better, be submitted, would be brought about. As the tax would depend on the requirements of the district, the Government lands ought to be included in the taxation. It could recoup itself from the enhanced value of the lands when sold, and the residue would be funded to reduce the national debt. Regarding the protection ot local industries, while they had to hear in mind that a certain income was needed from the Customs, they must uot forget that as population increased so would the consumption and importation of dutiable Roods, therefore, if these imports were doubled, the duties at 7i per cent, should return as much as the 15 per cent., and the articles being therebj' cheapened, the conclusions were in favor of the consumption being increased. It behoved the Government not to increase the debt except for reproductive works, and the Customs duties should be reduced as the imports increased. The effect of protecting local industries was to lay increased taxes on the people. Owing to a protective tariff of protectivelarticles, the imports on these must naturally fall off, and additional duties were obliged to be imposed on other goods that were more largely brought into the country to maintain the revenue. The people, he contended, had to pay more for the protected articles and also for other goods on which duties were so collected. He was in favor of encouraging local industries, if, in the production of their articles, they could compete with other countries, but not by a protective tariff. Competition was the life of trade, and with lower duties they would have cheap goods from those parts of their empire in which they could be produced at the most reasonable prices. As an agricultural country, they must find a market outside for surplus produce, and when fonnd they must retain it. Now, bis idea was that they, the farmers, should resist the imposition of any enlargement of the customs duties which would cause England or any other country with whom they wished to maintain commercial relationship to retaliate by imposing duties on their produce, which duties would fall on the grower or producer, which might mean ruin in the end to them. He was not rigidly pledged to these views, but he desired to remind the constituency that he should support any Government which went more or less in the direction indicated. Respecting special settlements, he was in favor of granting to sons of settlers in New Zealand the same privileges of taking up land in these settlements as the immigrants, on the ground that those who helped themselves ought to be helped, and they sbonld provide for their own people first. From the game laws in England a deal of misery had arisen, and, speaking for himself, the hares were doing a lot of damage, and he should be in favor of shooting them off. He thanked them for their attention, and was prepared to answer questions. Here he bad to say that he was not in collusion with any one in the hall to put questions. tu reply to Mr Eobilliard, he said that the Natives were entitled to a full consideration of their claims, but at the present juncture it seemed impolitic to discuss the action of the Ministry.— To Mr Ellis: He was uot pledged to support the Roman Catholic view of the education question, but favored the present system, with the addition : of capitation grants to schools open to Government inspectors in the larger cities, whether established by Weslcyaus or churches of any denomination.— To Mr Ellis : He did not favor Hare's system of representation.—To Mr Evans : He was not in favor of cancelling all publicans’ licenses at the end of a term of say three or five years. Was in favor of compel’.sating. If they chose to send men who took too much drink at Bellamy’s the remedy rested with the electors. —To Mr Mulliu; He was uot in favor of an Act to control Good Templar lodges, which were doing an amount of good in the country —To Mr Good : He was uot favorable to an elective Upper House. —To Mr Boyd : He would vote against payment to members of the Upper House if elected to represent property. —To Mr Luxton: He thought gram should only be weighed by the railways where mostt visable.—To Mr McGrath : If the runs were cu i and valued they could be sol by auction, souni paid down, and the balance of purchase remaining.! mortgage at 5 per cent.—To Mr Mullin: He li: not see how the scheme of a national bank was proposed to be carried out. Mr Wilson next came forward, and said he had been induced to stand for election on a requisition, presented. It had boon said that requisitions wore not required, but all lie could say was that had he not been requested in that way be should not have been before them, as he bad really no desire to come out In a few weeks one of them would be elected to go to the Assembly ana be grumbled at for three years, and the other would go back to his home in peace. Of the two, he somehow thought he preferred the latter, but if they elected him, he would do his best for the colony and their interests. Ho considered that if anyone could spare the time to assist in benefiting the people he ought to do it. If elected he did not pledge himself to support any Government, though the Hall Ministry had done very well, and great good was likely to result from their administration. Referring to the railway question, he said that it was a mistake to esx>ect them to pay directly. In-

directly they must pay largely in the development of fanning and mineral industries. Some persona contended that to remove Id per bushel oil the carriage of grain would increase that traffic on the lines. Now ho contended that such reduction would not incroise the growing of grain. He looked oft the lines as main roads; no one over talked. or making the latter pay tho deficiencies iu c-ist Oi construction. The railway charges were made up of terminal, mileage and wharfage rates. The latter at Is 6d per ton was too high, and ought to be reduced to Is, and the deficiency made up from some other source. He was in favor of a rej>reselitativo of the Ashley county being elected on the Lyttelton Harbor Board. Respecting steam service*, he was opposed to the subsidy on the service with America tUI that country took its share of the cost, but was favorable to a anbsidy of £3osoo a year for a direct service with their own country, Lugland. Some persons said that there was no meat trade to establish, but if it was tried the trade could soou be started, and failing That they could always scud grain direct. Nothing would do more to brill!? ont a good class of agvicultnrul settlors than srich a service. Ho approved of tbo principles 80 far as bo had entered into their lueniiinu or the Kail way Construction Bill, ns a largo portion of shares ih railways would, he hoped, be subscribed for by foreign capital. It was important to finish the trunk line, and this might bo done gradually. He was favorable to the members of drainage ioards being elected by tho people. Tho number ■of members ot the Assembly . nght to bo reduced to shrtv, by which means a hotter class of men would f>o obtained. He was averse to the land tax, bnt agreed with the property tax and tho Customs -duties for the purpose of raising tho bulk of tbo revenue. He rather objected to an income tax •as a tax on tho iudnstrions man, who would “have to pay as much in proportion ns a lazy anau. He was favorable to tho present education system, but a Government which opened its sessions with prayer and founded its laws on the principles ot the Bible ought to allow it to bo used iu tho schools. The importation of Chinese was an evil, the present Act not goiug far enough. Duly one Chinaman should he admitted to every 101 tons of shipping. They were had colonists, aud, but for commercial treaties, he’should object to them altogether. The Native question was ono upon which ho would not detain 'them long, bnt bis impressions were that grants of It facres of land to tho original owners of tho country|were not enongh, and not a liberal grant with land selling at only £2 per aero. Tho local ■option question was a very important one. He was fnot a Templar, hnt he admired their progress, and rom a financial point ot view, considered that they were vastly heuefitting society and tho State. When over £2,000,000 was expended annually in drink, which the majority of consumers could not afford to pay for, it was time to interfere and sweep the nuisance away, which, if aooomplis ed, ■would make the colony ono of tho happiest in the ■world. He was told that he hud all the publicans against him hut they oven iu cooler moments must admit tho force of his he was always sorry to see yonug men of ability and energy going into that pernicious trallic. Free trade were words which pleased every Englishman. England, having a large population, wanted to see it encouraged, but at tuis side of the world tho question had to be looked at iu a different way. He was iu favor of free trade, if they could get along with it, bnt iu order to onconrago tho industries of the country and promote tho well being of tho persons who had come to reside here, it was necessary to look at tho question of free trade from a different stand point. Some have raised an argument about tho homo country taxing wheat as a ■ set off on the duties hero, bnt ho should ho glad to see tho day when they would be able to cous-'ine it all here. He was in favor of the present tariff, under which industries might get along fairly well. He deprecated tho idea of going to tho excess America had with protection. It had boon said that if their industries were protected those connected with their factories would bo assisted to wealth, bat wbat of that H When the wealthy man would bay his requisites and spend his money iu the place, it was hotter than sending ont their grain to merchant princes in London, who reaped the advantage by its sale. He thought Government had made a mistake in returning the 10 per cent, on the higher salaries. Comparing tho cost of surveys with the land revenue, he thought the surveys cost ont of all proportion to tho income. Ho did not see what was wanted with new systems of government. Why did,they not adopt tho Counties Act ? The drainage system of the country ncefied attention, and steps ought to be taken to legalise existing public drams, Pensions, as affecting persons still in tho prime of life, ho was opposed to ; they ought to be reserved for tho aged, infirm, or persons suffering from injuries. He denied coming forward iu the interests ot the Kiuapoi Woollen Company, or that he received any salary from that concern.

la reply to Mr E. Evans, ho said he objected to Bellamy’s, and thought that place had assisted the recent *' stonewalling.” Public works having given an increased value to some large properties, they ought to be subjected to increased taxation.—To Mr Ellis: When the industries were fairly established he would favor the lessening of the Customs duties.—To Captain Parsons; A similar reply. Ho would be prepared to tax imported flour and barley. The New Zealand flour was good enough for any one, and if any one wanted to import fl ur, then it ought to be made hot for them. Ho was opposed to game laws protecting hares, bat not as protecting pheasants —To Mr E. M. Wright: Tho train charges for special trains to Oddfellows’ picnics should have his attention, though his experience was that those enjoying the luxury of a special train, which perhaps interfered with other traffic, should not have them free of expense.—To Mr Boyd: He should have to consider the question of constructing more lines, but was opposed to political railways.—To Captain Parsons: He did not expect the West Coast railway to pay except it was xuade on imported capital, for which only alow rate of interest would be asked. To Mr Mullin: He did not com© to support the Bank of New Zealand, though that institution and tho Loan Company had done a deal of good for the colony. Captain Parsons moved a vote of thanks in complimentary terms to Mr Lee, whom he expected to be elected by a large majority. Mr W. Sansom, jun., seconded, and tho motion was carried.

Mr H. Boi’d moved, Mr W. Kilcher seconded a vote of thanks to Mr Wilson, which was put and carried.

The candidates replied, and proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, which was carried, and the meeting, which was a most orderly one, separated.

MR PERYMAN AT PRE3BLETON. ' Mr H. W. Peryman, who is a cand date far the representation of Line fin in the General Assembly, addreised a meeting of the electors of that distiict in the Prebbleton schoolroom last evening. About sixty persons were present On the motion of Mr Peryman, Mr James Maskrey was voted to tho chair, and briefly introduced the candidate, bespeaking him a fair and patient hearing. Mr Peryman, who, on rising was well received, said that he felt considerable trepidation in coming before them that evening, as hitherto he had only listened to political speeches, which was ranch easier than having to make them. He did not come before them as a finished orator or wi h excellence of speech, hut to explain his views as flueufiy as ha was able on the topics of the day, more particularly -.fleeting them as agriculturists. He need hardly toll them that the Heathcote electoral district had been divided, and now they were in a po ition to return a member of their own. He had hoard before the Representation Bill had become law that a requisition was being i igned asking him to represent them, but he felt than an abler man than himself should be selected. Thus thinking, he wrote to Mr John Tosswill, but that gentleman pleaded press of brsiness, and wished him (Mr Peryman) to come forward. He then asked Mr Gammaok if he intended coming forward, but received a negative reply and wishes of success. Therefore ho was now before them as a candidate for the Assembly. He had begun on the lowest rung of the ladder in tbe'r service, viz., on the school committee, then on the Hoad Board, next in the Solwyn County Council, and also on the Board of Education ; but he recognised that the position to which he now aspired ■was vastly different to any of these, as it meant serving the whole colony. Ho had also filhd a position of honor under Gore Brown, and always, he trusted, with credit to himself. He would do his very best in their service if elected. He would go as an independent member. While, however, the Hall Government acted as it had done, particularly during the past session, it would receive his support. He would not represent his own views, but those of the district, and he would vote against anything for its detriment. During tho session of Parliament just closed, the Hall Government had passed several good measures, for which they deserved every credit. As regarded the Representation Bill, it may bo said that ninety members were too many, as tho old proverb that " too many cooks spoil the broth ” might ■be quoted ; but to that ho would reply with another proverb, that “ in the multitude of councillors there is wisdom.” Kepresentation •on a population basis was, he felt convinced, tho best. As property representation had been quoted to him, ho found on reference that each North Island member would represent property • to tho value of ,£2836, whilst in the South Island . it was £2797. This, ho thought, was as fair as could be. The railway tariff as affecting produce was excessive, and by it agriculturists were heavily taxed. Daring tho past year 125,000 tons of agricultural produce had gone through to Lyttelton. This was exclusive of tallow, &c., and this had cost them £62,500. He would try to get these rates reduced one-third, and thus save £20,000 to tho farming interest. This state of things required amendment, seeing that in Melbourne the railways had cost double those of Canterbury, whilst their charges were about half of what obtained here. Ho would charge a preferential ;rate on political lines, no part of tho cost of which should be saddled on those paying working expenses. Indeed, he thought that all railways not pajing 5 per cent, should have the adjacent lands taxed to make up tho deficit. As a .proof that the railway charges required readjustment, he would quote an instance where a cargo of cement, cwing to a rate of £1 17a 2d (as vide class C) being demanded for its carriage by rail from Lyttelton to Timaru, was taken by steamer to Dunedin, thenco transhipped intc another-steamer and sentto Timaru at a cost of 17s 6d per ton. Through this .cause the Government lost £3CO profit on ono iransaction. Ho thought the time had come for the appointment of a Minister of Agriculture. To this could be added Minos, as he thought both could go together. This appointment was necessary to enable agriculturists to get information, as new no returns could bo obtained from Mr Back, who was not at liberty to give returns of any particular line of railway, but only as a whole. Steam communication direct with England came next in importance, and no delay should occur in getting it started as soon as possible, as frozen meat, butter and cheese, and perhaps potatoes, could bo sent home. A commission bad sat on this question at Wellington last session. In its report it was stated that six steamships of about 4.000 tons would bo required, the Government to invito tenders Soi the service, guaranteeing 6 per cent, on on

nraonnt of money not exceeding one million lie would read them statistics of the tonnage end v uuo of tho exports of tho past year. [Read J It waa said that eighteen months would be required to initiate the service, but ho thought six months ample time, and it was estimated that 500 eons of frozen meat would bo sent by this line ot steamers monthly, which would benefit the colony to a very great extent. This lino would absorb the New Zealand cargo now coming by steam to Melbourne, and the mail service, diverted from via San Francisco, would alas bo a large source of profit. The property tax was on a proper basis. Although ho had beard in town that a land and income tax were preferable, for his part ho obi cted to an income tax as inquisitorial. [Hear, hear J Ho hoped that the present rate of taxation would not last for ever ; that the Government would livewitnin its means, and if needs bo, cut down tho Civil Service to that cud as too much of tho money raised by taxation was wasted in that way, and kept cligu lo set.lers away from these shores ;bo pension li-t last year represented £2l,2iU This meant interest on nearly half ti million of money. To his idea, pensions should only be granted to really deserving persons, and not to the brothers and cousins of those in power He hoped in future that this list would only bo worthily added to. As regarded tho Legislative Council, he believed that it should be an elective, not a nominated body. It should bo elected by men, not sheep. He thought that if a certain number retired each ye ,r, they could bo gradually replaced, ins‘ead ot all being elected at once. An elective Upper House was not a new idea, as tho Legislative Council in South Australia were elected. He hoped whoever they elected would look to that. He would be in favor of giving more power to Hoad Boards and County Councils, who should bo enabled to raise their own taxes. The East and West Coast Railway Bill had his entire sympathy, and he looked forward to it ns a means ot developing the resources of that portion of tho colony. Educational committees should have more power than at present to settle little matters now referred to the Board of Education. All Acts relating to law should be consolidated and law cheapened, and much of the cumbrous legislature affecting it swept away and a simple law not capable of two interpretations passed. As for the Maori question, the Natives must bo made amenable to the law, and ho hoped that they woald retire to their lands and live peaceably. Ho quite agreed with the recent proclamation. In conclusion, he said that if they elected him he would do his best for them, and if defeated he would return to his farm and again lead a quiet life. Mr Perjman resumed his seat amidst much cheering. Iu reply to questions, Mr Peryman said that he would support the present Government generally, but would not give them a thick and thin support. In the case of a want of confidence motion, his action would depend upon what it hinged. It ho were convinced that bettor men had a majority he would support them, but ho should want to be quite sure that they were better men. He was not aware that a million of money borrowed by the Grey Government remained unspent. On the contrary, he thought that a debt of .£600,000 existed. If the million was in hand, of course the Government should have initiated public works to employ every laborer possible. Personally, he was iu favor ot reading the Bible in sch iols without note or comment. and any alteration of the Act in that direo ion would have his support. All gaols and prisons should be inspected. The time had arrived for tho establishment of manufactories all over the colony. Ho was a freetrader, hut some industries required protection that should he gradually eased off. It would be unwise to shift the scat of Government to Christchurch till the railway system was fully extended. If tho Hall Government let agricu tural land in 5000 acre blocks, he would oppose it. Immigrants we'e not needed at present, saving a few capitalists. He would oppose free immigration As to tho policy of the Hall Government driving people out of the colony, it waa not so ; it was the action of tho Grey Government that led to it That was cat and dried before the present Government came into power, by which the colony wis flooded with people, tho wages reduced, tho place swamped, and brought to tho verge of ruin. As to the colonial indebtedness, a long pull and a strong pull and the resources of the colony would carry it through, but no more money must bo borrowed from home, and if any was raised in the colony, it must ba carefully expended on arterial lines of railway to open up its resources. He would not abolish the honorarium to tho Assembly, as many good men would be lost to the House. He would 1 compensate hotelkeepers deprived of licenses through local option, and through no fault of the licensee. He would oppose the opening of public houses on Sundays. Ho was opposed to a land tax except, as stated by a Christchurch candidate, to be progressive to big estates to compel the employment of so mncii labor. On the motion of Mr Joseph Haydon, seconded by Mr J. W. Anderson, a very hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Peryman and duly acknowledged, he agreeing with the mover that they should show their confidence at the ballot-box. A similar compliment to the chairi man brought the proceedings to a close.

fPBBSB ASSOCIATION TBLBQEAMS ] AUCKLAND, October 21. Mr Tole announces himself for Eden. Mr Tbeo. Cooper, jun., is spoken of for City West. WELLINGTON, October 21. Mr Russell, a candidate for Foxton, addressed the Otaki electors last night, and was well received.

DUNEDIN, October 21. Captain Baldwin retires from the contest for Dunedin East, having to visit the home country. Mr J. A. Barr, soli-fitor, declines to stand for Eoslyn.