The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1880.

Kumara Times, Issue 1136, 20 May 1880, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1880.

The post-cum-ante-sessional addresses of members to their constituents are at all times a matter not only of moment to the speakers themselves, but more especially to those who form tbe audience, as much may be' gathered from the style, delivery, and acquaintance of the -speakers with the subjects that form the threads of their discourses, and tbe weight that would be attached to their utterances in the House of which they are members as the people’s representatives. During the past week the electors of this district have been favored with the maiden account of the stewardship of the two members representing them in the Assembly, and although those two honorable gentlemen agree in their views of various matters in some respects, yet in others there is a want of unity existing. On tbe main question, and one we opine that every person who gives the master one moconsideration will agree, is one Ifoat touches. their, pockets—the financial positidh of tbe colony—we find Mr Sejddqq giring a moat Iqcid explanation, qud very justly admitting that the deficit in. this respect , is mainly attributable to the actions of the late Governmenf, although at the same time, with a pardonable attempt to extenuate the brie chiefly ‘ implicated, he points out thafc the late Colonial Treasurer had a multiplicity of duties, to which it was impossible for him to attend. Even, however, under these, if extenuating ciiepfaastances, Mr. Seddon is of opinion most rigid economy will be necessary on the part of the present Government to again give anything like’ a- healthy appearance to colonial finance. . On referring to the speech of his,colleague, Mr Reid, we find that this subject (and probably very wisely on (he part of the speaker) is in no way alluded to; but, at the same time, the omission is more than counterbalanced by an account of the imaginary grievances Westland has sustained at the hands of the Hall Ministry, with a peroration thrown in on the good qualities, personal friendship, statesmanly ability, and ministerial aptitude of the very man who has plunged this colony into an abyss of financial degradation. Then, again, as to the loans, Mr Seddon very plainly expresses his opinion that the accommodating resources of the Home market should be taxed to the fullest extent; and on this point we coincide—had this been carried out, he argues the present depression throughout the colony would have been averted, as when the money market was. easy .£8,000,000 could probably hav been obtained on similar terms to £3,500,000; but, under the present circumstances, the Government have only borrowed tbe smaller amount, with a provision that they should not go into the market again for a period of three years. This again being a question of finance, bis colleague, Mr Reid, is mute thereon. In regard to the Auckland compact, the Property Tax, the District Railways, and the Redistribution of Seats Bills, we find both honorable gentlemen holding somewhat similar views, as also on the reduction of the gold duty and miners’ rights. In reference, however, to the latter subject, and without wishing to detract from Mr Reid’s merits as a politician, the question naturally arises, on what grounds does Mr Seddon’s colleague form his opinions on a matter that purely appertains to a mining community 1 Had Mr Reid made himself in any way conversant with the daily labor of the majority of his constituents and by personal intercourse become acquainted with their wishes.

then we could at once understand his capability to express a decided opinion on this subject. But we may take the liberty of pointing out to the honorable gentleman that, as one of the'represeutatives of the largest remunerative goldfield in the colony, the least that can be reasonably expected is that he should have some slight knowledge of the district he represents ; and that knowledge is hardly obtainable through the medium of a hurried visit on the day of his election to the position he now occupies, and a persistent absence therefrom ever since. Turning, again, to the late speeches of Messrs Reid and Seddon, and deducting from their respective remarks the policy that will guide their footsteps in fighting the battles of their constituents during the ensuing session of Parliament, we can but come to the conclusion that id Mr Reid Sir George Grey will have a staunch supporter, and one who is so clearly infatuated with the great proconsul that even in the interests of the district he represents, the Hall Ministry need expect but little support at his hands. Mr Seddon, who was also returned in the Grey interests intimated very plainly in his address to his constituents in this town his future course of action, as follows:—" In the interests of the colony he considered it not advisable that Sir George Grey should lead the Opposition, but at the same time if no one else was found, he should be prepared to again,giye him his support. However, he .went to the House on this occasion as their, representative intending to follow no leader blindly, Jnit, as an independent member, prepared to support or vote against the Government in the interests of the district, and tbe colony. He would say that neither he nor the people of .thjs district had,any, cause of complaint against tjie present Government, as in carrying j>nt the details they yvere even superior; to their predecessors.” Plain, straightforward, and to the purpose are Mr Seddon’s opinions relative to both sides of the House; arid on whichever side we find him eventually ranked, we have but little doubl tHe result will be a benefit to the district generally. ' “ '