MR SEDDON AT THE THEATRE ROYAL.

Kumara Times, Issue 1459, 1 June 1881, Page 2

MR SEDDON AT THE THEATRE ROYAL.

Mr Seddon addressed the electors at the Theatre Royal on Monday evening last. The chair was occupied by his Worship the Mayor, who in a few words introduced the speaker, Mr Seddon commenced his remarks by referring to the events of the last session. He blamed no one in particular, but members did not do thenduty. They had sat for sixty-four days and done very little. He had supported the principle of Local Option. He disapproved of the conduct of Native aflairs. Charitable aid and hospital subsidies were not in a satisfactory condition. He objected to increase in the number of local bodies. Funds should be provided from the consolidated fund, and be locally distributed. Thirty millions of money had been borrowed, and only three millions paid back in interest and sinking fund. Local bodies had borrowed five millions. The imports of the colony for the past financial year were onethird more than the exports for the same period. The gold duty .was an unfair tax, and it should be either repealed or a duty should be put on wool. There was altogether too much government in New Zealand, no less than eight hundred governing bodies being in existence. He hoped

that the Government would yet be able to carry through the Local Public Works Bill introduced last session. With regard to the influx of the Chinese into the colony, he was of opinion that it should be restricted. Chinamen made bad colonists, and did no real good to the country. He did not agree with the principle of the bill introduced on the subject, because it meant total prohibition, but supported it because he thought it might be amended. He had nearly a quarter of a century’s experience of the gold-fields, and was of opinion that it would be better for ground to lie idle for years than be worked by Chinamen. Were they our equals 1—No; they did not contribute their share in taxation. As to the question of local industries, the Commission appointed last year did not visit Westland, which was an injustice. At present, children were growing up, and there were no trades to put them to. Next session it would have to be decided who should rule the colony. On the whole he thought the Government entitled to the thanks of the community ; but their finance was not sound. The Public Works policy had been wrongfully carried out. As to local matters, he might refer to the expenditure on the sludge-channel, but it was necessary that there should be further water-supply, A large proportion of the money voted for water-races had been employed on works suggested more for political purposes than public utility. With regard to the land question, it was ridiculous to ask £2 per acre for what was worth hardly anything. A tax on land was the fairest that could be imposed. The Property Tax was wrong as it existed, and should be repealed. He was free aud untrammelled as regarded party. He thought that representation should I’emain as it was at present; population should be the main basis in fixing the representation of the colony. He did not believe in the tactics of the Opposition, and they had no policy. Mr Seddon resumed his seat amidst applause. In answer to a question, the honorable member said he considered £6 too much for a bush license. Mr Campbell, in a short speech, moved a vote of confidence in Mr Seddon. Mr HANNA recotided the I’esolution. Mr Bahff briefly addressed the meeting with regard to Mr Seddon’s statement as to water-supply, money being spent in jobbety for the benefit of individuals, and referred to the fact that Mr Seddon himself had tried to get a Government subsidy for Porter and party’s tunnel, in which he himself held a share. Mr Campbell’s resolution was then carried unanimously. Mr Seddon returned thanks, and, in reply to Mr Banff’s remarks, stated that any ovrespondence he had with Government might be placed on the Theatre door.

The proceedings then terminated