POST- AND PRE-SESSIONAL ADDRESS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2968, 7 May 1886, Page 3

POST- AND PRE-SESSIONAL ADDRESS.

MR R. J. SEDDON AT DILLMAN’S TOWN. Mr E. J. Seddon, M.H.E., addressed a public meeting of his constituents at the Public Hal), Dillman’s Town, las! evening. There was a moderate attendance, it being wet! known that i\lv Seddon would give another address at Kumara on Saturday. On the motion of Mr James Holmes, Mr Fergus Bnrrownum was called to the chair. The following is a brief summary of Mr Seddon's speech, which wc purpose publishing in a more complete form, in one issue, with his utterances on Saturday. Mr Seddon stated that the only redeeming feature of legislation last session was the Lands and Hospitals and Charitable Aid Acts. After the defeat of the Government on the Tariff proposals, the Premier (the Hon. Mr Stout) made up his mind to resign ; hut fifty-two members said “In tin; interest of New Zealand, do not resign.” Mr Stout thereupon reluctantly gave way, and in doing so stated that he felt lie was sacrificing personal and political reputation. With regard to Captain Russell’s resolutions, he considered that gentleman was actuated by economic and party considerations. The results proved the whole thing to be a wellplanned scheme to stop half a million of money from being expended on public works, but with the same money to purchase political non-paying district railways. The majority of the nu mbers who voted for Captain Russell's resolutions voted also for District the Railways Purchasing Act. The Government had signally failed to redeem their pledge to relieve the mining industry from the excessive taxation imposed." On the contrary they had, by the Stamp Act of last session, increased the -h-mges on transfers of mining pvopeitirs by GOO per cent. He was against excessive borrowing. The State should refuse io register mortgages on Dud where the interest charged exceeded S ner cent. He was in favour of Land and Income Tax. At present lie was a face lance. The Ministry, as constituted, p: event party lines being properly defined. At the coming session, if tbo policy of the Government met with his approved was prep trod *o give them his independent support. On the other hand, if the Government refused to disclose a policy or propounded o policy mat---,-.. nist ic to his political principles he would vote against them. The speech was listen-d t-i with great attention, maiufcstaimus ot approval

being not (infrequent, and at its close, on the mot ion of Mr W. Mon is, seconded by Mr J. Wiidridge, a vote of thunks and confidence was unanimously carried, th-Te bein'; not a single dissentient. A vote of thanks to tiie chairman, carried by acclamation, closed the proceedings.