MR. MANDERS AT QUEENSTOWN.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 214, 17 May 1865, Page 2

MR. MANDERS AT QUEENSTOWN.

On the 10th instant Mr Manders addressed the electors for the goldfields at the Commercial Hall. The meeting was called for 8 o'clock, but was not opened till halfpast owing to sone difficulty in getting a chairman. Mr Guthrie was eventually elected. The meeting was well attended. The Chairman, after explaining the object of the meeting, introduced the candidate. Mr Manders said, in appearing before them that evening to solicit their suffrages as a representative of the goldfields in the House of Representatives, he believed the difficulty of obtaining a chairman was owing to something applying to himself personally —because it might entail some unpleasant remarks, in consequence of the active part he had taken in political matters in his known connexion with the Press. If such was the case he would say, not with him but with others would remain the blame. Since Captain Baldwin retired|he had waited patiently until the last moment hoping to see a good man come forward, but in vain. However anxious he might have been that such a candidate would come forward, he only saw one who had done so, and whose views were limited and superficial. He did not believe in candidates coming forward who had but a short experience on the goldfields, and rather than see such men disgrace them in the House he would throw himself in the breach. (A Voice—" Name") It was not his intention to mention the candidate now, but if they would allow him to finish his address he should be happy to answer any questions afterwards. He made the statement on behalf of the goldfields, and would repeat that it was not right that those who did not understand the wants and requirements of the goldfields should sit as their representative in the House of Assembly. He had not come forward voluntarily, but he was not going to stand gaping on and see the goldfields not represented but misrepresented in a Colonial Parliament—second only peihaps to the Canadian Legislature. If the goldfields were represented by ignorance, and, to use a familiar expression, a "New Chum," how could they claim any consideration at the hands of the Assembly. He would now proceed to express his views on the political topics most likely to come under the consideration of the Assembly, and he would not say like some, in answer to questions, the Provincial Council has to do with this and the General Assembly with that, but would give distinct answers to any questions that might be asked of him. The General Government had, until lately, the whole control of the goldfields, but now a porticn of them—Otago—-had been handed over to the guidance of the Provincial Council. He considered that, under present circumstances, this was a step in the right direction, as ifc established local self-govern-ment and prevented unnecessary delays. He considered that tne goldfields would be under the control of their representative in the Provincial Council, and a new election would give the goldfields influence in it. The Government says the present war and other matters claim their entire attention. He also considered if a goldfield had any grievance a member for the goldfields should be able to bring it forward and obtain a redress, or at least a patient hearing. He could only do so if he possessed ability and knew their requirements.The goldfields generally and this district especially had been shamefully and unjustly treated, because under the control of a delegated authority vested in the Superintendent and an irresponsible Goldfields Secretary, and thought that members in the Assembly would be anxious to attend to the wishes of the goldfields if expressed by an able member or one capable of bringing forward measures of benefit to the goldfields. Want of representation was the great evil; they had only two members in the Assembly, and at the present time the increased representation only applied to three towns—Tuapeka, Clyde and Queenstown, and that in the Provincial Council and not the Assembly. The present Assembly would terminate after the present session, and, probably, the increased interests of the goldfields should be brought prominently forward when the increase of members to the various Provinces was being considered. He fully believed that justice would be equitably distributed both in the Assembly and in the Provincial Council. He was quite certain a better system of Government was dawning on the goldfields. Another matter would be brought forward in the Assembly. He alluded to the gold duty, which was a special tax on the hardest working portion of the community. It was not a sound tax, but he hardly knew how it could be done away with at the present time as the war expenses pressed so heavily on the colony. The General Assembly or the Governor had, however, the control of this matter, and though favorable to the abolition of the tax he was not going to curry favor with them by saying he would endeavor to procure the sudden withdrawal of it They must for a time submit to the burden, and, indeed, to fresh taxation, but he should nevertheless contend that it was an unjust tax and one which should be removed entirely at the earliest possible period. However he saw no objection to another special tax, viz., one on wool and he thought that this would be a fair and equitable tax. He thought that the subject of a duty on wool would receive consideration at the hands of the Assembly and that the matter

would be brought forward. If lie had the honor to be elected he should direct the attention of the Assembly to the matter, and it would come with a peculiar grace from a goldfields member who could use powerful arguments. The next point he would touch upon was the Land system. A series of resolutions had lately been discussed or had passed the Provincial Council, but which had yet to pass the Assembly. He thought, on the whole, they were favorable, although open to some objections. The people were so sick of hearing interminable discussions on the subject that he would not go into the subject much. He was of opinion that as lengthened tenure was to be given the pastoral tenants, leases or a deferred system of payment might be introduced under certain stipulation into these resolutions, and he was prepared so to move in the Assembly upon very strong grounds. It would be an equitable arrangement, although the Assembly might not perhaps view it in the same light. He would, therefore, advocate the introduction of a more equitable arrangement, such as the leasing system in the Victorian measure; but to say that such could be done by any action would be ridiculous. If it could be done, however, he would advocate it. If they wished a more detailed expression of his views on this point he would unreservedly give them at the termination of his address in answer to any questions that might be put. Another matter that would engage a great portion of the time of the present Assembly would be the Native question. He had carefully examined and watched the progress of events, and he was a supporter to some extent of the principles laid down in a Blue Book issued by the Weld Ministry, as to the way in which the war should be conducted for the future. It was right that they should know the views of even a single member, so important was the subject to hiiik and ihe colonists generally. The war I hid been sadly conducted, and a large military force had been brought into the field to do what a more active militia force could have accomplished in far less time and at far less ex* pense. The colonists were saddled with immense burdens in consequence of the procrastination of this war. There were, at present, 10,000 or 11,000 troops to support, and they were paying more in proportion to it than the rest of the colonists. While thus paying so heavily and the war still going on on the same principles, they could hardly expect much' attention to be paid to the gold' fields though they were daily increasing in importance and value. Hie speaker dwelt at some length on this part of his address, and concluded by saying that it must be left to a member to docide what course he should take in this matter, but he thought that the sooner the colonists, took the conduct of the war into their own hands the betters There was another question which had lately become prominent and was likely to become more so, and that was the subject of the Chinese. He would say, if they like to come let them come in the same manner as those of other nations. Our ports were open to them; but he would not act like some who got up agitations and desired to form deputations to send to Victoria to wait upon the Chinamen and say, " John, do come, there's a good fellow, we have plenty of gold and other good things." At the same time he would place no barrier to their migration here, yet he held their introduction should be discouraged in eveiy way. The British dominions should be free to the ingress and egress of all nations, but he trusted that not only the Province but the colony would Ibe saved from the taint of a Chinese—Asiatic—population. He had done all in his power to prevent deputations being sent to encourage their introduction. He thought these matters with the Customs revenue would be all the subjects touched upon by the Assembly during the present session; of course he did not exclude such important topics as Separation, the Provincial loan system, and others of their class. He did not think the present tariff equitable and just; it pressed too heavily on the hardy pioneers of settlement. They could not look for a great reduction in the taxation of the colonists, but they could have a re-distribution upon a fairer system, and he was in favor of a revision of the tariff. At present the main burden fell on the industrial classes, and he should be able from his long experience to point out how the present Customs duties were detrimental to all classes, whether rich or poor, the agriculturist, the miner, the capitalist. On the question of Separation he was totally opposed to the immediate creation of the North and South Islands. Nothing was to be gained by splitting up of communities but much to be lost. The question would receive attention, but he thought they had already a Middle Island Government in the Weld Ministry. These changes were very prejudicial, and he held the views of Mr Fitzgerald on this subject, viz., that the Provincial system was not the obsolete and expensive one keen Separationists urged. They would gain better results by unity and pulling together. He would in some points increase the powers of Provincial Councils, and, by extending the representative basis, the country districts would have a fair control over their interests. Let Queenstown have her Town Board and she would be better able to conduct her affairs than all the Provincial Councils residing in Dunedin could do. With Road Boards, &c., they would obtain local self-government, and on a larger scale. The Provincial system was local selfgovernment. Miners themselves, if asked,

would say, " Give us local powers." He was, therefore, in favor of local municipal institutions and one collective General Government for the colony of New Zealand. The speaker illustrated his arguments at some length. He had now given the general sketch of some of those matters that were likely to come before the Assembly, and he should be happy to answer any questions that might be put to him.

Mr Crofts apologised for objecting to take the chair when proposed in the earlier part of the evening, and wished to say that he did so from no ill-feeling or discourtesy to Mr Manders, but from a desire to see an abler man in the chair, and to save a repetition of the farce of the other night when another candidate appeared before them. Mr Guthrie apologised in the same strain. Mr Powell noticed in Mr Manders' address that he stated if he saw a better man than himself in the field from this district he would be glafi to make way for him. Now, only a little while since he said, both privately and publicly, he would be happy to support Mr Bradshaw, and would retire in his favor if he came forward. Did he consider Mr Bradshaw a better man, and would he retire in his favor ?

Mr Manders would have been happy to have retired some time ago in favor of Mr Bradshaw if that gentleman came up to his political ideas. His intention had been not to stand, but as influential solicitations were made to him, and not finding Mr Bradshaw coming forward, he consented to do so. Mr Powell did not consider that an answer. The candidate knew Mr Bradshaw's principles well enough. Did he consider Mr Bradshaw a better man than himself?

Mr Manders would yield to no man in a knowledge of the requirements of the goldfields and the principles connected therewith, and he should certainly, under the present circumstances, contest the election even if Mr Bradshaw came forward.

Mr Savage wished to ask if the candidate was in favor of leasing auriferous ground for mining puiposes? Mr Manders was not in favor of leasing virgin ground, but would certainly grant leases in old or abandoned ground, and which would not pay individual labor by the ordinary means. Mr Shepherd—Are you in favor of leases being granted for untried ground, such as quartz reefs ? Mr Manders—Decidedly not, to any large extent

a Mr Shepherd put this question because he had noticed in the paper that an application Had been made for 15 acres of a quartz reef at Skippers, and it seemed that the leasing of quartz reefs was becoming very common in the district It was nothing but a monopoly, and he thought that the sooner such a practice was put a stop to the better. Capitalists were coming from down country and taking up acres of the quartz reefs at Skippers, merely to make a market of them. They wanted to get a lease, form a company, get plant on the ground, &c., and then would turn thousands of pounds into their pockets, to the detriment of the working miner and the injury of the district generally. Mr Manders was certainly not in favor of leases, except of ground that was not remunerative by ordinary means. There was any amount of such ground on the Shotover. He would admit of no monopoly or jobbery. Mr Shepherd would like to make another remark, as it would go forth in the press, and might be of service. Mr Aylmer, the warden at Maori Point, had a discretionary power in the matter, and he trusted that gentleman would discourage the granting of leases of the reefs at Skippers. The leasing regulations were never intended to apply to quartz reefs, and if they were allowed a capitalist would be able to take up large a area and afterwards clear out with £IO,OOO.

The candidate, in answer to farther questions, was in favor of a Mining Minister, and thought such an officer most desirable. He had always contended for this point. The present time was most opportune, and he thought they would soon have one. The goldfields were now placed to some extent under the control of the Provincial Council, and having a responsible Mining Minister would give them an active control in having their grievances redressed. Was in favor of a Mining Board; self-government was the great secret of success in British communities in all parts of the world. Was in favor of an export duty on wool, as it would be an equitable one, and the means of lightening the burdens of the colony. Would put no bar to prevent Chinese coming into the colony; if they liked to come let them so long as they obeyed the laws of the country, but he was opposed to their introduction. Was not in favor of the present export duty on gold. Would make a reduction, say Is per ounce, but was afraid it was not possible while the present heavy expenses were pressing on the colony through the war. Was in favor of immigration, but not free male immigration out of the revenue. Would prefer first opening up the lands and giving inducements under a liberal land policy, and then he would say come; the more the better. Was most decidedly in favor of payment of members. He considered if members were sent in the House to represent the views and requirements of their constituents they were deserving of payment, or, in other words, some reimbursement of their expenses. The present payment was not too much—travelling expenses to and from home and £1 per day while sitting; it could not pay all ex-

pensesbut it was a help. To say the extent he would allow to one party in opening up the land was difficult, but he thought 320 acres was as much as should be allowed on lease upon a party purchasing bona fide an equal quantity. A2s tax was very desirable on unimproved lands. Was in favor of a reduction of the Civil Service to a certain extent, so far as not to destroy the efficiency of the proper working of the affairs of the colony. A commission had been appointed to inquire into and examine these affairs, and he was prepared to accept their decision, and in the Assembly would be in favor of the appointment of a commission to examine into the Colonial Service. Was most decidedly in favor of granting subsidies to parties establishing new industries and would encourage them to the utmost. Was in favor of an assay-office. Mr Powell desired to know on behalf of Mr Pinkerton whether the candidate would do anything if elected in getting spear grass exterminated from the country, The candidate promised to give the question his most deliberate consideration. (Laughter and cheers.) Mr Savage wished to know if the candidate would accept any office from which emolument was arising, if offered. Mr Manders—Decidedly. If he went into the Council or Assembly as part and parcel of those bodies, he must take the responsibility of his vote if desired by his fellow members, but he would not accept office out of them, if offered—such as that of warden or a post in the Civil Service. In answer to a miner the candidate said he was not in favor of a central Mining Board, such as the one attempted in Melbourne some time ago. Mr M'Dougall then proposed—" That Mr Manders is a fit | and proper person to represent the district in the House of Representatives." Seconded by Mr Marshall. Mr Powell moved an amendment to the contrary because, he stated, Mr Manders had come forwad at the eleventh hour, after publicly stating that he would not do so if a better man came forward, and he knew that Mr Bradshaw intended to do so. He merely came forward now to divide the votes and keep another man out. (The hissing, which from the beginning of this speech had been increasing, now rendered the speaker inaudible. At its subsidence) Mr Malaghan seconded the amendment. (Hisses repeated.) The motion was carried unanimously, except by the mover and seconder of the amendment, who stood gloriously alone in their opposition. Mr Manders said he had to thank the gentlemen present who had come to hear him, and that if he had not been able to explain himself so well as they might wish, it was because he was laboring under indisposition and a sore throat. He thanked them for their vote of confidence, of which he trusted, if elected, to prove that he was not unworthy. A man forty years of age was too old to change coat and color for any party. Mr M'Dougall moved and Mr Crofts seconded the formation of a committee, which was agreed to. The candidate was warmly applauded. A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the proceedings.

We hear that the public meeting appointed for Saturday evening, at Skipper's, on the quartz leasing question, did not take place. Steps, however, have been taken to collect the money required to lodge an appeal against granting the application lately made by Mr Ferry. Since our last issue Mr Haughton addressed the electors on Saturday, at the Arrow, and received a unanimous expression of confidence. Mr Manders has also been very active and held a meeting at Maori Point and three at Skipper's. He was well received and influential committees appointed to secure his return on the polling day 29th May. The present heavy rains are likely to interfere with the perigrinations of the candidates through the extensive circle of the goldfields.

The Canterbury Government Exploration party have failed to discover any available pass to the head waters of the Hokitika or Arahura. It is evident that the veritable Maori Pass has not yet been found. The 1 Southland Times' of 12th, reports:—"At last we are able to announce the completion of the telegraphic wire between this and Dunedin. It is expected that the line will be ready for public use in little more than a week." The prisoners, Ellen Anderson and William Ford, were again charged on remand before the resident magistrate at Dunedin, on the 9th, with murdering a German named " Charley," in Highstreet, on the night of the 29th, or morning of the 30th March last. On the recommendation of their counsel they reserved their defence, and were committed to take their trial at the next sessions of the Supreme Court.

The 'Wellington Independent' has the following " Anthropophagism in an amended form is still to be found in the colony, judging from a paragraph in the 1 Canterbury Mail,' in which a returned digger relates that he captured a woodhen in the act of feeding on the remains of a man ; and being himself almost famished he quickly devoured the bird. To use the words of a well-known banker in London, who is thegourmet par excellence of the day, " That man, sir, would eat his own father; he has the stomach of an ostrich."