PRE-SESSIONAL ADDRESS.

Motueka Star, Volume II, Issue 92, 1 July 1902, Page 4

PRE-SESSIONAL ADDRESS.

A VOTE OF.,THANKS AND CONFIDENCE PASSED. ‘Mr .Roderick McKenzie, M.H.R., for. the Motueka electorate, delivered a presessional address in the Institute Hall on Wednesday last,'when there was.a very good attendance of electors from all parts of the district. ' The chair was taken by His Worship the Mayor, Mr J. S. Wratt, who briefly referred to the news received that day of the King’s illness and the postponement, indefinitely of Coronation celebrations. Mr Wratt also mentioned that he had always acted as chairman for Mr McKenzie, who had always done his best for his constituency. Mr McKenzie, after alluding to the postponement of Coronation festivities, and'the feelings of sympathy-through-out the whole civilised world for His Majesty the Kiug, said he was pleased to meet the electors that evening and to find that he had more converts. Regarding the last session Mr McKenzie mentioned that the House sat 77 days (634 hours), the session being of the usual length, although the sittings were commenced at ten o’clock. The most important measure passed, which involved a departure of policy, was the State Coal Mine Act. The retail price of coal was so hi gh that it was thought time the Government stepped in to reduce the cost, especially as the Government was a large consumer of coal, buying £120,000 worth for consumption on the New Zealand Railways. The speaker quoted the prices charged for the coal in different localities and pointed opt the enormous differences between what the "consumers' have to pay and the price given for hewing. The Act provides that after the Government receives five per cent for sinking fund to repay the loan of £150,000 to be borrowed and supplying their own requirements, the price of coal would be lowered. A State owned coal mine was no new departure and he had no doubt, the experiment would turn out successfully, especially as it was more than probable the British Admiralty would draw its coal supplies from this colony. Mr McKenzie briefly referred to the Public School Teachers’ Salaries

Act, passed last session, which provides for a colonial sale of salaries and grading of teachers. The effect of the Act meant the increase of the salaries of teachers in New Zealand to the extent of £36,000 a year. Teachers as a rule weie underpaid, especially in country districts and in some cases starved out. If the people wished to have their children educated, r as the}' should be, they must be prepared to pay for it. A measure rejected bv Parliament was the Referendum Bill, which was passed by the Lower House and sent forward to the Legislative Council where it was thrown out, only two members voting for it. Half of the members of that body were life members, and the balance had a seven year’s tenure of oJUce and they doubtless thought if the measure was placed on the Statute Book, a referendum would be in favor of abolishing the Upper Chamber. Personally he (the speaker) thought the Referendum Bill would be beneficial as he saw no reason why questions of importance should not be referred to the electors for their opinion. He did not favor the abolition of the Legislative Council which should be elected ; the Council acted as a. buffer between the Crown and the people.

With reference to the Counties and Local Government Bill, Mr McKenzie said he represented the Colling wood County Council at the conference held in Wellington during the session. The Committee set up by the House found there was not the slightest chance of

the Bill passing. A number of people favored a return to administration by Road Boards, but be could not agree with them. There was. too much local Government already and he ventured to say if some of the bodies were abolished it would be better and legs costly to the public. The land laws could be administered be.tter by the County Eoaid than by a nominated body, who as a rule knew little of the administration of land laws ; the County Council could also act as Education Commissioners and discharge the duties of Boards. ’ Borough Councils could act as Licensing Committees and considerable savings effected. With regard to the three years period members were elected to Parliament for Mr McKenzie contended better results could be obtained if the period .vas extended to four years. In the first session members were new to the business and not much practical work was accomplished. Useful work was done the second session but during the dying session of Parliament no useful legislation was passed, as members did not know how the electorates would be chopped up by the Boundary Commissioners. He (the speaker) told the Acting Premier he intended bringing in a Bill to extend Parliament to four years instead of three. Another measure introduced but not placed upon the Statute Book was the Government Fire Insurance Bill. The measure would be good for the people, who were now paying exceedingly high premiums, and he would undertake to say the State could effect insurances at a much cheaper.rate tliaD now charged as the present Government officials could conduct the business at a very small charge. With reference to the financial position of the Colony, Mr McKenzie said it was never so prosperous as now, During the past ten years the public debt had been increased by eleven and a half millions; Of this amount, the bulk had been used for purchasing land s for close settlement, advances to settlers, railways and public works, all of which were reproductive. Of the fifty one millions of public debt twenty one were invested in the railways of New Zealand, which if placed on the London market for sale would more than pay off our indebtedness, which with the exception of some two millions spent in connection with Maori wars, etc:, was invested for the benefit of the

Colony. The revenue of the Colony was never more buoyant than it was last year. The only department which did not show an increase was that of Land for Territorial Revenue. He had predicted, and had told Sir Joseph Ward that there would be a falling oft* in the railway revenue on accqunt of the departure of contingents, etc., but results proved they had earned £148,000 more than the previous year. The policy of the Minister was that as soon as the railways earned three per cent fares and freights should be reduced. He was of opinion railways should earn three and a half per cent before concessions were made. During the past ten years the railway department had made enormous strides and bad been of great benefit to the public. The Liberal party had been accused of increasing the taxes. As a matter of fact, tea had been reduced from sixpence in 1893 to twopence, kerosene had been placed on the free list, penny postage bad been introduced and there had been material reductions in railway charges and haulage ; other lines now placed on the free list were previously duitable. The revenue was still going up notwithstanding the reductions made, which showed the people had more spending power and that there was plenty of employment in the colony.

In. support of his statement as to the present prosperous condition of the Colony,. Mr McKenzie quoted from- re-turns-issued by the Registrar Genera], ■which showed not only a material in-crease-in population, , but also in the mamben ofi holdings, cattle, horses, and sheep in New Zealand* The export of gold,-wool, grain, flax, kauri gum, etc., had also increased and the best barometer, of the financial position of the people was to be found In the deposits in savings banks, which had increased to the extent of £3, 258,000 during the last ten years —a sure indication that the people were making money and a proof of the prosperous position of New Zealand. Mr McKenzie gave a short account of the finding of the Royal Commission \ set up in connection with the Midland • Railway, of which commission he was \ Chairman. The Commissioners went *£nto the question on its merits and tpok evidence in different parts of the Colony. It was decided, after thorough investigation to offer the company £\ 10,000. He did not altogether agree with the decision of the Committee, as he thought debenture holders were entitled tp some consideration. As to federation, the speaker said they were well avcare he was opposed to joining the Commonwealth ; there were few advantages to be gained and many serious objections to joiuing. Our exports to Australia weie shown to be large because of the inclusion of gold sent for minting purposes. The Federal tariff had been framed to block the produce of the Colony, but the present tariff would not last long. Besides we should have very little voice in legislation or administration. Another reason for not joining was that some 50 to 80 millions of money would be required to construct two trunk lines of railway, the alteration of the guage of the existing lines, and defence purposes, works to which we would have to contribute and receive nothing in return. Once having joined the Commonwealth there would be no divorce or separation, except by open rebellion. Mr McKenzie shortly referred to the amendment of the Nelson Harbor Board Act and the constitution of the present Wharf Board. What was now wanted was a harbor district same 'as Nelson and other localities. Certain forms would have to be gone through and he did not think it expeditious or advisable to bring the question up next session ; he would advise them to postpone the matter till the sitting of the new Parliament, when, if he happened to be their member, he would see they got ■what they wanted. He fully recognised they should have a cheap and better harbor than the present ; one capable of allowing 600 or 700 ton steamers to visit the port.

After referring to other local matters Mr McKenzie concluded by thanking those present for the patient and coi-dial hearing given him.

In reply to a question by Mr A. R. Edwards as to a grant for works at the mouth of the channel at the Moutere River,

Mr McKenzie said that if the grant had lapsed he would see that it was placed on the Estimates again.

Mr Eyevett asked whether toe payment of LI 10,000 to the Midland Railway Company recommended by the Commission was an act of grace, or a legal right.

Mr McKenzie said there was no legal right in the matter ; he considered the pavgiont a.moral obligation on the part of the Colony.

Mr R. W. H. Rankin asked whether a grant could not be obtained from the Govern meat to direct the Motueka rive’c down the centre of the liver bed,, as feUo prasenfe course: of the stream ,was

effecting the approach to the bridge on the Motueka side.

Mr McKenzie suggested that the Borough Council should get Mr Tarrant to prepare plans and furnish an estimate of the cost of the work, which he would forward to the Government and see what could be done in the matter of assistance. A sum of L2BO had been passed for expenditure on the Riwaka side of the river.

Mr R. Rankin said they must all admit that as their member Mr McKenzie was a man to be proud of. He had never voted for him, nor did he support the party to which he belonged, but there were times when the man came before the party and they would all agree that Mi McKenzie had proved a most excellent member for Motueka, He thought his services should gbe recognised, and he moved That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to Mr McKenzie for his address and for his services in the past. Seconded by Mr R. J. Trewavas. The Chairman said he quite agreed with what Mr Rankin had said. He had always supported Mr McKenzie whom he recognised as a man of some weight in the House. He had secured the Wharf Board for them and they simply had to tell their member what they wanted and he would see they got it. Mr A. R. Edwards agreed they should accord a hearty vote of thanks, but he would move as an amendment that a strong vote of confidence be added. Mr G. Boyce seconded the amendment. Mr H. Everett, as a supporter of the Liberal party for the past twenty years, said it was true Mr McKenize had done everything in his power for the welfare of the district ; in no solitary case had requests for the Motueka and Riwaka districts not been attended to. The neighborhood had started to advance when the present Government came into power and he maintained the progress was brought about by their progressive policy. He had great pleasure in supporting the amendment. Upon the amendment being put to the meeting it was carried unanimously, amidst applause. Mr McKenzie thanked them for their vote of thanks and confidence. Dming tire nine years he had represented the Motueka electorate lie had done his best to give effect to the requests made to him as their member, whether they were politically opposed to him or not. Many who were opposed to his politics, supported him on personal grounds. As soon as an election was over, he was just as friendly to all; he had made no distinctions and did not intend to. He admired and appreciated those who stood by their political opinions. After referring to the practical extinction of the squatter party through the extension of the franchise, Mr McKenzie concluded by again acknowledging the compliment paid to him. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the meeting.