POLITICAL NEWS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1646, 27 February 1886, Page 4

POLITICAL NEWS.

SIR Gt. GREY AT AUCKLAND. (united pbess association) Auckland, Friday. Sir George Grey addressed the electors I of City East and the citizens of Auckland this evening at the Theatre Royal, a crowded- audience, and the Mayor presided. Referring to the increased value given to private estates by public works, he advocated the imposition of a land tax. lie proposed to remedy the present distress by opening up a lot of land for settlement by the people, also by purchasing estates at the property valuation and a percentage added, as well, as by purchasing the best of the native lands on fair terms for the purpose. He was in favour of the abolition of Govern ment-assisted immigration in every shape and form, in favour of the irnposi tion of a land and income tax, and the abolition of plural voting, with regard to the Govertnent Insurance Department, he thought it a nvsfortune .that Parliament had yielded its control, and. endeavours should be made to get it restored. A number of questions were put and answered. In reply, he said he was in, favour of the establishment of a State Bank on proper principles ; was opposed to the increase of protective duties, unless good cause were shown i with regard to certain industries ; and was in iavour of the construction ot the East and West Coast railway on approved conditions. A vote of confidence in Sir George Grey, as their representative and the true Liberal leader of the. people of New Zealand, was carried practically unanimously, a hostile amendment being rejected.