EGMONT ELECTION.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 451, 16 August 1879, Page 2

EGMONT ELECTION.

On Tuesday evening last Major Atkinson addressed the electors in the Carlyle Town Hall, when between 200 and 300 were present. MrW. Dale was voted to the chair, and after reading the advertisement convening the meeting, made a f.-w appropriate remarks in favor of the Major.

Major Atkinson, on rising, said ho had come before the electors that evening to render an account of his stewardship, to explain his actions in Parliament, and to ask anyone to tell him frankly of any errors of omission on commission. He was well aware that every man was liable to err more or less, and he did not believe in holding himself up free of blame. He was sorry the contest he was about to enter upon was not one of principle. He had seen Mr Sherwood in Wellington a day or two before he returned to Carlyle, and Mr Sherwood had informed him that he had full confidence in him as a colonial politician, but did not like his actions as representative of the Egmont Distiict. Mr Sherwood had also informed him that in contesting the seat against him, lie did not intend to enter into personalities, but that course of action bad not been adhered to. The soeakor would nut deal with the questions in a personal manner, only so far as to clear himself from any blame thrown upon him by Mr Sherwood lbs previous evening. That gentleman had stated that all the Harbor Bills and endowments bad been obtained through him as Ch firman of the Harbor Board. It was the duty of local bodies to supply information to the member of the district, and it was clearly Mr Sherwood’s duty to do his utmost to forward the interests of any body of which be was chairman. He (Major Atkinson) had taken very great care to make himself acquainted with everything connected with the Patea Harbor Board. He had induced the Government to set apart large reserves, and had also got a Bill passed through the Lower House granting large endowments, but the Upper House rejected it. Surely that could not bo laid to his blame. He bad been in' regular communication with Mr Sherwood as Chairman of the Harbor Board, and be (Mr S ) bad informed him what was required by that body, and through that he ( the speaker) had secured what money had been received up to the present time, notwithstanding Mr Sherwood’s claim to the contrary. He did not wish to detract from what Mr Sherwood had done. That gentleman had only peiformed his duty in representing matters to the member of the district, ami be (the speaker) hud only done his duty by taking up the matter when represented. It was simply absurd for Mr Sherwood to claim having done work in the House which he (the Major) had done. He had certainly differed with Mr Sherwood when that gentleman tried to obtain certain reserves along the river for Town Board reserves. The Harbor Board was the right body to get them, and he had used his influence in that direction. This was the most richly endowed town in New Zealand, and to prove who was the means of getting those endowments he would ask what reserves or other benefits had boon received since he had been ont of office, notwithstanding that Mr Sherwood had been working very earnestly during that time. Mr Sherwood had said that his hands were tied as a Minister, but it was clearly bis influence that had secured to Patea such large endowments. He was quite content to leave the matter in the hands of the electors. He denied having said that the railway would run through the district in three years. No doubt the misunderstanding had arisen through his having stated the year before last that Mr Macandrow’had said that the railway would run through in two or three years. The only question on which Mr Sherwood and himself seemed to differ was the settlement of the Waimate Plains by military settlers. Major Atkinson dwelt at some length on the administration of the Grey Government, characterising it as a most miserable failure. They came in with absolute and distinct pledges of reducing the expenditure of the colony, to make the system of taxation more even, and to carry on public works. Instead of reducing the expenditure, they had actually increased it enormously ; in fact Sir George Grey did not know what it had amounted to. Mr Sheehan and Sir George Grey had been asked what the Native Department had spent during the past year, and they were both very indignant at such a question being pnt to them. They said they could not find time to make it. up. They thought it probable that the estimate had been exceeded by £5,000 or £6,000. The amount voted by the House for the Native Department was £30,000, but they had spent over £55,000. So much for the economical Government. Each year they spent more and more. Major Atkinson here referred to his opposition of the four million loan last

session. The reason he had opposed this was because the Government had asked for money for purposes that were not necessary. One million and a-half was all that was asked by the Government for public works, and the Opposition had actually granted them £700,000 more than that amount. It was a bad policy to negotiate a loan for one purpose, and then apply the to another, therefore be had voted against the four million loan. The present depression of the colony was mainly attributable to the wretched financing of the Government, Their system of taxation Was very bad. The veal owners (or mortgagors) were to be allowed to go free, whilst the poor struggling occupier was to be taxed to the uttermost. Tliis Was not in the interests of the striving settler, but in the interests of the money lender. The only satisfactory thing was that the railways of the colony were doing well—returning over 2-g- per cent, on the cost of construction. [A voice— What about Patca railway J. Patea railway would be made much quicker by the other lines paying. The reserves that had been taken for High School purposes were primary education reserves, and would not affect the district in the least, as if they were not taken for that purpose they would be put into the consolidated fund. If they had been secondary education reserves, he would have taken a firm stand against their being taken. He was in favor of supporting the endowing of High Schools throughout the colony. It was a very mean thing for one district to try and stop another from having a High School because they had not one. The native policy of the Government was a miserable failure. When Sir George Grey had come into office things were tolerably quiet throughout the Island but hail he succeeded in bringing about the present native difficulty. The natives build the accession of Sir I George Grey to power with delight, | for they naturally thought they had a friend who would give them back all their lands. Sir George was no doubt very sincere in his opinion that a Maori was better than a European. No matter how he was insulted by them—and he had received a deal of that lately at the hands of Rowi and Tawhino—they were ,still his dear children. Mr Sheehan was also totally unfit for the position he hold as Native Minister. That gentleman at one time, when he lived at Hawke’s Bay, was engaged in the work of assisting the natives to take lands belonging to Europeans, and what was more natural than for the Maori to think, on his becoming Native Minister, that he would still assist them to get back their land. When the surveyors were turned off the Plains, no preparations whatever were made by Government to put the surveyors back again. The Government were entirely to blame for the present unsatisfactory state of affairs. Before the difficulty occurred, both Sir George and Mr Sheehan were flying around the colony,, but when they were required to work, one was to be found at Kawau, and the other at Wellington. All the stories about Rewi’s telegrams to Sir George Grey wore moonshine. Rewi denied having promised land for a railway, as seated by Sir George. He blamed the Government for not providing for the safety of the settlers when the ploughing commenced, and it was only after they were driven into it by the settlers that anything was done. The policy of the present Government was all right, but the administration was far from it. The policy of the present Government was not their own, but that of the previous Government. Most of their principal Bills were also brought down by members of the present Opposition. In the event of being re-elected, Major Atkinson said he would do his utmost to dispose of the native difficulty. He would insist that every Maori along this coast should be as much subject to the law as Europeans. The WaimatePlaiusshould bo surveyed and settled—a portion on deferred payment, and a portion on cash system. Would open up roads, and have native reserves marked off—some of which should bo alienable, and others for sale or lease. Te Whiti should be made to feel that the Europeans, and not the Maoris, were in power. With regard to occupying the Plains by military settlers, as advocated by Mr Sherwood, it was a mistake. The object of any Government would be to increase the population, therefore men outside of the district would be selected for that purpose. Tin’s would not benefit the settlors, as ii was not at all likely that if the Maoris were engaged in war they would confine themselves to the Plains. The other parts of the settlement would be still in the same position as now. Men put on the Plains as military settlers would have plenty to do in looking after themselves. However, there was no reason, now that the loan had been secured, why the Plains should not be cut up and sold at once. He believed that any action the Government would take at present would be more to influence the electors than to do away with the native difficulty. He would advocate the immediate completion of the railway from Stratford to Waitotara, and also the branch line to Carlyle. Mr Macandrew’s visit to the district last year bad made a great alteration in favor of our getting the railway, as he was much taken up with the country, and considered the line would be a good paying one. He (the speaker) would endeavor to get sufficient money voted to have the Mountain Road macadamised this summer. Should be in favor of supporting an Electoral Bill similar to that passed last session. Did

not look on the question of Triennial Parliaments as a matter of principle. It rested entirely with the electors. If they wished him to support the Bill he would do so, but his own impression was that it was not a wise measure. Three years was not long enough for a member to do much good. Major Atkinson sat down amidst great applause. The following questioning then took place, and at times some of the electors were anything but quiet :—- Mr Horner. —I should like to know whether you knew of the existance of the papers purporting to bo promises made to natives by Sir Donald McLean, as they have been referred to as having lately been discovered ?

Major Atkinson. —They are recorded in the Blue Books.

Mr Horner.—Did you know about these papers when your Government started the survey of the Plains. Major Atkinson, —Yes, years before. Mr 11. A. Adams.—l should like you to explain why the 25 per cent, has been taken from the confiscated land to go to the Taranaki Harbor instead of coming to the Patea County. Major Atkinson—The 25 per cent, has not been taken, but that amount was voted to the Now Plymouth Harbor Board before the provinces were divided into counties, authorising the Provincial Council of Taranaki to appropriate any sum up to one fourth of the amount to be derived from the sale of the confiscated land to construct and cany out the harbor works. Such grants have been made all over Now Zealand for general harboi works. Mr Adams.—Many are of the same opinion as myself, and would like to see the 25 per cent, equally" divided between the Opunnke, New Plymouth, and Patea Harbors. Could not that Bill be abolished.

Major Atkhiso-'. —The House would no doubt consent to the repeal of the Act, but would not allow the proceeds to be divided as suggested. Mr Treagoar wished to know whether the 25 per cent, would be made a first charge, and the 20 per cent, a second charge against the remaining 75 per cent. Major Atkinson.—lam not clear on that I out, I will ascertain about it Daring tbe time I was in office you got the 20 per c nt. on the total proceeds, and I was under the impression that you were still ge'ting it. Mr Adams. —Would you be in favor of having the railway commenced here, as at present we arc deriving no benefit from public works. Major Atkinson.—Would be strongly in favor of it. Had urged Mr Macanclrew to get the branch line started. Mr Deane.—Would yon be in favor of Patea being declared a port of entry ? Major Atkinson.—l would if its imports warranted it, but we are not justified in doing this unless it would pay tbe cost of working. Mr Deane.—ls not Foxton a port of entry ? Major Atkinson.—Have not heard so. Mr Deane—lt is a fact. How was that brought about ? Was it done by Act of Parliament, and did trade justify it? or was it obtained through the influence of the Foxton member.

Major Atkinson.—lf it lias been declared a port of entry, I can only repeat that trade justified it. Mr Deane. —This question has been so often put. Gan you tell us what you have done in the matter ?

Major Atkinson.—l have bad several interviews with business people here, and some time ago laid the matter before the Government, and was refused. Mr Deane.—l believe you were in power at that time?

Major Atkinson.—No. Sir Julius Yogel was in power then. Mr Deane.—Would you think it of sufficient importance to try and push the matter a little, and find out whether trade justified it or not, like the Manawatu member ?

Major Atkinson.—l am prepared to answer questions put in a fair spirit. Mr Deane. —The member for Manawatu was aware of tho importance of Foxton. I think you should have been of Patea. Major Atkinson. —The fact of Foxton being declared a port of entry, will be a weapon in my hands, but I shall not be able to get Patea declared a port of entry if trade does not warrant it.

Mr Deane. —Will you take the trouble to find out? I should like to hear your views about the payment of members ? Major Atkinson.—l shall be in favor of the honorarium so long as it is sufficient to keep members who are not well off, in their position in Wellington. Mr Deane.—What is the amount of the honorarium ?

Major Atkinson. —Two hundred guineas. Mr Deane.—You get this for about four weeks work ?

Major Atkinson.—About that. (Laughter.) Mr Deane. —Very good pay indeed £SO a week. You voted for it. Would you be in favor of an amendment to that ? (Laughter and applause.) Major Atkinson. —Let me tell why I voted for 200 guineas. Mr Deane evidently thinks he has made a score. A Committee sat and determined that 150 guineas should bo given, instead of paying members by the day. That was before the abolition of provinces question occupied so much time in the House. It was afterwards found that members would be out of pocket by these long sessions, and it was proposed that 300 guineas should bo given._ The feeling was taken, and eventually it was decided that 50 guineas extra should be given for long or short sessions, making 200 guineas in all. I voted for it, feeling that it would be a safe-guard against the other measure. (Laughter.) Mr Adams— On what ground did you oppose the Beer Bill. Major Atkinson. —I have already stated that we rejected it because it had a tendency to introduce inland excise duties, which I consider are objectionable. Mr Adams. —Did you use your influence to get us a Waste Lands Board here? Major Atkinson—l did not, because of the enormous expense it would incur, and every county would be wanting one if Patea got one. Mr F. McCarthy.—Would you be inclined to give the Catholics a fair share of the grants set apart for educational purposes ? Major Atkinson. —I should not care to interfere with that part of the working of the Act,

Mr Adams.—Would you be in favor of: Bible being read in schools ? Major Atkinson.— Waul -t■■•logan-. that power to Committees. L; li> iduaily lam in favor of it. Mr Carey—What abom aims. Major Atkinson—Hau «•*•? 1 unavailing arguments to Defence Munster, bus believed st)o stand had arrived in Patea ao.n-,- lew days ago. Mr Gower —Would yon be in favor of abolishing the Native Office, Major Atkinson —If it were possible. We might get rid of the name, but that would be all, because the business would have to be done by this department with natives. Mr Rhodes —During your term of office what reserves were sold from tins and What was done with the money. Major Atkinson—£so,ooo was received, and £41,000 (1 think these figures are' right) was spent on roads and surveys. Mr Hughes—You led me to understand that you voted against the Companies Bill, because it crushed nlen of small mea-is. Major Atkinson—Because the persons who get these companies up sell out to men of small means. Mr Hughes—l say that was a good Bill, and introduced by a champion of men t of small means. I allude to Mr BalKMtc. (Great applause). ; Mr Coutts—A good deal has been said about education; would you be in favor of making any amendments to the present Act. Major Atkinson—ln some respects, but would leave that to district committees. Would have to post himself on this question. Mr Deane—You remarked that you would bring murderers and outlaw natives to justice if you were in power. Major Atkinson—Yes. I should mako them suffer tiie same as whites. Mr Deane—Were there any outlaws or murderers in your time; and, if so, how where the}’ dealt with. Major Atkinson —We had to cany out a system to settle tiie Plains, and if we had remained in power, should have done it by now. Mr Deane —But how did you deal with the native murderers and outlaws. Major Atkinson —Did not know-.of any. Voice—Oh ! Mr Taplin then proposed, seconded by MrMilroy, “That this meeting thank Major Atkinson for his past services, and have confidence in him as a fit and proper person to represent the Egmout District in the House of -Representatives.” Mr R. A. Adams proposed as an amendment, seconded by Mr H. I. Davis, “ i'hat a vote of thanks be accorded to Major Atkinson for his past services, and his present address.” The amendment was then put and carried on division, 30 voting for and 27 against, but three votes on the amendment side being disputed by the Chairman, made the voting equal. A vote of thanks the chair, brought the meeting to a close. Mr Sherwood met the electors afc Kakaramea, on Tuesday evening last ; Mr M. Williamson in the chair Norman by, on Wednesday evening; Mr E. Gibson in the chair ; and Manutahi on. Thursday evening; Mr J. Christie in the chair. At each place Mr .Sherwood was well received, and votes ot confidence were passed.

Major Atkinson hold a very large meeting at Normanby, on Thursday evening, when a unanimous vote of confidenoo was passed.