PREMIER'S SPEECH.

Patea Mail, 28 May 1881, Page 3

PREMIER'S SPEECH.

THE PATEA £IO,OOO. BILLS FOR NEXT SESSION. REFORM OF UPPER HOUSE. CHINESE POLL TAX. OPPOSITION PLATFORM. Leeston, Friday. The Premier addressed his constituents here last night. He said the advance of £IO,OOO by the Grey Government to the Patea Harbor Board had evidently been made to help Sherwood in his candidature against Atkinson, and was a most discreditable transaction. Sir George Grey, before his constituents, denounced the system which enabled the advance to be made, but when in power took advantage of it and made no effort to alter it. The present Government had rendered it impossible for such a transaction again to take place, The Government freely acknowledged assistance given by the House in promoting retrenchment, but during the recess the Government had, without fuss, gone further in unpleasant though necessary work, and the next estimates would be nearly £250,000 below those i f last year. He hoped that in eight or nine months all the native land purchase transactions would be finally wound up. If Sir George Grey wanted a Parliamentary committee on the Patetere transaction, he would second the motion. Referring to Bradlaugh’s question in the House of Commons, he said the Government had cheerfully given the information asked for by the Imperial Government, but had made them understand that this Government would not tolerate any outside interference in the management of native affairs. He denied that the Governor had used any unconst’tutional pressure. Both as regaids Te Whiti and the prisoners, the action taken was the spontaneous action of Ministers. He declared that Pyke’s agitation re Otago runs was unnecessary, as the Government had already taken action to classify the land and provide for its settlement. He expressed great regret at the retirement of Bryce and Oliver. The latter had made railways pay 3% instead of 2% per cent. Foremost amongst the bills of next session would be a regulation of elections to extend the hours of polling, and probably have all elections on the same day, also render the ballot really secret. The Corrupt Practices Prevention Bill would probably require all public-houses to close on election day. The Redistribution Bill would be on the same principle as last year, the populalation being a primary basis, but regard being had to different groups of population, and securing the representation of every important district. The country districts would require larger representation than towns. The division of districts would depmd largely on the census returns. As to the Legislative Council, he is inclined to favor the scheme proposed by Mr Curtis in 1878, that the Council should consist of half the number of members of the other chamber, and whenever a vacancy occurred it should be filled by a vote of the House taken by ballot; also that in the event of a prolonged difference between the two chambers they should sit and vote as one on the question at issue. Government intended to introduce a bill to abolish the law of entail, and prevent land being locked up. Except during a minority, Government would oppose any scheme which might be suggested from outside for securing a large expenditure on public works, and the purchase of principal lines of railway. Government would favorably consider the policy of granting land subsidies towards making approved lines when money was not available, care being taken to secure settlement along the lines. The Hospital and Charitable Aid Bill would he believed pass, and the Licensing Bill would be passed on provision being made that all clubs should be licensed and be under the control of the police. The Bill dealing wiTi the Chinese question, prepared by the Queensland Government, and approved of by the Intercolonial Conference, would be introduced; also Consolidating Bills prepared by the Commission, dealing with 80 statutes. He hoped there would be a compact Opposition next session, but the planks of its leaders’ platform seemed to be—l, abolition of Legislative Council and substitution of single Chamber ; 2, removal of Governor appointed by the Queen, and substitution of elected Governor; 3, taxation of English runholders to enrich the New Zealand Treasury ; 4, dismissal of civil servants who were not political supporters of the Government of the day. Mr Macaudrew proposed to add two more planks ; unlimited expenditure on public works, and Government paper money. This was the so-called Liberal programme. He described it as despotism tempered by bankruptcy. Yote of thanks and confidence carried by acclamation.