Mr. Locke’s Address.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 981, 24 September 1881, Page 3

Mr. Locke’s Address.

The following is Mr. Locke’s address to the Wairoa portion of the East Coast Electoral District as published in the Wairoa Guardian : — Gentlemen, —In asking for your support at the ensuing election, I take the opportunity of briefly stating that I am in accord with the present Ministry in their proposals to extend the usefulness of local government by giving enlarged powers to the local bodies. I approve of these proposals, because I believe that, judiciously amended, the present County system is suited to the requirements of the country. lam opposed to any resuscitation of Provincialism, as I believe that such would be seriously prejudicial to the progress of outlying districts ; and I favor the principle of rating Crown and Native lands. In these matters I am at direct variance with the views recently enunciated by Mr. McDonald, and it rests with yourselves to say which line of policy will be the more acceptable and the more suitable to your requirements. I am a warm advocate of the localities interested having a share in the management and control of the waste lands by being directly represented on the Boards. If elected, I will do my utmost to obtain for those districts not benefitted by the Railways Construction Bill a refund of their contributions to the prosecution of public works, paid under the Property Assessment. My knowledge of your district is of no recent date, and I look foward with much pleasure to renewing a longstanding acquaintance with Very many of you. I assume you know me well enough to be aware that I am no placehunter ; my sole aim will be the advancement of the whole electorate. If you honor me with your support, I will strive to the utmost to work for your best interests.