Sir J. Vogel at Ashburton.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 157, 14 June 1884, Page 2

Sir J. Vogel at Ashburton.

VOTE OF CONFIDENCE CAIUUED. [Per Association Telegrams.] Ashburton, June 14. Sir Julius Vogel last night addressed the largest mooting ever held in Ashburton. He was compelled to speak sitting down. He declared he had consented to stand for Ashburton on Mr. Stout's advice, and because of the critical state of the Colony. He denied ho had any claim of his own to advance by gaining a seat in Parliament. He was perfectly in accord with the Conservative policy at Home towards the colonies : but politics nt Home had nothing to do with politics here. As to slaying in the Colony if it were necessary for him to undertake political responsibilities he would certainly be prepared to remain in the Colony. Before he did so he reviewed his past connection with the politics of the Colony especially its railway policy, and pointed out that he had years ago proposed a Native laud policy similar to that now generally admitted to be necessary, it was the object for which money should be borrowed which be considered, and not that this money should be used simply for expenditure, the lands benefited should bear the great burden of the railway expenditure. He was altogether opposed to the Government selling the railways, and thought it very unreasonable to expect them to yield a high rate of interest on the costs. There were only superior roads, and roads paid no interest. He thought Canterbury was quite justified in protesting against raising the railway freights, and supported the management of railways by nonpolitical boards, as he had advocated many years ago in a letter to Mr. Curtis. He warmly advocated the North Island Trunk Railway and Otago Central lines. The Middle Island West Coast line should be by private enterprise. He reviewed the present political situation. He hoped to see a strong consolidated party in the House able to pass useful measures. He believed high and sufficient wages necessary to the prosperity of the colony. He had faith in the working men of the colony, but deprecated any conflict between labour and capital—both should have their rights in the investment of capital, and urged strongly encouraging the immigration of small capitalists rather than of laborers. The cry raised against private borrowing was most injudicious. It had nothing to do with the State. He strongly condemned the Property Tax on various grounds, and advocated taxing land on its value apart from improvements. He was neither a Protectionist nor a Free Trader. Customs should be imposed to raise revenue, but he advocated the encouragement of local industries. He did not approve of the federation scheme, but had a plan of his own to secure the South Sea trade to this Colony. He thought Land Nationalisation a great humbug. He was opposed to denominational education, but thought the present system too expensive. Ho believed the Government would in time buy the district railways, but would not let off the ratepayers altogether. In time, the mails were sure to be carried by the direct service.

On the motion of the County Chairman, Mr. Walker, seconded by Mr. O. Reid, a vote of confidence was carried, as against a vote of thanks only.