The Address-in-Reply.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 215, 21 August 1884, Page 2

The Address-in-Reply.

[Per Press Association.] Wellington, August 21. In the House last night Mr. McKenzie (Mount Ida) moved the Address-in-Reply. He was glad to see no abstract question had been dealt with, as it took time to refer to the nationalisation of land and federation. He expressed satisfaction at the attention given in the speech to the mining industry, and thought the gold duty should be abolished and grants given in aid of prospecting. He favored the appointment of a Minister who would devote the whole of his time to mining interests. With regard to the settlement of the land, he was in favour of the leasing system. He agreed with the Public Works policy sketched in the speech, and hoped to see it carried out. The Otago central route was a matter of public importance, as it opened up hundreds of thousands of acres. Settlers had been induced to take up allotments on the promise of this line being constructed. He felt great satisfaction at the proposals re public works in the North Island, and repudiated the idea of Nor'h v. South. He favored the improvement of local government, commencing with the counties, which he thought might take large duties if empowered. He thought the counties could administer the Education Act and give valuable assistance re the land question. He was not altogether in favor of a laud tax and maintained that as land was not the only source of wealth in the Colony it should not be made to bear the whole burden of taxation. He favored borrowing, as they borrowed for the construction of substantial works, and they went hand in hand with the advancement of local industry and production. He would like to see all unfinished works completed, so that the attendant revenue might be realised. He would not refer to the Native question, as he was ignorant of the details, but would move that a respectable address be submitted to His Excellency. Mr. Walker, of Ashburton, seconded, and agreed with a great portion of the speech, but could not altogether agree with the substitution of a land tax for a property tax. The property tax was just, as touching all accrued wealth. He favored a change in railway management.