THE HON. J. C. RICHMOND AT NELSON.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2554, 28 May 1881, Page 2

THE HON. J. C. RICHMOND AT NELSON.

[By Telegbaph.] Nelson, May 28. The Hon J. C. Richmond addressed a large meeting of electors last night. Alluding to his career prior to his late absence, ho said, those who knew him formerly would not find him sub stantially changed, although he had been ranked as an antiprorincialist, ho did not regard abolition without regret, as the vivid interest, once taken in local affairs, no longer existed. Provincial Councils had exercised a sort of official audit on colonial finances. Referring to their original constitution he blamed Grey for endowing Provinces with a land fund which was the patrimony of the colony, and should have given it the opportunity to construct a railway without incurring the burthen of foreign debt. He considered a land tax and the abolition of primogeniture the safeguards against monopoly of large estates. Ho favored capitation to Volunteers, but insisted on efficiency. As far as possible consistent with treaty obligations the immigration of Chinese should be restricted. He blamed the Grey Government for continuing their expenditure when the credit of the colony was at stake, and a financial catastrophe only avoided by the free use of the cable. Ho recognised the admirable service rendered by Vogel; appeared favorable to a property tax; said he was a Socialist, and was glad to see that all essential points of the chartist programme had been carried out here, where all classes must work together for the common good. He thought if the railways were properly farmed they would pay interest on cost and on money squandered on other works, and advocated a scheme of general assurance to provide against poverty, so that the aged and infirm should not be obliged to seek relief as beggars. He was in favor of the Nelson compromise system of education, and would support reduction of Customs duties. A vote of thanks and confidence was accorded to the speaker.