ELECTION ITEMS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2689, 1 November 1881, Page 2

ELECTION ITEMS.

Mr Postlethwaite addressed the electors of Winchester last evening, and after the conclusion of his address was subjected to long catechising by half a dozen of those present. In his address he gave similar expression to his views to that already published by us. Several of the questions asked him had reference to personal matters between himself and Mr Wakefield. At the conclusion of the meeting a vote of thanks was passed, with the addition that those present could not support Mr Postlethwaite against Mr Wakefield. Mr Driver, speaking at Gore, said the question of the price and the settlement” of the land was the very first question that should be decided in regard to the prosperity of the country. The first coat of the land to the Government was of no importance whatever, and the price of deferred payment land should be fixed at five, ten, or twenty shillings, or any reasonable sum so that they could got the people to settle upon it. Even if the Government gave away tracts of land to good settlers it would mean thousands of pounds to the advantage of the country, because the resources of the country could then be developed and the machinery of taxation increased. He would have the runs cut up so that any man with sufficient money in bis pocket could take up a position of a squatter. Leases might be granted for ten, fourteen, or twenty-one years, subject to any man in New Zealand having the privilege of taking a reasonable area as a deferred payment selection from any runs so leased before survey. He thought the railways should be managed with a view to opening up the country, and not for tha purpose of making interest at the rate of 5 or 10 per cent on the capital invested. Mr Ballance addressed his constituents at Wanganui last night. After referring to some personal matters, he said he approved of the vigorous policy of the Government with regard to the native question, but thought people should not be too ready to accept war, as that was the way to bring it about._ He approved generally of the new Licensing Act. He thought Justices of the Peace should be elected. A Eoyal Commission should be appointed to enquire into the working of the Education Act. He accepted the property tax, but thought agricultural implements and machinery should be exempted and the tax be made a progressive one, so as to reach large proprty holders. He objected to the Ministerial local government proposals, and thought the native population should have been taken into account in the Representation Bill. Regarding native lands, he urged a return to the Queen’s pre-emptive right. He had modified his views regarding free trade. It might be suitable for England, but he thought protective duties were suitable to a new country. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried.