Political.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 35, 25 November 1893, Page 12

Political.

THE ELECTIONS. Tut; Nkw Parliament. The following members Rave been returned unopposed to the new Parliament: — Westland ... * Hon. R. J. Seddon M JJaXJCB ... * James Allen. - • ..i • O' Aware a ... *Hon. J. G. Ward ... M Southland Seats. . These will be contested by the following candidates —M, signifying Ministerialist; O, Oppositionist; I, Independent; V, favours control of the liquor traffic by direct veto; K, supports religious instruction in schools ; •», . Sat in last Parliament; f, Has been a representative in a former Parliament: MATAUBA. * G. F. 'Richardson O R. Me Nab MR James Christie M. INVERCARGILL * J. W. Kelly MV + Joseph Hatch O WALLACE. * J. Mackintosh M + H. Hirst O INVERCARGILL ELECTION. For the first time in a good many years tlic electors will only have two candidates to choose from—Messrs J. W. Kelly ai d J. Hatch. The last-named gentleman addressed a very large meeting in the Theatre Royal on Monday last, the Mayor presiding. In opening he express: d his pleasure at the extension of the franchise to women, and mentioned that when in the House in 1886 he had voted in f;iv our of the women having a voice in licensing matters, and also when the Electoral Hill was under discussion. Healing with compensation, Mr Hatch said his idea was that it should be paid by those who were benefitted by the closing of the hotels —that an Increase of £lO or £ls should be made in the license fees of those remaining open. Jhe Government, in his opinion, ought to subsidise this amount £ for £, an advance for which the municipality would | rovide interest and a sinking fund for its redemption. 'J he municipality would be, compensated for the loss of its revenue by Hie buildings used as Hotels being taken over by them after fair valuation, which buildings could be converted into temperance hotels, private houses, &c. Healing with the bare majority question, he explained that a Hircc-tifths majority meant a majority of fifty per cent., because out of 100 persons voting a majority of 60 as against 40 would have to be obtained, and that would settle the matter finally, whereas if the question were decided by one vote only, it would be reversed at the next poll and the whole district would be in a continual state of ferment. Turning to financial matters, the candidate stated that he was a protectionist, and thought Parliament should devote attention to a readjustment of the tariff. lie was in favour of extending the powers of county and borough councils, and desired to see some scheme introduced for consolidating the loans of local bodies so as to effect a saving in interest. As to the question of education, be would be in favour of placing the subject of granting State aid to denominational schools on precisely the same footing as prohibition. His idea was that a plebiscite of the people should be taken and if threefifths were in favour of granting State aid bo the Catholics so let it be. He quite agreed with the country people (hat it would not be suitable for their schools, but the experiment might be tried in the towns. He believed if the three-fifths voted for State aid to the schools it would he a failure, but the question would be settled, whereas if they went on as as at present there would be constant complaints of injustice, discontent, and there would follow the creation of schism in a community where it ought not to exist. He thought the Auckland Education Board had clone wrong in refusing to allow their inspectors to examine the Catholic schools, and before granting the State aid lie would have them all inspected and rcpiortcd upxm. He thought the railways should remain in the hands of a non-political board. As to the piarty he would supvport, he generally apipiroved of the piresent Government., although a little shifting about might, be thought, be advantageously done. Mr Scddon was a good man for mines and public works, but as Premier had not so favourably impressed him (Mr Hatch) as others. After answering a number of questions, Mr Hatch •was accorded a vote of thanks for his address, ;and the meeting closed. THE COMING CONTEST. (to THE EDITOB.) Sir, —The following are my “ tipis ” (is -that the right word, Mr Editor ?) for the ■coming election —Invercargill, Mr Hatch, 1; Air Kelly, 2. Wallace, Mr Mackintosh, 1 ; Mr Hirst, 2. Mntaura —Mr Richardson,’!; Mr McNab, 2 ; Mr Christie, 3.—Yours, &e., Electkess.