POLITICAL TOPICS. VIEWS OF A CANDIDATE IN POSSE.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 249, 24 March 1888, Page 7

POLITICAL TOPICS. VIEWS OF A CANDIDATE IN POSSE.

At Opotiki, the other evening, a pviblic ad-dre.-s was dcliveied to a laigc audience by Mr W. A. .Murray, late M.H.R. for Bruce, who, but for hit> absence in Scotland, vvould have contested the Tauranga seat at last general election. Mr Murray, who spoke fluently andforcibly,dealtwithalarge variety of topics. He was in favour of State paper currency, and considered that hud this been adopted at an earlier stage in our history we would not now have so heavy a burden of debt on our shoulders. His views on the conduct of public works were condemnatory of the "grab all" system that prevailed. Instead of lirst deciding on the most important railway to be constructed and borrowing for this bpeeitic purpose, they i borrowed iirst and scrambled for the money afterwards. He was in favour of reform in our House of Representatives j would reduce the number ot members to 50 or 60, and the Upper House to about half what it is at present. The latter to be satisfied with the honour alone, and not to receive any pecuniary benefits from it. His opinions on local self government were of the most liberal kind, and if reduced to hard facts and acted upon, the people would find thembelves much better served. He was in favour of leasing native lands, and considered the expense of keeping up and paying salaries to Land Purchase Commissioners a great mistake, and was but another mode of uselessly squandering public money. The Village Settlement scheme he had but little faith in. He visited some of them lately, and found men receiving £2 an acre for clearing bush land of excellent trees, indigenous to the soil ; in another place he found the Government paying for the planting of forest trees. Their whole policy on the subject seemed very unwise. He would encourage local industries by putting on a protective tariff. Among the many industries requiring aid he was in favour of protecting the manufacture ot sugar, of locally-grown tobacco, the distillation of alcohol, and the woollen industry. The latter ho considered of great importance, and looked upon the opening of the Panama Canal to give a. great impetus to this industry. He thoughtthat to encourage emigration and the extension of farming, as cavried on at present, was not desirable. The farmers, at present produced more than there was a market for, and to still further increase their products would be very injurious to all ; but as our soil and climate are almost identical with northern Italy and south of France, there is »o reason why a class of settlers should not be introduced who could utilise those ranges at the back for the growing of the vine, and their exports would become a source of wealth to the country. Then we wanted markets for our produce, and he thought some little trouble should be taken to tind out the best. The British Consul in every country and clime should forward an annual report on the trade of the country in which he is placed, pointing out what they require to purchase most. If this were done, we would soon become acquainted with the wants of every country and could form our own opinions as to which of these wants we could supply. He was in favour of granting passes to tourists over our railways, at a small sum, for the purpose of encouraging this kind of tratfic. Ho found that the Yankees leave £3,000,000 a year in Europe, and there is no reason why we should not •enter into competition with Europe in this matter. Ho said there was a strong Republican feeling in England At present, and it was Just within the bounds of possibility that the Prince of Wales would never reign as King of England and Emperor of India, but he himself did nob sympathise with such a movement. The problem of great wealth and extreme poverty had to be met, and it was one of great importance. He wa3 in favour of the Australasian Colonies being opened up, offering a home and employment for thousands of the starving poor, who are now barely able to exist. Mr Murray was frequently and warmly applauded during his address.

Collector : " How many more times do you wish me to call for Ibis money?" Debtor: "My dear sir, you need never call again. 1 shall not be offended." " What/ are you going to say of my lago," asked a trembling actor of a great dramatic critic. " Well, Sugar-cured," said the critic, "you're a friend of mine, and I don't want to hunt you, but your la go was so thundering bad that I'm afraid I shall have to call it a careful and conscientious performance." The actor buried his face in his hands "It must, have been awful !" he eaid,