MR JOHN BRYCE.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 448, 22 February 1890, Page 5

MR JOHN BRYCE.

ADDRESS AT TE AWAMUTU. Auckland, February IS. Mn John Bryce, M.H.R., addressed his Te Awamutu constituents at the local hall last evening. There was a largo attendance, and Air J. H. Alandeno occupied the chair. Air Bryce went over much the same ground as that touched upon in bis Hamilton speech, reported in our last issue, but occupied some considerable time in a discussion of the colony’s borrowing. He stated that the net public debt of the colony was £37,000,000, and if they added to this semi-public debts and mortgages, and indebtedness of other kinds, they would have a total indebtedness of not less than £80,000,000. The interest paid on this debt was more than £4,000,000 per annum, which passed out of the coloDy, and he looked upon this as a very serious consideration. In reply to questions, Air Bryce said he was not an admirer of short parliaments, but thought it would be a very serious thing if the present Parliament of its own motion extended the time of its existence beyond the three years for which members were elected. To extend the general elections simply that they might take place under a new census would nothave a shadow of justification, and it would be a serious emergency that would induce him to countenance such a proposal. ~ In reply to other questions Air Bryce stated that he was still a supporter of the reduced number of members, and would be prepared to vote for a further reduction to 60. On the motion of Air W. Johns, seconded by AJr H. Roche, a hearty vote of thanks and confidence was accorded to Mr Bryce amidst cheering. Mr Bryce returned thanks, and proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the presiding chairman.