THE COMING ELECTIONS.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 464, 19 April 1890, Page 5

THE COMING ELECTIONS.

Te Aroha, April 16. Mr W. S. Allen addressed the electors Te Aroha in the Public Hall last evening. There was a large attendance. Mr Gallagher occupied the chair. Mr Allen said he had held a seat in the English Parliament for 21 years. In politics he was an advanced Liberal, but as to whether he was a follower of Atkinson or Yogel, he was a strong opponent of Vogel. He was in favour of strict economy and retrenchment where possible. As to the tinancialjposition of New Zealand, ho thought the outlook was not so gloomy as many seemed to imagine. During the last three or four years the credit of the country had very much improved, New Zealand stock being much higher in the market now than for a long time previously. The property tax was undoubtedly a tax on industry and thrift, and lie hoped it would be removed as soon as practicable. As to the railways, what was wanted was management such as would develop and increase the traffic insteadof retardingit and would improve both passenger and freight returns. He held it to be the paramount duty of the State to see that every child received a sound elementary education, but there the duty of the state stopped, except in the case of remarkably talented children. He also made special reference to the importance of the mining industry to New Zealand. During the year ended March, 1889, we had raised over £BOO,OOO worth of gold ; during the same period 4,000 ounces were raised at the Thames, Ohinemuri, and Te Aroha. The more the mining industry prospered, the more the agricultural industry would prosper. If mining was in a flourishing state new markets would be opened for farm produce all along the line to where the mining was carried on. In this way the agricultural interests of the electoral district were most intimately bound up with its mining prosperity. The Government had conceded the principle that it was right to foster and encourage the mining industry, and that was a principle that must commend itself to every one interested in the welfare of this district. Federation was an important subject, and required very careful consideration. He hoped nothing would ever snap the tie that binds us to the old land. Though there had been times of depression, there was now very much to cheer, and the future of New Zealand was full of hope. The population was increasing and the frozen meat trade was developing wonderfully, New Zealand frozen mutton being the best obtainable in the English market. Mr Allen also avowed himself a staunch free trader. Above all, the destiny of this country should be kept out ot the hands of political adventurers. ■ The great thing for New Zealand was firm and stable government, that would be unflinchingly honest, upright and economic. On the conclusion of the address, Mr Allen answered a number of questions, and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.