POLICY SPEECH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8031, 18 January 1906, Page 2

POLICY SPEECH.

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

THE PREMIER AT KUMARA. I'KK I'BESS ASSOCIATION, Ki'maba, January 17. Tlio Premier addressed a crowded meeting this evening. The Mayor of Kumara occupied the chair, Jtefei'ring to the last election, the Premier contended I lint the manner in which his family had been assailed hail much to do with the result, and that the recent charges of corruption and maladministration had never been proved. After analysui',' the impositions of the new House, he dealt .strongly with the existing monopolies, which must be checked. Laud settlement must proceed more rapidly, and the ballot system improved. A surplus of five million acres of native land in the North Island must be settled ; half a million acres must be reserved for education, and a quarter of a million for charitable aid purposes. The aggregation of large estates, the Premier said, must bo effectually prevented, while definite stops would need to be taken to bring about local government- reform. An equitable adjustment of local franchise was imperative, and subsidies made payable to local bodies.

Right of wives to their homes should be seen to, and men prevented from selling or mortgaging their homes without the consent of their wives. He was as much as ever opposed to the Civil Service board, and to the Railway Commissioner. Indirect taxation required reducing. Homes for trained nurses will be provided, and the position of Friendly Societies improved. Speaking of the financial position of the colony, Mr Scdd«n said he anticipated again a very large surplus for the present year. He was proud to announce that a million loan hail been floated in the colony on most advantageous terms. Two million pounds of debentures, falling due during the current year, had .already been provided for. The rovenue for the last nine months amounted to £52,136,933, an increase of £188,617. Public works expenditure for eight months was £1,029,379. On the Midland Railway £87,000 had been expended during the last nine mouths. The survey in connection with Ihe Summit tunnel had been delayed by bad weather, but he hoped to announce to Parliament that a contract had been let.

After paying a visit to South Westland he was thoroughly satisfied of its great future. For land settlement, mineral developments and scenic attractions it was unsurpassed auywkere. He was most creditably informed that a payable alluvial gold field would shortly be opened up there. The North Islaud Trunk railway would be completed within three years. The necessity of opening up p„;„t Elizabeth as a national harb ar , v „, pointed out, aud, he said, the A,i m ;. n i ( „ iivoy^ftt! kWI t0 makC a Com l ,letc b4 e Si a et£t[ o t said, will never be allowed ti, f p Vii No reason had been shown," T.'° f" existing land temircs. w|? ! required was equaliticatio, i * 8 ation of land. He would ' following scale of e cent on capital value of 3r J , J* 1 I per cent on 2nd cla„ , cent on first class laud'*' ' ( ' ' )(r

He believed m lowe • „ .» , i n ,..i.ji i , ring the renfs on leaseholds, and would , " 1 • i holds popularise lease-

sti^ f 1 ? ;i ' i ?, t0 the ,lwftl t' 1 " 11011 '»> . 'S«i.ihsed himself as a free trader. industries, however, must be proecled, where necessary. lie characterised it as monstrous that New Zealand mutton and lamb should be sold cheaper m the Old Country than in the colony. This indicated a monopoly, and it would have to be stopped.

Speaking of labor questions, lie greatly regret! Ed tlie action of the hmployers' Association in refusing to join m the proposed eonference The question to lie decided was whether the conference should take place under such conditions. He was proud of the Labor Party. After referring at length to the contlitioll of the gold-mining industry in tuo Ivumura district, lie concluded an eloquent orul.ion amidst tremendous apvlause, and was accorded an unanimous vote of thanks and confidence.