MR RHODES AT TEMUKA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1636, 20 September 1887, Page 3

MR RHODES AT TEMUKA.

Mr A. E. G. Rhodes addressed a meeting in the Volunteer ilitl), Temuka, last night. Mr K. F. Gray occupied the chair. There was a large' attendance, and the proceedings throughout were orderly. Mr Rhodes, who was favorably received, said that considering the political campaign had now lasted some two months there could be little new to be said, He had come before them that evening more with the view of answering questions than with any idea of making a long speech. He then referred to the proceedings on the nomination day, and expressed bis opinion that any little unfriendliness that had been displayed on that occasion was the result of excitement. He must, however, 1 in justice to Mr Franks, distinctly state that the report of a partnership existing between himself and Mr Franks was absolutely unfounded. The statement to that effect, he believed, was made simply on the spur of the moment. He regretted also that Mr Franks’ proposer and seconder had not come forward. He thought for his own party that the hustings was contrary to the spirit of the ballot, and hoped to see public nominations done away with. He desired to say a few words about monopolists, moneyrings, and land sharks, about which one of his opponents had frequently disclaimed. He did not know what a moneyring was, tandsharks bad certainly existed, and as to what a monopolist was he wae in doubt. He found, however, that three years ago the Temuka. Leader had charged Sir Julius Vogel with being a member of moneyrings. Be felt confident himself, however, that once there was Protection there would soon be monopolists. He then briefly criticised Mr Duncan’s speech on the nomination day, and proceeded to discuss the alleged saving by the Government of £83,000. He quoted Mr Montgomery’s speech to show that no actual immediate saving had beeo effected. In discussing the question cf Financial Reform he instanced the expenditure in the Mines Department as being capable of considerable curtailment. He dealt at some length with the revenue returns and expenditure, and claimed that the Stout-Vogel Government §were extravagant in their travelling and other expenses. He quoted the speeches of Messrs Ormond andScobie Mackenzie in corroboration of this. Ho was of opinion that the sole question before the Country was retrenchment, and denied that it was a mere election cry. He considered that there could be no retrenchment until borrowing was slopped. A lot of the money allocated to the Otago Central Railway was never spent upon it, and he would be sorry to see money borrowed for the purpose of carrying out that railway or the Main Trunk Railway. He thought the present railways were extended plenty far enough. From the returns it was evident that they were only paying £2 2s 2d per cent, and if pushed farther would pass the paying point altogether. He reiterated his views as to the Upper House, and then quoted from Mr Bruce’s speech at Macton to show that a predominance of imports over exports did not necessarily mean that the country was getting indebted. He contended that the present tariff was quite sufficient for protective purposes. Referring to Mr Ley on the Customs duties, he admitted that they did press heavier on the poorer classes, and for that reason he would oppose any increased taxation. He questioned if the rate of wages wou'd increase under a protective policy, but felt confidant that the cost of living would bo increased. He quoted Henry George to the effect that Protection simply amounted to maintaining the profits of the manufacturer. He repeated his views as formerly expressed on the subject of the property tax, and proceeded to criticise statements that had been made by Mr Franks as to the area and rents of runs, which he contended [were let at a far higher rental than was stated by Mr Franks, and were also in smaller blocks. The Act which would come int* force in 1889 was an eminently fair one. It provided that the runs should be laid eff to carry 20,930 sheep, or 4000 head of c ittle. Any land fit for settlement wou'd be set aside for that purpose, and the leases could bo broken by a twelve months’ notice on either side. He objected to the Land Acquisition Bill. If the land had to be rssumedit must be by the Government, and not by individuals. The village settlements in tha North island were not a success. He then reviewed the history of the Stout-Vogel Administration since 1885, with the view of showing that its policy bad been reckless and inconsistent. Qe ridiculed the idea of the present Government being in favor of the working men, and referred to the Blackett circular. He did not think that any change would ba made in the education system. On the subject of the National Bmk he expressed his regret that be had misunderstood Mr Twomey’s scheme to be one dealing with inconvertible paper money. At the same lime he did not believe in a State Bank of lssue or that Government could alter the present rate of interest. Considering what money cost the Government he felt sure it could not be lent at less than 5J per cent. In conclusion lie said that the electors had two courses open to (hem, either to vote for Government and increased taxation, or turning them out and giving other people a chance. On resuming his seat Mr Rhodes was applauded.

Replying to -Mr William* Mr Rhodes su** that personally be objected to canvassing, but while one side did it the other most, He deprecated incorrect newspaper reports, but did not seel that legislation oould interfere with private enterpriie. Mr Goodey said that it had been stated that the present Government had expended £97,000 in surveys. Was Mr Rhodes aware that the Government had spent £114.000 in similar work t —Mr Rhodes did not doubt Mr Goodey’s statement, bat claimed that the Atkinson party had certainly sold more land. He did not cavil at the expense only as regarded the amount realised. Mr Rhodes was not aware as to what particular persons had opposed the compensation clauses, and the tendering system of the Land Act.

Mr Goodey said that Mr Rhodes bad denied that Government could fix the rat? of interest. Was it not a fact that 8 per cent, was the rate fixed for interest by the Government?—Mr Rhode* said that 8 per cent was certainly what was known as legal interest, and in transaction* in which no definite rate bad been agreed upon only that amount would be allowed by law. On the other hand it did not prevent people from contracting to pay as much as they pleased, Government could not interfere in private transactions.

Mr Rhodes, again in reply to Mr Goodey, denied that he wae oppoied to Tillage settle- . mentß in general. Settlement such aa formed i in Arowheoua he was in faror of. It wa» I as Mr Qoodey said “ A garden of Eden,” ’ and he was pleated to see Mr Goodey in the garden, He objected, however, to inch set* tlements bb thoie in the North Itland. Mr Surridge asked Mr Rhode* if in the 1 event of hit election would he support the 1 present annual subsidy of £260 to the United Fire Brigades’ Association ? -Mr i Rhodes would certainly support it. Any body of men doing good public terries deserved encouragement. Replying to Mr Clark, Mr Bhodet laid that if every member of the Government had made the tame unauthorised expenditure at Mr Reliance had done it would have ooit the country about a quarter of a million. He did not say that Mr Ballanee derived any benefit from it, nor that the money wat actually ipent. It was a liability that would have to be paid by instalment*. Mr Scannell asked Mr Rhodes if it was true that he ridiculed a question handed to him at Pleasant Valley by a working man became some words were badly spelt?—Mr Rhodes said that if he did so it was certainly unintentional. Mr Daily taid that he had been over the land in the North Island which was now under the Village Settlement Act, and would like to know what fault Ur Rhodes could find with it P— Mr Rhodes said hit information was entirely derived from Parliamentary debates. He know nothing personally about their land. Mr Daily said he would be glad to have the land within 5 or 10 miles of Temnka at £ls an acre. Mr Rhodes considered that the position mutt neoettarily have a great deal to do with it. Land near a town would of course be more valuable than equally good land remote from a market. Mr Daily laid that with regard to the land in question Mr Rhodes was evidently very ignorant. Replying to Mr Mcluneit, Mr Rhodes sail that be wat not in favor of Major Atkinion'e scheme for compulsory insurance. Replying to Mr Simpson, Mr Rhodes said that he was oppoied to legislating for one class more than another. He would try to do ustice to all. This concluded the questions, and the Chairman invited any person to more a resolution, but stated that Ur Rhodes was opposed to votes of confidence at public meetings. After some little time and no one coming forward, Mr Rhodes proceeded to move a vote of thanks to the Chairman, when Mr D. Leach, amongst cheers and some goodhumored banter, proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Rhodes, and confidence iu the present Government. The Chairman thought the proposal somewhat of an anomaly, and divided the motion, with the result that the vote of thanks was declared carried, and the vote of confidence lost. Mr Leaoh claimed otherwise, and asked that the proportion should be put to the meeting again. A number of persons had, however, left the building, so that the Chairman decided not to put the motion again. Mr Rhodes moved a vote of thanks to the chair, and the meeting terminated.

A doubt ia thrown on the genuineness of the reported find of gold at Maungatatutari ia the King country, Abont £BO in ail wai collected to (end Hearn to as the proceeds of the costume fooiuall match at Wellington. A telegraph operator named Vine, while bathing near Island Bay on Sunday, was seized by an octopus, and only got clear with great difficulty. John McCulloch. 9t mobroaker, was found drowned in the harbor at Auckland on San* day morning with £2 9s in his pockets. The wife of the deceased hud not seen him since he left, for work on Saturday morning. The Wanaka with the mails arrived at Wellington about seven o’clock on Sunday night and loft an hour afterwards for the south. She took also the West Coast bags, which will be sent overland from Christ* •hurch.

About midnight on Saturday the home of Stephen Clark, icttler, at Swanson, Auckland, was burned down, Two of his children, Ada Isabella, sged 7, and'Ada Bently, aged 4, wore burned to death while sleeping. Clark a woks and found the plaos on fire. He succeeded in saving his wife, who is an invalid, and one child. In trying to save the other two he got badly burned. James McNulty, a lafe employee at Cromwell, committed suicide at Dunedin, by hanging himself from a rafter. His mind has been affected for some time. He leaves a widow and eigbc c : ildren. A singular fatal accident occurred at Hobsonsville (Auckland), to a child two years of »ge, daughter of a Mr G. A. Field. The chi'd w«8 passing beneath a barbed wire fence, and the strings of her hood caught in the wire, and she was suspended in the fence. The child was shortly aflerwurds discovered hanging and quite dead. Certainly the most effective medicine in the world is SANDER & SONS’ EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Teat its eminent powerful effects in coughs, colds, influenza, the relief is instantaneous. In serious case, and accidents of all kinds, be they wounds, burns, scoldings, bruises, sprains, it is the safest remedy—no swelling—no inflarama tion. Like surprising effects produced in croup, diphtheria, bronchitis, inflammation ){ the lungs, swellings, etc.s diarrhoea, dysentery; diseases of the kidneys and urinary organs. In use at all hospitals and medical clinics ; patronised by His Majesty the King of Italy; crowned with medal and diploma at Ir t irnational Exhibition, Amsterdam. Trust in this approved article, and reject all ethers. fIOLIOWAT'S OIIfTMENT AW) PltM,— Notable Facts.—lntense heat augments tba annoyances of skin diseare, and eaoonrrgea the development of febrile disorders ; where* fore they should, ai they may, be removed by these detergent and purifying preparation*. In stomach complaints, liver affections, pain* and spasm* of the bowel*, Holloway’* oint. ment well tubbed over the effaoted part immediately give* th* greatest ease, prevents congestion and inflammation, cheeks the threatening diarrhoei and avert* incipient cholera. The poorer inhabitant* of large cities will find these remedies to be their best friend when any pestilence regoi, or when from unknown cause*, eruption*, boil*, abscesses, or ulceration* betokeuth* pTM)™* of taints or impurities within the system, Md call for instant and effective curative medicine*.