NAPIER.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3842, 22 April 1881, Page 2

NAPIER.

This day

Mr Ormond addressed his constituents at Waipawa. He referred at lenpth to the proceedings of last session, and strongly condemned the practice of the Government in relegating important functions to Koyal Commissioners as likely to strike a blow at constitutional Government. He urged the great necessity for legal reform, and hoped the result of the Judicature Commission would be satisfactory in' simplifying procedure and reducing the cost. He thoroughly approved of the Government Charitable Aid and Hospitals Bill, but dissented entirely from the local government measures. He believed further reductions in Civil Service expenditure could be made, but did not expect much from Messrs Seed and Batkin's mission. He disagreed with the Government policy to prevent natives settling land, and also with the wholesale abandonment of Government liens on native lands. They should have completed the purchase of blocks suitable for settlement, on many of which large sums have already been advanced. He approved of the Government polioy on the West Coast up to the sending of the Governor's letter to Te Whiti —that was impolitic, and the mistake was made worse by sending it by an imperial officer, as it gave the Maoris an idea that there was power behind greater than the representative Government of the colony. To have attempted to take Te Whiti prisoner after that letter would have been a breach of faith; but if the letter had not.been sent, he would have heartily approved of Mr Bryce's proposal, and believed Hiroki and Te Whiti could have been captured without any risk of war, and with most beneficial results. He believed that the scheme of redistribution would have to be left to a Committee of the House. Other things than population would require to be considered. He strongly condemned the Property Tax, as driving capital from the colony, and he criticised Atkinson's recent defence of the tax. He supported an income tax as fairest, but did not approve of the Land Tax, although he agreed that land should bear special burdens. Probably it would soon have to bear the cost of the execution of all local works. He condemned the present system of railway management as too much red tape and no facilities to the public or effort to attract trade. He complained that the promise made to him that settlers should be given, small contracts to carry on the extension of the Napier line not being fulfilled. It would not do for the Colony to borrow money to complete the main lines, but he thought conditions might be offered which would induce English capitalists to do so. The present lines might be leased and grants of landgiven or a minimum dividend guaranteed. He believed road boards would ultimately have charge of all roads, and thought the country had made a mistake in abolishing the provinces. He eulogised the personal character of the present Government and regretted differing from them in many points. The policy the House should next session confine itself to was the redistribution of representation and the granting of supplies. The people would then have an opportunity of expressing their views at the general election. A vote of confidence was carried.