MR BASTINGS AT LAWRENCE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 280, 12 June 1873, Page 6

MR BASTINGS AT LAWRENCE.

On Friday evening last, Mr. Horace Bastings addressed a crowded meeting of the electors in the Assembly Koom, Lawrence. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair ; and, in introducing the candidate, said it was quite unnecessary for him to make a speech, aa Mr. Bastings was long and favorably known to the electors of Tuapeka. The meeting was aware that the candidate for reelection recently occupied the position of Secretary for Public Works, and he could say this much in praise of that gentleman, that he had done as much in a few weeks as was formerly done in as many years. He had done not only this district, but others, good service during his tenure of office. In his (the Mayor's) official po&ition, he had had many opportunities of coming in contact with Mr. Bastings, and he could testify to the uniform courtesy with which he was treated, and the promptness with which Mr. Bastings had always attended to any matter brought before him. He asked the meeting to give Mr. Bastings a fair hearing, and he hoped there would not be any hesitation in asking questions upon any subject that might not appear clear to any one. Mr. Bastings then rose and said :—: — Mr. Mayor and fellow electors, in commencing the remarks I have to make this evening, I think it well to lay before you a candid and full explanation of my political procedure since I have had the honor of representing you in the Provincial Council ; and after having so done, it will be for you to decide whether my actions have merited your approbation. First, I will revert to the position I took up some three years ago as a thorough supporter of Mr. Donald Reid, or rather of the principles then advocated by him. I need hardly tell you that I spent both time and money in the advocacy of the claims of men who, I then thought, had the best interests of this province at heart ; but, gentlemen, I had not been in the Provincial Council very long before I found that I had unwittingly identified myself with a party of politicians who, while professing liberal opinions, hold quite the reverse. Why, Sir, these very men, who talked so much about the liberal views entertained by them and the liberal policy they intended j to initiate, have no conception of the meaning of the words they uttered in a practical political sense i and the only times I ever, found the member for the Taieri party liberal was upon those occasions when money was to be expended in such a way that they had the opportunity of grasping the lion's share, and that with a vengeance of which they fuily availed themselves — afact well known to you and to this constituency. At the end of the first session I came to this conclusion : "If this represents the socalled liberal party, I pity the future of this colony." We all know, Sir, what took place during the recess — viz., the sale of a 50,000 acre block to Mr. Clarke. 1 need hardly tell you that, with many in this and other districts, I was very indignant with the Government for parting with such a large block of land, knowing as they did, as we all knew, and know now, that it contained 20,000 acres of as good agricultural land as we possess in the Tuapeka district. I say this positively, notwithstanding the evidence given by Messrs. Conneli and M'Kerrow, and I could, and will if desired, produce over-

whelming evidence of the truth of what I state. Last year, Sir, Mr. Maclcay, of the Dunrobin Hotel, Switzersßoad, whoseland is far higher than most of the land I have referred to, produced 50 bushels of oats to the acre, and the finest crop of potatoes I have seen in the province ; and being in possession of these facts, can you wonder at my annoyance at the fact of Mr. Reid failing to consult with myself on this very important matter of the large sale to Mr. Clarke— at his audacity in sacrificing at one fell swoop so enormous and so ""important a section of the public estate, and so damn the prosperity of a splendid and well peopled district by handing over the territory to an absentee capitalist. This action by Mr. Reid called forth from me a letter which appeared in the "Tuapeka Times," at which Mr. Reid took great umbrage ; but never expressed any regret for the action the Government had taken, but rather justified it, and compelled me to think of this so-called liberal party that they were ruthlessly breaking their pledges, sacrificing the public interests, making use of the goldfields members (as far as possible) for their own ends, and, when the latter required their aid for the benefit of their constituents, turn round upon them and bite the hands that fed them. Instead of finding Mr. Reid and his party liberal, I found them men of narrow minded views, who had no higher ideas than a respect for the wants of their own districts, and ready to sacrifice anything and everything in order to obtain their own selfish ends, I assure you, Sir, I assure this constituency, I assure the province and the colony, nay I go further, T profess to the entire commonwealth of this realm that I have identified myself with public men and held public positions in the colony of Victoria and in this Great Britain of the South during the last 15 years, and yet in all that time I neva met so yreat a tyrant, when in power,»^lr. Reid. T can only say this, that at tS»fend of the session, Mr. Reid remainttin power on sufferance, because gentwK&n could not be found to accept the reins from his hands. And now, gentlemen, we come to the matter of my having joined the present Executive. It is not necessary for me to tire you with details as to negotiations between Mr. Toltnie and myself — it will suffice to say that I found that gentleman liberal in the true sense of the word— anxious to form a Government that should represent all provincial interests, and he allowed me to nominate t;vo members. This fair offer I agreed to, and joined the Government — for reasons I will now submit to you. I had long thought that the Government of this province had not only been badly administered, but that it had not been really administered at all — the requirements of the goldfields had been almost ignored ; public works had (when attended to at all) been carried out at the wrong time of the year, and departments instead of being governed by responsible heads, had been administered by subordinates, who did as they liked — owing very largely to the ignorance of the responsible heads of the requirements of the public, and the mode of meeting those requirements. If gentlemen think they can form any notion of the wants of a country by sitting in easy chairs and forwarding memoranda from one office to another, they are wide of the mark, as they would find if they went into office and tried the experiment — that is if they took office with a sincere desire and determination to push forward business. However good your subordinates may be, they must take their cue from their heads ; and if the head of a department brings energy and industry to bear, his subordinates will, in most cases, do the same. I contend that personal knowledge is better than official letters, and having held these opinions and that the affairs of the goldfields and public works had not been well or wisely adnnrr^-* tered, upon assuming office I had tflft bring to bear a very exhaustive amoun^B of labor and patience. 1 found most o^m the year gone. Mr. Bradshhaw was, and had been away at Wellington. There had been changes in the engineering department, and the whole machinery was so unhinged that although it is for you to form your own conclusions as to my acts, I assure you that never since the foundation of the province has the same or anything like the same amount of work — real practical work, been done by any executive officer in the same time as that which I have got through since I have held office. Ido not say this boastfully, but I say it truthfully. I have visited every goldfield in the province (with one small exception). I have settled matters that have been hung xip for years. I have travelled close upon 2000 miles of the roads of the province, and made myself acquainted with local requirements wherever I have gone. I see that my friend Mr. Cutten calls it a waste of money for the Superintendent and myself to have gone about, and this certainly comes well from a gentleman who has received some £8000 from the Provincial exchequer for doing nothing ; and I can inform you, gentlemen, that His Honor and myself in travelling the country, did so at the enormous cost of £4 5s 6d per day, including buggy hire — averaging, as we did, a distance of 35 miles per day. I think that you will agree with me, that such money is well expended ; those governing should, and must know something of the country they have to superintend. If a man possesses an estate, unless he is acquainted with it — with its capabilities, its resources, she position and requirements of his tenants, and so on, he cannot manage it aright. The same holds good as regards a country,- and the same -and even far greater and more extended knowledge is required. Regarding public works, my opinion is, that money once voted for any particular work, should be expended before the end of the financial year, and I will if I have the honor of retaining my present official position, do all in my power to give effect to that opinion — such can easily be done, and by so doing, we can utilise and give employment to all the labor in the province, from the month of October to January, and so not interfere with the labor market. These points have been largely lost sight of, and our- roads bear witness to the fact — having generally been made when the days were short, and it is impossible to do justice to them or to the labor employed on them. Well, gentlemen, we have heard much talk from Messrs. Gillies, Cutten, and Reid relative to the construction of the present

Waste Land Board, and the action of the Government in the matter. I want to know what objection it is that they desire to raise. I quite admit that the Board is a farce altogether ; but I defy anyone to select four or five gentlemen to form such a Board, who would, one and all, be approve! of by everybody. The fact is, the Board should be composed of the Government of the day ; it is impossible to separate questions of policy that often arise before the Board from the policy of the Government, and these matters are then referred to the Government, and consequently there are actually two Boards where one would suffice, and save expense, trouble, and loss of time. However, the law says that there shall be a Board, and the existing Executive has endeavored, and I maintain has succeeded, in selecting men of sound judgment, and who are above suspicion. I contend that their actions, since they took offics, have proved this, and that they have manifested a determination to do what is fair and just to all interests. On the land question, I have never changed my views, and never shall. If the country is to be prosperous, it must be devoloped and facilities must be opened for settlement. I see Mr. Gillies wants to make great capital out of this land question, and I now ask you who was it that ruined the Roxburgh district ? who sold the Island Block ? Why, the Reid- j Gillies Government ; and soon after they sold 70,000 acres more to two individuals, thus adding wrong to wrong, and entirely destroying the ultimate chances of a large population. Is that the way to settle the country? Have the present Government so acted ? No ! When Captain M'Kenzie wanted to buy up his run, the Government preserved the interests of the people, and refused to allow one man to purchase 11,000 acres of agricultural land, without giving the publfe an opportunity of competing for it. At. M'Kellar got 12,000 acres at the ups^^rice from the former Government — a«ale which would never have been aJfaped by those now in office. I have hel^a people talking about Mr. Tolraie being a squatter. I can only say that I have ever found Mr. Tolmie more liberal on the land question, and on every other question, than I ever found Messrs. Reid, Henderson, Hutcheson, and Company — these latter are blinded by prejudice and by hatred to-vards his Honor the Superintendent. Yon all know I opposed Mr. Macandrew's last election, and I did so then on good and sufficient public grounds, having reference to the reissuing of the leases to the pastoral tenants. I thought that his action was wrong, and think so still ; but because I then did, and do still differ on that subject, is no reason why I am to be prevented from supporting him now, when I think he is acting right. I had hardly ever exchanged a word with Mr. Macandrew until I joined the present Government; and since that acquaintance was formed, I am free to confess I have found him to possess but one desire, viz. , to forward the interests of this province, and enhance the prosperity of its people. It is men like the Superintendent that make towns, countries, and nations. What have the Reids, Thompsons, Gillies, Hendersons and so on, done for this or any other province that they should endeavor to malign Mr. Macandrew and any one who acts with him. They may depend upon this, that long after they are forgotten, the name of James Macaudrew will be remembered and recorded iv the pages of history as one who devoted his great energies and abilities, not for the interests of self and family, but as the pioneer and founder of a prosperous nation. What nobler aspirations can stimulate the actions of any man ? I believe, on my honor, that these are the sentiments, and this, the glorious and laudable ambition that actuates James Macandrew in endeavoring to make this pr^fl^e and this colony the Britain of tfMSouih. As regards the present crisis, Tj^mio not propose to go into the constiquestion. I think if men would more practical sense and less of constitutional law, it would facilitate busiWhat have we, as a mere adminTistrative body, to do with the actions of men like Wellington, Palmerston, and Peel, in trying political circumstances — circumstances, the action taken in which oftentimes involved the fate of half the world, and dictated war or peace. It may suit some— Mr. Stoutfor instance— to air their legal lore at public expense ; but I think we should have done with all this bunkum, and act as what we really are — a mere municipal body, appointed to administer the revenues of the province. The simple fact is, the Superintendent had the power to dismiss his Executive, and he did it ; further, he had the power to appoint their successors (the Council not being in session), and he did that also. [Mr. Bastings here reviewed the action taken to prevent a crisis, also the endeavor to form a coalition, the facts of which are already known to our readers.] Mr. Bastings continued : So much for the past. And now, as to the policy of the existing Government, allow me to direct attention to the fact that no fault was found by any member of the Council at our acts as a Government . They admitted our capacity for administration and the wisdom of our policy, and wanted Mr. Turnbull and myself to become members 4 of their proposed coalition ; but the fact is, the Government was too good for them ; they thought and said- in effect, " Why, here are these men alive to the prosperity of the province, and prepared to do in a year what we have never even dreamed of, let alone proposed. We must turn them out ; rob them of their progressive notions, by adopting their policy, and endeavor to take to ourselves the credit of having initiated it." I think, sir, we may take credit for the policy indicated in His Honor's address ; that we were alive to the situation ; and that every matter affecting the great and varied interests of the province received attention, earnest thought, and consideration. We had made every enquiry, personally inspected the lands and roads, and provided for every possible contingency which human forethought conld suggest. A perusal of our estimates (still in existence) will prove this, such as the scheme proposed for increased school accommodation and educational facilities, roads and bridges never heard of before, grants-ma-id of local requirements in places as yet unable to take advantage of the municipal system ; and with such a programme, I think we only claim our due when we say

we hare done our very best, and that I, gentlemen, have done my very best to advance the goldfields and the province generally. We took the Naseby works on our own shoulders, and the people there bear testimony to our zeal in the matter. Of all these things I can speak as the head of the department. It is for the electors to decide what progress this country shall make in the next four years — whether it shall stand still in the hands of slow-coaches, or whether it shall be guided by men of advanced ideas, who will pilot you faithfully, well, and at a proper speed. And now, in conclusion, allow me to thank you for your courtesy shown me on this and many other occasions ; and in asking you to return me again on public grounds, I hope you will be true to yourselves, and judge me by my actions, and not wholly by my words. I have now been amongst you over seven years, and have taken a prominent part in every movement affecting the interests of this district, the prosperity of which, I think, you will give me the credit of having stimulated, and of having opened out a large and prosperous industry in your midst. I am not one of those money-grubbers that Mr. Reid alluded to on a late occasion ; but I have, as you ' know, devoted every spare hour of my j time, and often at a loss to myself I have giveu time that I urgently needed for my own affairs in order to attend to your interests and perform public work ; and on these, and not personal grounds, I claim your support. If you think I have served you and this province faithfully and honestly, why, then, strengthen my hands by according me your votes ; but. if you think otherwise, then compel me to retire and make room for a better man. During the delivery of the address, there vere frequent demonstrations of approbation. After a few moments silence, Mr. Hills said it was rumored that Mr. Brown had threatened to expose Mr. Bastings if he said anything against him. (Marks of disapprobation.) Mr. Bastings asked what Mr. Hills meant by exposing him. Mr. Hills said according to rumor there was something that required explanation. Mr. Brown had shown several telegrams, and threatened to make them public if he split upon him, or something to that effect. Mr, Bastings replied that he knew of no dishonorable transaction having taken place between himself and Mr. Brown. Mr. Pyke, Mr. Brown, and himself had been old friends. He was not going to allude to personal matters, and he hoped they would not be introduced during his candidature. (Applause). Mr, Mears asked if anything was to be done regarding the Blue Spur tailings. Mr. Bastings said a petition had been received by the Government asking that a survey of the tailings should be made. Mr. Duncan, one of the engineering staff, was immediately sent up. He considered it was to the interest of the Government to give the assistance of the survey or engineering staff for any works likely to be of future advantage to the Government. The Government decided upon handing over that piece of land behind Ross Place to the owners of sections in front of it, on the understanding that they make a proper channel for the creek at the foot of the hill. The people of Waipori had also petitioned for a survey to be made of the Waipori Flat, to ascertain if there is sufficient fall for a sludge channel. Mr. Kepple asked if the candidate would be in favor of abolishing the High School, and establishing a more liberal system of education. Mr. Bastings 3aid he had been opposed to the High School for several years, as entailing a useless expenditure of money. A commission had been appointed to inquire into the working of the High School. He believpd it would result in that expensive toy being done away with. With regard to the education question, the Government proposed to borrow £30,000 to put the public schools in a state of efficiency. Mr. Kepple asked if Mr. Bastings meant Government Schools alone, or any schools upheld by Government. Mr. Bastings said he referred to public schools under the present management of the province. In reply to another question of Mr. Kepple's, Mr. Bastings said that he thought every district should have the power of rating for school purposes. He believed the Government would be quite justified in assisting Roman Catholic Schools. Mr. Kepple asked what was Mr. Bastings' opinion regarding dummy applications for agricultural leases. He referred to parties obtaining agents to get possession of more land than they were entitled to by the Waste Lands Act. Mr. Bastings said he would decidedly object to anyone obtaining surreptitiously or fraudulently more land than he was entiteld to. If a case were made out and he in the Government, he would have the lease cancelled. Mr. Peter Roberston said he was glad that the question had been put. Mr. Gillies' idea was to lease the hill land in, say, 1000 acre blocks, but that could be taken advantage of in the same way as the agricultural leases were now taken advantage of by dummies. This style of procedure is not a new thing, and his friend Mr. Keppel, no doubt, speaks feelingly as the land round about him is being all taken up. He is getting surrounded. It is the nature of men to get all they can, but the dummy system was a bad one, and he hoped Mr. Bastings would do something to prevent it. Mr. Basting 3 said he quite understood the question. The system referred to was of couise a direct evasion of the law. He would endeavor to have the regulations enforced, and put a stop to it, so that everybody could get a fair share of the land. Mr. Frazer asked a question with reference to the sale of some 1500 acres to Mr. Smith, of Grpeufield. Mr. Bastings said the Government did not sell land, but the Waste Land Board. He believed an application had i been made by Mr. Smith to purchase { certain lands, but did not think the matter had been dealt with. This showed ! the fallacy of the Waste Land Board. They have full power to sell independently of the Government altogether. When the Government aire made aware of any land that should not be sold, they acquaint the Board with the facts, but

they have not the power to prevent the sale. Mr. Michael asked if Mr. Bastings would bo in favor of enlarging the number of acres to be held by agricultural lease. Mr. Bastings would not be in favor of it in consequence of the small quantity of land, 30,000 acres, that can be thrown open every year under the act. His policy would be not to sell any land for purposes of revenue, unless it was at an altitude of at least 1200 feet above the sea level. Mr. T. Anderson asked a question referring to the Corporation leases for 99 years, which were sold by the Council, when 21 years was the longest lease which could legally be given by that body. Mr. Bastings said he had an Ordinance prepared to be introduced to the Council, empowering the Municipal Council to lease for 99 years. Mr, M'Kimmie asked why- the reclaimed land which was advertised for sale in Dunedin was withdrawn from sale. Mr. Bastings replied that he would take his share of the blame in connection with that matter. Ho was asked by Messrs. Kincaid and M 'Queen, Mr. Sparrow, and others if they could not get a site on the reclaimed ground for their works, where they would not be a nuisance to the inhabitants in their neighborhood. He considered it the duty of the Government to foster in every possible manner these foundaries and other industries amongst them. He found that 48 apprentices, the future artizans-of the. colony, were employed in these works. The matter was represented to him in this way : if the land was put up to auction, they could not possibly give the price it would fetch, as land speculators in Dunedin would buy it all up. They therefore wished the Government to grant them a privilege. He made the following proposition, viz., that so much of the land as they required for their works be sold to them at the highest upset price land had ever been offered by the Government, with the condition that buildings of the value of £2000 were erected on the ground, aud that in each work there should be twelve articled apprentices. ' The Government agreed to this, and the sale was advertised. There was a great cry against the proceeding, and chief amongst the opponents was Mr. Larnach. It Was said to be illegal, and all other kinds of objections were brought against it. The Government were therefore obliged, for the time, to withdraw it from sale. On the morning of the sale, all the lawyers of the town were specially retained on the question. He had been making enquiry into the matter, and he believed the Government could sell it in the manner proposed. He found, as a rule, that the opinion of a man who has a little common sense is as good as the opinion of a lawyer. He might state that he had received a letter from the Superintendent, who desired him to say that he would not be able to visit Lawrence. Mr. Peter Robertson said he thought the meeting, after listening to Mr. Bastings, ought to feel very much satisfied with his remarks, and if satisfied with his generalship during his short term of office, and since he came to Lawrpnce, then they ought to let him know their mind, When they found a man who had put himself so much about as Mr. Bastings had done to serve them, they should give him such assurance of his certainty' of being elected that he may be spared going to expense in his candidature, He (Mr. Robertson) was not one of those who believed in a candidate going round "shouting" and praying for electors to vote for him. He would strongly recommend the electors not to lose a good man, now that they had one ; let them keep him. Good men were not to be picked up like "spuds" any day. Let this meeting give Mr. Bastings the assur- j ance that his election is certain, so that he may go to his bed with no care on his mind regarding it, and leave the rest to the electors. He hoped the electors would come forward to a man on the day of the poll and record their votes for Mr. Bastings, who had been such a j genuine friend to the district. How could they trust a man they knew nothing about. He moved a vote of confidence in Mr. Bastings. (Great applause.) Mr. M'Kimmie seconded the motion, which was carried by acclamation. Mr. Bastings thanked the meeting, and said the expression of confidence was very gratifying to his feelings. He proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman, which brought the meeting to a close.