THE HON. EDWARD RICHARDSON. BEFORE HIS CONSTITUENTS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XX, Issue 3401, 19 June 1877, Page 2

THE HON. EDWARD RICHARDSON. BEFORE HIS CONSTITUENTS.

[Per Press Agency.] Cuhistohuhoh, Jane 16. The Hon E. Richardson addressed the electors of Christchurch last night. Referring to the events of last session, he said it wa9 a great mistake introducing permissive clauses into the Counties Bill. Where the clauses had not been adopted the County Councils levied no rates, and thus received no subsidies towards hospitals and charitable aid, the cost of which had thus fallen unfairly on municipalities, which the G-overuiiienh were unable to avoid. He hoped this would be attended to next session. Fie would oppose separation if again brought up, and hoped the Government would not allow such long debates on it as before. He referred to the revenue, and said that the Customs | would show a deficiency of from £'d,OOO to £4,000, owing, he thought, in a great measure to the increasing manufacture of boots, shoes, clothing, and woollen goods in the colony ; but, from personal knowledge, he was satisfied there would be an increase in the postal and stamp departments, and an absolute profit of £10,1)00 on railways. £150,000 Treasury Bills had been issued to assist the land funds of the various provincial districts. That advanced to charge would no doubt be recovered, but in other cases the recovery was somewhat problematic.il. £110,01)0 had also been, issued to aid the revenues of Auckland, Wellington, and WeßtJand, and if the recent changes in the ixovernment were got over at double this cost it would be cheaply done. He spoke in favour of deferred payments for laud, and warmly endorsed the proposal set forth in the Native Lands Bill for discontinuance of purchase of native lands by the Government, asserting that the sooner it was done the better. Definite provision must be made in the Counties Bill for managing hospitals and charitable institutions, which should be under the supervision of local committees. The Government must also make provision for liberal contributions from the same source for hospitals and charitable institutions. Education provided by the Government should be strictly secular, and managed by elective boards, presiding over moderate-sized districts. He did not see how the Government could make education free except by imposing fresh taxation, and if this was done it should be in the form of a property tax. He did not see what there was to fight for in Mr Stout's Local Option Bill, as far more power was given under the Permissive Bill of 1873. He supported the Permissive Bill before, and would do it again. Though opposed to Sunday traffic, he would be in favour of public houses being open for a short time on Sundays, rather than drinking should be going onin them all day as now. Referring to defence and fortifications on a comprehensive scale, that was beyond our means, but he certainly thought the provisions of the Volunteer and Militia Acts should be more stringently enforced. As to railways, it was quite clear that the present lines were absolutely incapable of carrying the traffic, but notwithstanding this and the fact that the country wants opening up more, it will be the duty of the Government, before going further, to see that existing and authorised lines are efficient. In reply to' a question, he said he was not in favour of triennial Parliaments. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried at the conclusion of the address.