MR. JOHNS AT RUAPUKE.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1463, 17 November 1881, Page 2

MR. JOHNS AT RUAPUKE.

A meeting of electors was held in the Mata school-house oh Monday evening last— Mr J. W. Ellis in the chair — \o hear the views of the new candidate for political honors, Mr W. Johns. He commenced by speaking at some length on the advisability of making alterations in the existing land laws, and also in the present unsatisfactory mode of dealinjr with native lands, and then proceeded to speak strongly in favor of the land tax as a means to prevent the locking up of immense blocks of land, as well as a large amount of capital that would otheiwi.se be available for starting new industries. These if suitable to the country, he would protect, or in the case of articles only used by a class he would prefer a bonus, aa fairer than making the limited number of consumers pay for what would benefit indirectly the whole. Ho thought that an effort should he made to lessen the customs duties on necessaries, as he did not believe in taxing a man according to the size of his stomach, and to replace them with taxes of a more direct nature, that would reach those that derive the most benefit from, and make the most use of our Government machinery and public works, after the conclusion o tne speech, which was listened to throughout with great attention, a number of quetions were asked, and answered to the satisfaction of his audience Mr J. McCracken having raovod and Mr J. Lisjan seconded a vote of c mfidenre in Mi Johns, it was put to the meeting by the chairman and carried unanimously. About thirty electors were present.