MR. JOHNS AT TEAWAMUTU.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1465, 22 November 1881, Page 1 (Supplement)

MR. JOHNS AT TEAWAMUTU.

Mr Johns addressed the Te Awamutu section of tho Waipa electors at the Volunteer Hall on Saturday. Despite the unfavorable state of the weather there were close upon a hundred persona present, and the chair was occupied by Mr James Cunningham. Mr Johns, who was well received," entered at eoine length into the political questions of the day, but his speech was mainly a recapitulation of those delivered in other place.", and duly reported in these columns. He advocated the teaching of temperance principles in the public schools, and was in favor of a return to the land tax of Sit Geovge Grey, and the abolition of .the present ,tax ,upon property. He reviewed Major Jackson's recent speech at Te Awamutu and dealt severely with those parts ' referring- to education. After referring ' to r Major Jackson's qualifications for membership he said he would leave the question in the hands of the 'constituents. If "they wanted an adept at, wire pulling and trickery, then they should return Major Jackson, for his part he would not deseeni to eucii <paas, Mx "WWtakw fca4

broken hia pledges, and Mr MoMinn had turned traitor, whether knowingly or not it was not for him to say. In anB\rer to questions, the candi date said the time had not arrived when they were called upon to consider whether they should have an elective instead of a (Jrown-appointed Governor ; he did not favor an amalgamation of the duties of county councillors and licensing commissioners ; he would not bo opposed to taking the duty off clover seed, though it could be produced in the colony ; he approved of the elective principle in the new Licensing Act ; he thought the Gaming and Lotteries Act went too far, and believed it was better to leave such matters to be governed by the moral force of the people ; he woald not promise to aid m getting sweepstakes legalised, but he would be in favor of withdrawing all Btate interference ; he thought the honorarium might be reduced to £150; he thought the Waste Lands Board should bo partly nominated and partly elected, because were all members elected they would be liable to bo swayed by the popular voice to much ; it was for him to decide whether he Rhould vote with hia party when their policy clashed with the interests of the district, though his intention was to stick to those most likely to carry out the greater number of his views ; he thought his past caiecr should guide them in determining -whether ho was to be trusted to carry out his promises or not. A few other questions of minor import ance were put and answered, and Mi Sloano moved a vote of J hanks and confidence, which was seconded by Mi Tcasdale. Mr H. Roche mover! as an amendraenl that a vote of thanks only be passed to Mr Johns. He btiongly deprecatcc the way in which the candidate hae spoken of Major Jackson. This was seconded by Mr Bridgman. Mr Buike moved as a fuither amendment, that Mr Johns be not thanked, bui this was not seconded. Another amendment, to the effect thai while the meeting thanked Mr Johns, i' had no confidence in him, was with drawn. For Mr Roches amendment 33 hand 1 were held up, and 24 for the origina motion. The amendment was therefore declared carried. The latter part of th< meeting was somewhat lively, frequen' interruptions occuring, and it was witl the greatest difficulty that Mr Cunning ham could maintain order.