SIR JOHN HALL'S MANIFESTO.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2338, 5 July 1887, Page 2

SIR JOHN HALL'S MANIFESTO .

[by telegraph.—press association.] Christchurch, Saturday. Sir John Hall publishes an address to the electors of Selwyn, He believes that the ■deficit in revenue is more serious than Ministers admit. Unsparing retrenchment and rigid persevering economy in the public service are imuperativo, and Ministers and members must themselves set the example. A considerable saving could be effected in education without impairing the system. Borrowing must be stopped without delay. A graduated property tax would ho inexpedient and unjust. It did not really impose taxation either in proportion to the benefits received or to the ability to hear it. The Government tariff proposals impose heavier duties than the circumstances of the colony justify. Ho disapproves of tlio land policy of the Government, condemns Mr Ballancc’s action incurring a liability of £OOOOO on account of special settlements without Parliameneary sanction, and sup ports Sir F, Whitaker’s proposal to elect the Upper House on the Hare system. He cannot concur in the blame cast on tho Government in some quarters for taking up with energy tho question of defence. He considers the real issue in tho approaching political contest to be whether tlio future policy shall bo ‘ speculative finance, lavish expenditure and incessant borrowing, or prudence, economy, and thrift.