RETRENCHMENT MEETING.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2493, 3 July 1888, Page 2

RETRENCHMENT MEETING.

In compliance with a reqnisiton the Mayor of Hamilton, (Mr Issac Coates), called a public meeting on Saturday afternoon, for the purpose of urging on tho members of the Assembly, the imperative necessity for further large retrenchment in the public expenditure. The Mayor occupied the chair, and amongst those present were Messrs Seddon, A. Swarbriek, J. Knox, R. P. Sandes, Capt. McPherson. G. Edgecumbe, J. Parr, Shepherd (Whatawhata), L. O'Neill, H. Cowper, J. Browning (Tauwhare), Bamgh, von Sturn.or, W. A. Graham, Capt. Steele, D. Richardson (Cambridge), Primrose, and many other well-known settlers. The Chairman read the notice in Thk Waikato Times convening the meeting, which he explained was of an important character. Mr A. Swarbriek said that it was the duty of everyone to take an interest in the Viblic affairs of the country. He had been asked to move the following resolution :— " That in the opinion of this meeting, the first duty of the Legislature, in the present einbarassed state of the country's finances, is to balance the public expenditure with the ordinary revenue by further retrenchment without resorting to increased taxation." When the present members were returned it was understood they were to face tho circumstances, and entirely do away with gambling politics, and like honest men put the finances on a sound footing. The country had been disappointed, for they had rejected one system for another worse than the last. Those in power had taken advantage of the confusion of parties to go over to Protection. He would not here discuss Freetrade and Protection, but he would say that as far as the mining and agricultural interests wen; concerned, Protection meant ruin and increased taxation to them. (Applause). This tendency to try new schemes and experiments would bring disaster. (Hear,hear).The Government do not grasp the desperation tho fanners are in ; they are quite ignorant of their trade. (Applause). After the Peninsula War taxation through the Customs was piled on. The consequence was the, revenue fell raff very alarmingly. He was confident the revenue expected by the Colonial Treasurer would not be realised. (Hear, hear). What the people must say is, "we want great economy ; we will not dictate how it is to be done, bill yon must keep within the revenue." (Applause). Mr G. Edgecumhe seconded the resolution. He would draw attention to one thing, which was that when the present Ministry were put into power they were ousting another who had failed to effect retrenchment, but proposed increased duties. The Government appeared so mixed up in its relations with tho Civil Service that they wore impotent to carry out thorough reform. There was a new power springing up in the country, anew party was being formed and he had noticed that'the member for Waikato was leaning towards that party. Nothing but Free Trade would suit tho country ; Protection cannot offer any benefit to agriculturists, unless they were given a bonus. We. must have retrenchment to the utmost limit, and act as men in business do who wish to save, themselves from bankruptcy. It was the duty of the country to force this on the Government (ipplanse). Mr J. Parr supported the resolution. He would like to see all salaries over £150 reduced. The people have to find the money and should say how it is to bo spent, and members should carry out the wishes of their constituents. The Governor's salary should lie reduced. He thought a Land Tax the best remedy for our evils. He did not think primary education should be touched. Mr Shepherd, as a working settler was quite in sympathy with the'object of the meeting. Mr W. A. Graham thought that the proposed native legislation of the Government would act most disastrously on the country. They had gone in with the intention of sweeping away the Native Linds Courts and Native Office, and their policy, especially the Native Land Frauds Prevention Bill, was iniquitous. Young New Zealand knew nothing about Protection or Free Trade, but we do know what taxation is (hear, hear). It is quite proper that the Government should be told the people wanted retrenchment. The resolutionwas then put and carried unanimously. Mr Bamgh moved, " That in the opinion of this meeting the system of government in the colony is entirely too costly for its circumstances and limited population." He said the expenditure was simply frightful. The expenditure in Europe, with its laree standing armies, was enormous, but in New Zealand we spent three times as much in comparison. (Applause.) The increased duties would be additional pressure on the farmers. Everything came out of their pockets, and they are the main stay of the country. (Hear, hear.) What is needed is to increase tho farming population and not have so many quill-drivers. (Hear, hear.) Mr von. Stunner seconded the resolution, which .was then carried unanimously.

Mr Seddon moved, "That in the opinion of this meeting the Education and Railway Departments will bear much further reductions without impairing their efficiency." It was not necessary to dictate how the'work should be done, but we must say that expenses must be cut down to our means. So far as education is concerned, children should not be provided with State nurseries, and free education should stop at tho fourth standard ; that was necessary for the sake of the country. Education over that should bo paid for, and it could bo had. As regards the railways, Mr Vaile was right so far that they are going from bad to worse as fast as they could. Wages should bo reduced to the level of rates paid elsewhere, the existing scales paid were purely artificial. Tho rate should be 5s Gd per day. Could farmers pay such high wago3? It was not right, but members were afraid to touch the question, owing to the influence it would have on the elections.

Mr R. F. San«les seconded the resolution. Mr D. Richardson opposed, as the country requires cheap education, and the effect of the motion would be to lower the standard of teachers and introduce denominatialism, and thereby increase the cost to the country. Mr Barugh said children went to school much ton early. Mr Richardson thought seven years quite early enough. Mr Shepherd sympathised with the resolution. In raising the school age, exception should be made in tho case of small countrv schools.

Mr .Tones thought if any retrenchment took place it should be in the direction of doing away with secondary education. Mr Graham said the question resolved itself into town versus country. Five years was too early an age for children to go to school. The original promoters of the system never dreamt it should go beyond the fourth standard. Five years was too soon to begin taxing the brains of children. A difference should be made with country schools which were necessary to be kept open. Mr Seddon said, unless the age was reduced, tho »ystom would break down of its own weight. He had, as a superintendent of schools, seen all the schools in the province shut up for want of funds. Did they want to see that again ? Mr Edgecombe pointed nut that the resolution distinctly stated_ the efficiency of the system was nat to be impaired.

The resolution was then put and carried on a show of hands.

Mr Edgecumbe, moved, " that the Mayor be authorised to telegraph the foregoing resolutions at once to the members for Waikato and Waipa."

Mr Knox moved as an amendment, " that the Mayor adds thereto, that the last resolution was carried by a majority of 3." This was seconded by Mr D, Richardson, but on being put to the meeting, was lost. Several who supported tho resolution had left the hall. The resolution was then put and carried unanimously. With a vote of thanks to tho chairman, the masting dispar^cl.