ADDRESS BY HON. MR FERGUS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2636, 4 June 1889, Page 2

ADDRESS BY HON. MR FERGUS.

(iJY TELEGHAFH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Dunedin, Monday. The Hon. Mr Fergus addressed his Queenstown constituents on Saturday. He said the Government were- able to begin the new financial year with a credit of £22,000. The reorganisation of the Civil Service would continue by amalgamating offices, The railway expert recommended by the Agent-General, had not been appointed, because he withdrew his application before the Cabinet could consider it. He had been advised in Victoria to appoint a diplomatist and approachable man, and Mr McKerrow fulfilled these conditions. The people wera disposed to give the Board a fair trial. There was too much legislation in Parliament and the Government intendod this session to be judged by quality not quantity. They favoured a Legislative Council nominated by the House for a definite period. There was little fear of the Reduction of Members Bill heing upset and he was hopeful of a modified Hare system being accepted. They proposed to amend the Charitable Aid law, the management of hospitals being given to local bodies or to trustees and supported partly by rates and partly by subscriptions and subsidies. Local bodies would bo relieved of inveterate paupers and drunkards, who would be placed in institutions where they would have to do work. The bankruptcy law would be amended to relieve the Supreme Court, and give jurisdiction to the Resident Magistrates. There would be no departure from the main features of the Lducation system, but reforms in its administration would be introduced, and also in the election of committees. There would be a slight increase in the volunteer capitation. There was no intention of any further borrowing, the Government meant to pay their way and live within their means, thus raising the credit of the colony. With the equalisation of revenue and expenditure there had been great recovery in agriculture and industry, and u move ail along the line in commerce. The volume of natural trade was expanding and the colony, freed from the adventitious aid of burrowed money, was going forth to gather its fruits of legitimate industry.