REFORM LEAGUE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2791, 3 June 1890, Page 2

REFORM LEAGUE.

Is respouse to an advertisement signed W. A. Murray, inviting the electors to consider the advisibility of funning a Reform League, about 70 people assembled in the Public Hall, Te Arobn, on Saturday evening. Mr K. Gallagher, chairmau of tho Town Board occupied the chair, and introduced Mr Murray to the meeting. Mr Murray after some expression of regret that lie feared the inclemency of the weather had kept many away, proceeded to state that lie thought it desirable that local (lOvornment should bo reformed so that all local affairs might lie managed by one local body having local knowledge and unhampered by needless restrictions and Parliamentary interference enjoying tho utmost internal freedom consistent with Individual and collective rights, with every freedom and faculty to co-operate and combine with one another for purposes of common benefit and the public good, and with pov/er to form distinct councils. The General Government being then freed from local concerns could reduce its establishment. Ho was in favour of the repeal of tho Property-tax, and to remit power to the local bodies in district council, to tax real estate on the natural or improved value as they might prefer. With reference to the railways he thought they should be worked in the interests of national and industrial development. He was unable to follow Mr Vaile the whole length, as he freely admitted he did not quite understand Vaile's scheme, but he thought the plan should extend to freights as well as to fares. He was of opinion that there should be no exemption in rating of land, excepting native homesteads and lands in cultivation by natives and that the Government should pay the rates on rural Grown lands to provide access thereto. Mr Murray was decidedly opposed to any further borrowing in London, but was in favour of a Government Trust Fund being created for making advances at fair interest to local bodies for new works (harbours excepted) such advances to be made in Government currency notes from £5 upwards, such notes to bear interest payable by Government in gold or its equivalent and to be a legal tender except for Customs duties. In consclmion Mr Murray stated that ho thought tho policy he had laid before them should bo binding on any porson who sought their votes at tho forthcoming general election. The ChaiAnan then invited any person to address the meeting. Mr C. Cornes stated that lie thought the meeting hail been called for tho purpose of forming a Reform League, but in lieu of that important business the meeting had been treated to an electioneering speech from a gentleman who probably intended to become a candidate for the Te Aroha seat. There was no doubt Mr Murray was a great tactician in electioneering matters, but on this occasion he had overshot the mark.

Mr F. Pavitt suggested that a motion be marie for or against the formation of a Reform League. Mr Murray then moved that tho League be formed. This was seconded by Mr J. Hew. On being put to the meeting, four hands were held up in favour of the motion and none against. The Chairman declared the motion carried, and suggested that tho names of tho committee be proposed at once. Several gentlemen were proposed, but declined to stand. Mr Murray explained that it had been arranged for several persons to meet prior to the public meeting to approve or otherwise of certain resolutions that hu had drafted, but the person; lmd failed to put in an appeai'ancf, so lie was compelled to move the resolutions himself. After having read two of the resolutions it became apparent that the meeting was getting tired of the m liter. Mr 0. Conies moved that a hearty vote of thanks be teudered to Mr Murray fur his address. This was seconded by Mr Fred Horrell and carried by acclamation. A vote of thanks to the chair, moved by Mr Murray, terminated the proceedings.