PRE-SESSIONAL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XIV, Issue 2435, 7 June 1890, Page 3

PRE-SESSIONAL.

[per press association. 1

CmaaTCHURCH, June 7.

Mr W. B.: Perceval, M.H.R. for Christchurch South, addressed his constituents last, nightatfthiß Oddfellows' Hall, Christchurch. 'He contended that the United Canterbury-Party had carried their, programme^ to ''a large 'extent; He was opposed to -borrowing, but feared the colony was drifting towards another loan. He, would, be true to his party, but believed that an Executive selected from the best men in the House to carry out the views of the majority in Parliament was preferable to Party Government. He accepted unreservedly arid gratefully the surplus which hag accrued in the years working, but was. not satisfied with the economies of the Government, which had not been systematic, but the outcome of panic. He advocated a system of Local Government as the best means to check undue expenditure. Referring to Mr Fergus' speech, he. said the credit of Harbor Boards should not be bolstered up at the expense of the colony. The proposal to issue debentnres for the purchase of Native lands was a most pernicious form of borrowing, as it could only be done at high rates of interest, and it was foolish to suggest that Government shuld borrow money to buy up large estates, for settlement. The colony must insist on a vigorous policy .of land administration to secure settlement of the people on the soil. He considered there had been no improvement in railway management, as the Commissioners had irritated employees, harrassed farmers, and overtaxed merchants. A vote of thanks and confidence was passed unanimously.