MR. R. MONK AT HELENSVILLE.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 179, 2 August 1887, Page 2

MR. R. MONK AT HELENSVILLE.

Mr Hi Monk, the candidate for Waitemaita, addressed tho electors at the Town Hall, Helensviile, on Saturday evening. Mr Isaac McLeod, J.P., was voted to tho chair. There was. a large and very attentive audience.

Mr Monk commenoed his address by* expressing his regret that the shortlived session had precluded him from fulfilling all ho had intended. He gave an amusing description of his feelings as a " new chum " on taking hisj3eat in the House for the first time, and advised anyone present who waa desirous at'some future time of becoming a member of bur Legislature to prepare at pnee to practise self-denial, to acquire singleness of mind and a right purpose. In referring to the composition of the late House,^ he said it comprised some men of true nobility of character who wore a credit to the country, but there were also many unscrupulous members. He was pf opinion that a number of the rules and usages of Parliament required amending, and that the cost of it:might be considerably re-: duced with advantnge. Mr Monk then proceeded to deal very vigorously with the questions of retrenchment and the land laws. He would be very jealous of any interference with our education system, but with regard to, the cost of it he was of opinion that we should keep within the compass 6i our ability to pay. He thought the most perfect instruction was that which would enkindle in tho hearts and minds of the young a determination to strive to do something useful for their country; thrift should be inculcated, and the rising generation should be taught how to work. He very severely condemned the present Government for their reckless extravagance, and also for asking for a dissolution, which he deemed the Governor was wrong in granting.. He was quite indifferent with regard to a choice of a political leader. Ho would support any man who would carry out a proper system1 of retrenchment- In ) speaking of the Native Lands Act, he said the natives should be pkced on exactly tho same footing as the Europeans, and that the quantity of land bought by individuals from the natives should be limited. He did not entirely approve of tho. Village Settlement Scheme, which he believed could be greatly iniproved. He would offer inducements for people with means t<} immigrate and settle on small farms. Free trade, he stated, was suicidal, and a certain amount of protectidn essential to protect local industries. After speaking for two hours and a half Mr Monk resumed his seat amidet applause. In answer to questions the candidate said that, if elected, he would do his utmost to ousb the present Ministry from office ; that he thought a reduction,pf the Governor's salary rhust taike place ; that he had endeavoured to get the honorarium of members reduced to LISO, but was jeered at for his pains; that/he had distributed all his own above that amount; thought 50 members insufficient for a fair representation, but that 71 would suffice ; he would abolish payment of Legislative Councillors, and reduce their number to twenty-live ; he was not in favour of the Eight Hours Bill: thoughtifcwasimpracticable. He had heen opposed to.the imposition of an export duty on baulk timber, but his views were now very much modified:, for though he would not now be against it he thought it should be effected cautiously* and that due notice should be given in anticipation. He was strongly against the.importation of American prison goods. Was in favour of securing from abroad capabje men skilled nip the art of. fruitgrowing., and settling them on. suitable land in the., North with 3. view of teaching people the proper method, find, approved of a Pomologieal School being started by Government, which would ensure the speedy success of our fruit and jam industries. He had long advocated the-pass-ing of an act to make the office of Governor elective.0 '

Mr Cameron said he had very great pleasure in moving a vote of thanks and confidence in Mr Monk,and further, " That this meeting is of opinion that Mr Monk is a fit and proper person to represent the electors of this, district in Parliament." This was duly seconded by Mr Hjorih, who made some eulogistic remarks on Mr Monk's services to the locality,) and the tooiiion was carried unanimously.