THE GOVERNMENT POLICY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 72, 26 March 1891, Page 5

THE GOVERNMENT POLICY.

A banquet, at which 80 wero present, was given ab Nelson on March 16th to Hon. R. Seddon, Messrs Harkness, O'Conor and Mills, M.H.R.'s, also being presenb.

Mr Seddon, in replying to the toast of Ministers, said there would be nothing revolutionary or confiscatory or of lireworks in the Ministerial policy, as they recognised that they must attract and not repel capital. Thoy intended to reduce taxation and to repeal the property tax as being a, tax on thrift. They would put a tax on the laud that would not injure tho small settler, but would compel the owners of large estates to improve or sell the estates.' Thoy should havo some right to take tho land for settlemenor granting compensation ; if they had to acquire land for roads or railways thoy would endeavour to adjust the differences between capital and labour. Tho Government proposed to complete the classification of the Civil Service, but must first redueo the number within legitimate limits by dispensing with all not required. Ho spoke very highly of the service as unequalled in the colonies, bub there wero too many to do bho work. They would also give a hearty support to bhe volunteers. In connection with mining, he said the Government would take steps to prevent monopolies, and would oppose the unprofitable locking up of land under long leases. The Government would rendor every assistance in their power to that great national work—tho Midland Railway. The banquet was a great success.