PARNELL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 279, 24 November 1899, Page 2

PARNELL.

. Last night Mr J. C. Allen addressed a large meeting in St. Barnabas' Hall. Mr Hirst occupied the chair. The candidate devoted considerable time to the railway question with a view of showing the faults of the present Government in this respect. He strongly urged the necessity for united action on the part of the Auckland members,' and insisted on the speedy construction of "the Central route. Seeing that 161 millions had been spent in railway construction, and 400 more miles had been built in the South Island than in the North Island, he strongly emphasised how Auckland had been neglected in the past, in this matter. Mr Allen stated that he favoured the abolition of duties on the necessaries of life. As tea and sugar contributed over £200,000 towards the, revenue, and there were only 300,000 bread winners in the colony, these duties pressed very heavily on a working man with a large family. He considered the taxation should fall according to the ability to bear it. The candidate was in favour'of an Elective Legislative Council and an Elective Cabinet. After speaking on the old age pensions and federation he stated that an increased number of scholarjships should be granted for those children whose parents were unable to give them the benefits of higher education. He favoured Bible reading in schools with a conscience clause. The speaker was frequently applauded during the delivery of his address. In reply to a question he stated he would go to the poll against all comers. The candidate received a hearty vote of thanks, proposed by Mr Cowan, and carried unanimously.