MR H. R. WEBB AT LYTTELTON.

Press, Volume XXIV, Issue 3215, 20 December 1875, Page 2

MR H. R. WEBB AT LYTTELTON.

This gentleman addressed the electors for the second time on Friday evening last, at the Colonists' Hall. A very large and attentive audience was present. His Worship tie Mayor occupied the chair, and stated that Mr Webb's object in again addressing them was to explain more fully several matters which he had previously only lightly touched on. Mr Webb spoke at length on the questions of education, tbe ballot, and particularly with regard to the election of the chairman of the Shire Councils, whom he was of opinion should be an elected, and not a nominated officer. His address was frequently interrupted by applause, and was most attentively listened to throughout. At its conclusion, the following questions were put:— Mr H. N. Nalder asked why Mr Webb, who wss such a warm advocate for free education, had in the Provincial Council voted forthe tax of sa, and afterwards, 10a per head on children attending Government schools. Mr Webb said they must remember that at that time education was under a different system, the expense being defrayed out of the land fund, and that the then Provincial Government had told them that if they refused it would be impossible to carry on the present educational system, as the land fund had been largely trespassed on. After the passing ot the Abolition Bitl new arrangements would have to be made, and he was in favor of charging it upon the consolidated revenue, and making it free to all. [Applause,] Mr Harrington asked if Mr Webb was of opiriioa that steamers should be allowed to enter and clear on Bundays? Mr Webb—"No." M* J. King asked Mr Webb if further taxation was needed, what form he was of opinion it should take ? Mr Webb was of opinion that it would be better to collect the revenue m the form of Cußtoms duties, which was a tax that weighed heaviest on those who consumed the most articles of luxury. If another tax was needed, he was in favor ol imposing a property tax. [Gheea.\ «& Hargreaves asked on what question the 1885 Provincial Government went out of office? Mr Webb—On the question of endowing mamci* palities. Mr Payne asked why tho ballast men had not gotthe righttotake ballast from Quail Island? Mr Webb said he had a certain delicacy about answering the question, iur Haydon had spoken to him on the matter, and he had seen the Superintendent ana Executive about it. The present harDonx master was not then here, and when it w» referred to the harbour authorities, toey reported against it. The island was m*V**< by the General Government as a aanM° nn ™ for convalescents from, Bipa Island. "-H™* Webb) bad then recommended Mr -- 4a J«?" , to petition the General Governmenton womatter through Mr Richardson, the M-Mffl«£ for Public Works, bat the Government 0£ not deem it desirable that it fih° ul *Jr allowed. He did not see wby_ H** should blame him about this, as ne*n*» done his best. He was not k-»f /* Quail Island.. The authorities had suggested a wbar-ionj* opposite side of the harbor for I*?%*?®%* Mr Payne-How was it, then, that Bros got permission to ballast from.tnere* The public put you in to look after «■» interests. M* Webb-It was no* a, puWg it was a private matter. If a P£peMg£ tion had been drawn up, I would! have w further action. Mr Nalder *^ c*e * *7 a( J the second and third reading of the &™"T tion BUI he had voted for the- to *- d XS& head, he was not in committee t^ a anaJ» ; have ivoted. Mr Webb-Because I *" "£ going to condemn a whole Bdlf<*oo»« two clauses. Mat M,ntt I* Mr Allwright addrewed the **&*£■ length on what the respective canai»"--had done for the town. . *i,enki to Mr H. B. Webb mow* a vote of than» •* the Mayor for occupying the cbair. ._ His Worship said that he many public meetings in otbeiMplaeej that those held lately at most orderly fee had ever seen. LJJ'JJ} He thanked them fox the excellenteg** they had maintained, andalsojgj"£ opportunity of expressing hi? gr*» s Xwsr them for again electing .mm MTJ ft without putting him to the expeaw » , contest, , lUe meeting then adjourned.