SIR JOHN HALL AT LAURISTON.

Press, Volume XLVIL, Issue 7718, 25 November 1890, Page 6

SIR JOHN HALL AT LAURISTON.

A meetina of the KUesmere electors was held in the Lauriston Schoolroom on FrT day evening, abont seventy farmers and - others being present. Mr Johnson Chairman of the School Committee, presided Sir Johj* Haix. spoke for about anhour : and a baif, principally the same \- topics as were included in Ms Leesian •peeea, and was freouentty applauded.

He went fully into the education question, reiterating his. objections to any interference with thepresent system, but giving reasons for his vote in favor of denominational schools. He explained the action that had been-taken by himself and other members on the subject of additional shed accommodation on the railway line. In answer to questions he stated that be 'had no sympathy with owners of agricultural land who did not improve it, and thought means could be devised without injustice to put pressure on them to do so. A mere substitution of a land and income tax for a property tax would not have that effect. He gave reasons why he did not think it advisable at present to press for reduced rates on the Methven railway line. A reduction of rates on Native coal would come into force on Ist January next. The experiment of permitting distillation In the colony had been tried, and had not turned ont a success; the distillery had to be bought up, and £80,000 compensation paid. The amount of grain which would be used for this purpose would be comparatively email. Was not in favor of taking away the license from well-conducted publichouses by popular vote without compensation. The recent change in the mode of electing Licensing Committees would give the voters more control over the issue of the licenses. Sir John explained the proposal which has recently been made in England to raise a fund for compensation by increased license fees, where the number of publichouses has been diminished. The eight hours system prevailed generally in New Zealand; he did not wish to see any other. Would support the Labor Bills generally, but not every detail of them, or their unusual extension to purely country districts. A vote of thanks to Sir John for his address, and of confidence in him as their future representative, was proposed by Mr Dent and seconded in very nattering terms by Mr Upton. Mr Wallace, in supporcioe the motion, said that he differed from Sir John on some subjects, but would support him, and thought it would be a public calamity if a statesman of his ability were not elected. The motion was carried with hardly any dissent. The meeting terminated with the usual vote of thanks to the Chairman. An influential committee was then formed to piomote Sir John's election.