MR G. W. RUSSELL AT BELFAST.
Mr G. W. Russell, one of the candidates for the Riccarton seat, addressed the electors at the Belfast Town Hail last night. The chair was occupied by Mr P. Duncan. Mr Russell, in the course of his address, said that attempts had been made to set up Sir R. Stout against Mr Seddon, bub be (Mr Russell) would support the latter as the head of the Liberal party. With regard to the West Coast railway, he was fully impressed with the importance of its construction, but was dissatisfied with the action of the Stout Government in giving four million acres of land. He urged the necessity of the liceialising the land laws of the colony, and disagreed with what was termed " the eternal leasing " of the present Government. He thought there should be a re-valuation of the land at stated intervals and a re-adjustment of the rent. On the matter of the licensing laws, he was of opinion that there were too many licensed houses, especially in the city. The people should be granted more control of the licensing laws, being given the right to decide by a bare majority whether there should be an increase or decrease, but not by a bare majority to close np the houses in whole or iv part. The electoral districts, he thought, were too large for licensing districts, and he objected to those who did not record their votes being counted as against any proposaL He was not in favour of any alteration in the system of primary education, bat thought the High School scholarships should be extended. He agreed with the Government resuming charge of the railways, the Minister being responsible to Parliament for their proper working, but be would uot be in favour of political interference with the staff, who should be gradea like tbe Post Office officials.
After answering some questions, amongst others that be would not vote for the abolition of the totalisabor, a vote of thanks was carried to Mr Russell, be exp-dning that his Commitbee had decided not to ask for votes of confidence, and the meeting t-r-mi-ated.
MR G. W. RUSSELL AT BELFAST.
Press, Volume L, Issue 8591, 19 September 1893, Page 5
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