MR G.J. SMITH'S ADDRESS.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 11020, 18 July 1901, Page 5

MR G. J. SMITH'S ADDRESS.

Mr G. J. Smith addressed a meeting of .about forty electors at the Methodist schoolroom in St. Albans Lane, last evening, when the Mayor of St. Albans, Mr T. H. Davey, took the chair. At the concluskxn of t'hs address, which followed closely the lin>?s of those given at other pT.aces, a number of questions were put by individuals present. In answer to these Mr Smith said that he recognised the desirableness eif a marked improvement in speed on branch railway lines, and would urge this matter if elected. The question of rating <m improved or unimproved values should be left tor ratepayers to decide by baf.lot. Asked whether lie would vote for tthe people to ci'.ect the Premier as they do the Mayors, the candidate said that he had not thought much about tie matter, but would prefer to see tihe House elect him. He thought that women ought to be allowed to sit in the House of Representatives. If they were thought fit to elect representatives to sit there, it was only logical that they should be allowed to stand as candidates for election. Ho strongly favoured hurrying on the coinplsiion of* the West Coast railway, and wished to see railway construction generally pursued much more rapidly than at present. Questioned as to ihow be proposed to make the Old Age Pension universal, Mr Smith said that he was not the Colonial Treasurer. He thought, however, that people would. not object to a little extra taxation if they were assured of getting the pension, and, at any rate, money was being found in plenty for a variety of other things, and could be for this. His support would bo with the Government in appointing a small Committee to go into the advantages and' disadvantages of establishing a State Bank. - He favoured the scheme of a competitive State Fire Insurance Department, similar to the Government Life Insurance Department, and thought that it would lead to a slight reduction of premiums. He ihad advocated and would advocate the appointment of a Civil Service Board to deal witli appointments to tho service.

"Would you support a no-confidence motion brought forward by the Opposition, if the existence of the present Ministry were at stake," was a final question. The candidate replied that he would not support any motion intended to put Captain Russell's party in power.

Mr R. Spiers proposed, and Mr Dalmer seconded, "That the meeting pass a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Smith, and of confidence in him ac their future representative." The resolution was carried.