SPEECH BY MR. HORNSBY.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 172, 14 April 1908, Page 3

SPEECH BY MR. HORNSBY.

» —— [BY 'TELEGRAPH.—SPEOIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Carterton, April 13. Mr. J. T. M. Hornsby, M.P., delivered'a political speech last night in . the Victoria Hall, the Mayor, Mr. W. Moore, presiding. In the first portion of his speech Mr. Hornsby dealt with some measures passed last session. He had been elected on the distinct understanding that he would'advocate limitation of area, the'freehold at the original value," and national endowments. All'these ho had supported. As to finance, he combated the opinion of the Leader of the Opposition ana of the Premier that borrowing must go on, and was of opinion that now was the time for taking in sail. It had been a foolish tiling to tako. the duty off sugar: that £230,000 ought ijo have been retained for public works, but now not a tittle of it was saved to the people. We ought to tacklo the question of banks and banking, ad had been done by Germany, France, .Canada, and the Capo. Coming to the question of defcnco,: Mr. Hornsby said his proposal of four years ago was apparently about to be actcd upon, and vessels going out of commission in England were likely to be obtained for use in training men and youths here. As for the Defonco Council very little was to bo hoped from such a body. The Asiatic question was next dealt with, and tho speaker strongly urged that prcssuro bo brought" to bear to, have an Act similar to that of Natal or Australia passed. Ho urged classification of labour, but denounced tho offering of bonuses to employees as 0110 of the most abominable systoms of sweating. With rofcrence to the Blackball striko Mr. Ilornsby said tho law was passed for tho protection of tho workers, and they above all others ought to defend the law.