MR ROLLESTON AT TEMUKA.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 4888, 14 April 1887, Page 2

MR ROLLESTON AT TEMUKA.

[I'EB PEESS ASSOCIATION.]

Tejiuxa, Lastnight. Mr Holies tou addressed a meeting of his constitu-nts at the Volunteer Hall this evening. There was a large attendance. Mr Rolleston after a few preliminary remarks briefly referred to the political situation, which he characterised as a thorough muddle. Tho policy of the Government was like Joseph's coat, of many colors, or like a kaleidosopic toy, whioh presents a different aspect at every turn. The Treasurer at Waiwera was probably concocting high-flown borrowing policies, or arranging submarine cable schemes, or negotiating extravagant land purchases with his supporters. The Premier further south was talking- economy and decrying borrowing. At Wellington the Minister of Lands was utilising the Press Association to sing Ids praises and circulate the latest sensation with which to divert the public mind. Mr Ballance's latest sensation was entirely outside his own department. This was that the Supreme Court was to be brought to the heel of the Legislature. A judicial committee of both Houses was to sit continuously, and whenever a judgment was given which did not accord with the public mind, as represented by a section of the Press, the matter would be brought before that committee of the Legislature. He was sorry that a member of the L'egis? latnre had misunderstood his own position md that of the Supreme Court, as Mr

Ballanee appeared tb have done. Mi Rolleston then referred to Sir Julius Vogel's speech at Christchurch, whioh he character? ised as a sad come-down-from tho pedestal on which Sir Julius placed himself two years ago. Sir Julius Vogel could now see that tho depression was not confined to New Zealand, and that the country was really progressing. Sir Julius was now of opinion that the property tax must ho maintained, that the education system was in accord with tho will of the people, and that perpetual leasing was the best system of disposing of the land. Tho Government, it would bo seen, were playing on the lines of the Opposition, and while»*h"ey did so harmoniously they would receive a certain amount of Opposition support. In spite of what the Premier had stiid there never was a session in which borrowing was,proposed more with regard to political exigencies aud less for reproductive purposes than last year. The Grahamstowii-Aroha Hue, the Westport-Inangahua line, nnd tho. Blen-heim-Tophonse line, as" set' forth' in the schedule of the Loans Bill, were iustanco. of th,is. Over would, b? p-t

quired to make any of these lines productive. Mr Rolleston then quoted statistics to show that the position of the country was more hopeful that it had been for years past. The exports had largely increased since 1881, and tho Savings Bank deposits were greater. Tho Loans to Local Bodies Act of last sossion would bo found a useful moasure, but tho Civil Service Reform Act was not of vast importance. One of tho importaut Acts of the session was the Nativo Lands Administration Act, which was a very useful measure. Tho re-enactment of tho Govern - ment Insurance Act was a wise step. Mr Rolleston then referred at length to the Expropriation Bill and tho Representation Bill. Both, he said, were important measures, and would require to be dealt with carofully. The Government had as yet given no intimation as to their future course of action with respect to financial matters. Ho was of opinion that they would make the property tax their main stay. He did not think Mr Ballanco's proposal for Protection would be thorough, but as far as he (Mr Rolleston) was concerned he desired it to bo understood that his vote would be given on any taxation in the interests of rovenuo and of removing restrictions from commerce. In conclusion Mr Rolleston again expressed his conviction that the general prospects of tho country wero in a hopeful state. Mr Rolleston received a vote of thanks' and confidence.