THE CITY ELECTIONS.

Evening Post, Volume XXII, Issue 97, 22 October 1881, Page 2

THE CITY ELECTIONS.

MR. HENDREY AT SOUTH WELLINGTON.

Mr. Charles Hendrey, one of tho candidates for the representation of Wellington South, addressed about 100 persons at the Adelaide-road Musio Hall last night. Mr. Alex. Wilson, who was elected to the chair, wished it to be understood that in consenting to fill this position, he did not pledge himself to support the present or any other candidate. Mr. Hendbey, on rising to address the electors, was well received. In a speech, which lasted for nearly two hours, lie dealt with varion3 topics, most of which were of subordinate importance, and these being attacked at the commencement of the candi date's speech, had the effect of eomewhawearying the audience. For instance, a

considerable time was expended in an attempt to show the absence of distinct political parties at the present time. He went on to say that the true Liberal party ought to be ono that desired tte greatest good for the greatest number. (Hear, hear.) That, he said, was his watchword. (Applause.) He next endeavoured to dcraonstrato the mismanagement of the colony's affairs in the past, especially with regard to various Acts, which he contended had been inefficiently framed, concerning which he remarked that it would not do for lawyers who ruled the House) to frame an Act of Parliament properly— there would not be so much work for them. Adverting to tho encouragement of local industries, he said if Bnch industries could be assisted by the bonus system let that be done, and so soon as they were " on their feet" the bonuses could easily be withdrawn. This, however, was not protection. He thought too much money was spent on education, and that, beyond a certain standard, education should not be granted free. John Chinaman, who formed his noxt subject, was not a desirable colonist, and should be "kept out" if possible. He (Mr. Hondrey) advocated the imposition of a small tax on wool. (Applause.) This would " touch the right men," and could bo inexpensively collected. All Maori lands should also be taxed. The Maoris had no right to the vast tracts of land hold by them in this country, and if possible these should be taken from them. Still he would not deprive them of their bnrying and fishing grounds, while every Maori family should have a fair amount of land, whioh should bo rendered inalienable. If oleotod ho would do his best to further the intero3ts of the country. (Applause ) In reply to a question as to whether ho wonld vote for a party as against the interests of his constituency, Mr. Hendrey said if elected he would vote as a legislator, not as a vestryman. Mr. C. Moodt wanted to know '* ' the candidate would advocate tho repeal of the beor , tax. j Mr.HaNDRET said if this could be afforded by all means let the tax be abolished. Luxuries, however, must be taxed first. (Hear.) Mr. Moodt followed this up by stating that lemonade was a luxury, and ought to be taxed at the rate of a lialf penny per bottle. (Laughter and applause.) Mr. Hendrky did not think such a tax would " produce anything." Beplying to other questions, the candidate said he was not in favour of extending the franchise to women; he supported Biblereading in sohools, out of school hours to, all who chose to attend ; ho considered the Hall Ministry waß a squatter's Ministry, and was doing the country no good ; and he advocated the small farmers' settlement scheme. It was subsequently moved that the candidate be accorded a vote of thanks for his speech. Thiß provoked two proposed amendments, viz., a vote of confidence and a vote of want of confidence. The motion and amendments were submitted from the chair in duo course, but as the audience here began to separate, a good deal of confusion arose, and it was difficult to say how the voting went, many persons being even ignorant of what they were voting for. The chairman, however, declared the vote of confidence to be carried. This conoluded the proceedings.