PRE-SESSIONAL.

Evening Star, Issue 8236, 6 June 1890, Page 2

PRE-SESSIONAL.

MrH. S. Valentine, in addressing his constituents at Gore, gave the Government credit for improving the financial position of tho colony. He did not join in the cry against the Railway Commissioners, and considered that the investors of something like L 14,000,000 spent on railways, who were the real owners, looke forward to the time when they would pay substantial interest. However much conveniences might be desired, they could not chut their eyes to the duty they owed to tho holders of our bonds. He expressed regret that the Fair Rent Bill had been thrown out. The future progress and prosperity of the colony depended upon the settlement of the land, and under the present system settlement was proceeding rapidly. There was a good deal in the views on local government put forward by Sir Robert Stout. Greater powers should be given to county councils. New Zealand had everything to gain and nothing to lose by going in for federation with Australia, Re would not favor any radical change in the Rabbit Act. With reference to the proposal by Mr Fergus to buy up large estates, he would oppose it if it meant that the colony should increase its indebtedness, and he would also oppose borrowing for further railway construction, A vote of thanks and confidence and a pledge to support Mr Valentine was passed.