Mr Macarthur at Palmerston

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 9, 1 July 1884, Page 2

Mr Macarthur at Palmerston

(PKB UNITED PBESS ASSOCIATION.) Palmebston, This Day. There was a large attendance last night in the Town Hall to hear Mr Macarthur' s address. He dealt with the following sublets : — Education — He was favorable to free and primary, but not free after a certain stage of advancement. Land — He did not agree with nationalisation, nor leases, unless a purchasing clause wan given. Railways — He brlieved in a non political board of management, removeable similarly to Judges of the Supreme Court. He sympathised with the Canterbury farmers, and blamed the Atkinson v.inistry for raising the grain tariffs. He was favorable to borrowing, provided it was for district lines of railway or urgent j main roads, and for such work as the Gorge Railway. The Roads and Bridges Construction Act he believed to be a good measure, but the Government had not sufficient funds to carry it out. Federation he chivfly opposed on account of its expense, otherwise he believed it would be beneficial. Insular separation was not wise counssl, and was only b. r ought up to bring pressure to bear on the Government. He believed a coalition was probable between Atkinson and Yogel, and would join such if it came about, otherwise he was rather favorable to Atkinson. He refused to support Sir G. Grey or Montgomery. Oroua Valley.— He wished to see a careful survey of this ronte, and would urge it if required. Questions were asked, a good many, however, being on subieots which took place years ago. A vote of confidence was proposed by Mr Linton, and seconded by Mr Hewitt. An amendment to the contrary was moved by Mr Pratt, and seconded by Mr Ferguson. 44 voted for the motion and 27 for the amendment. The motion was declared carried.