The Gisborne Standard AND COOK COUNTY GAZETTE. Published every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Morning. Saturday, July 16, 1887. SIR JOHN HALL’S ADDRESS.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 15, 16 July 1887, Page 2

The Gisborne Standard AND COOK COUNTY GAZETTE. Published every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Morning.

Saturday, July 16, 1887. SIR JOHN HALL’S ADDRESS.

Be just and fear not; Let all the ends thou aim’st at be thy country’s, Thy God’s, and truth’s.

Much is hoped for from the second advent of Sir John Hall into the arena of New Zealand politics. When a member of the Hall-Atkinson Ministry, the then member for Selwyn made many friends by his perseverance against difficulties, his honest industry, and his unfailing courtesy to his opponents. The taint of scandal has never been successfully thrown upon any public transactions in which he was concerned, even those who disagree with his opinions being always ready to acknowledge him a thoroughly straightforward man. Owing to the lamentable personal trouble brought upon him by the Timaru Cain horrors it was doubtful for some time whether Sir John Hall would emerge from the private life he had been leading for the last four or five years and again come to the front. This doubt has however now been entirely dissipated by his address to the Selwyn electors and his real and active participation in the great political conflict of the day. We have before us his published address, and would like to make a few comments thereon. First and foremost, he speaks on the subject of retrenchment with no uncertain voice: “ The first and most imperative step towards placing our finances on a satisfactory footing is, in my opinion, unsparing retrenchment, and the establishment of rigid and persevering economy in all branches of the public service. Neither abstract declarations, disregarded in practice, in favor of economy or against borrowing, nor spasmodic and illusory attempts to make a show of reduction in expenditure, under the pressure of widespread public discontent and failing colonial credit wilt be sufficient for the emergency. More drastic and effective measures must be assured to us. Ministers and members must themselves set the example of a diminution in their cost. There will then be some probability that other and larger reductions will be effected, consisting not merely of savings on the salaries of clerks, but of relinquishment ot administrative luxuries, which, however convenient and pleasant to those who enjoy them, the colony cannot at present afford.” He seems to think that the Education system may suffer considerable tailing off without much impairing its efficiency, but unfortunately he neglects to say whether it is the Primary or Secondary department which shall be reduced. Canterbury can afford to do without much help directly from the State for Secondary education, as the immense endowments made in the days of the old Provincial Government, and by the liberality of private citizens, place her in an almost independent

position. If Sir John would support a reduction of the Secondary education expenses we should be heartily with him, but if the Primary system only is to be cut down, such a selfish policy should be strongly opposed. Speaking on the Protection-Free-trade question he seems to hit the real nail on the head. He concludes that the colony requires neither absolute Protection nor absolute Freetrade. Letsche tariff be fairly adjusted for revenue purposes, and in cases where a slight increase w’ould really help on a local industry, let it be made, but with a heavy, completely restrictive tariff which would press -heavily and disastrously upon the agricultural and pastoral industries, he will have nought to do. As a member of the Government which first introduced the Property Tax, he naturally regards that tax as the best, but objects strongly to a new graduated or progressive Property Tax. proposed by Sir Julius Vogel. To our mind a Land and Income Tax is far and away the fairest, most su’table means of raising money, but if, as seems probable, the country will not support it for the present, then we differ with Sir John Hall, and consider that the progressive and graduated Property Tax was one of the best measures proposed by Sir Julius, If his other measures had been equally reasonable, he wonld have suffered less blame and gained more credit. Perpetual leasing and land nationalisation are strongly denounced, and the reckless and unauthorised expenditure on village settlements condemned. On the land question Sir John Hall is still far too Conservative, and in this respect his old colleague Major Atkinson is far ahead. An elective Upper Honse on the plan submitted by Sir Frederick Whitaker is supported by him vigorously, and we believe that were Sir John in power, he would try and do something to rid the country of the scandalously expensive nominated members of the Old Fossils’ Chamber’ The Stout-Vogel Government were much blamed for the heavy expendi- ’ ture on Defence, but for their action in i energetically preparing to meet a s foreign invasion Sir John Hall ex- , pressed almost unqualified approval. 1 These and other minor points were , alluded to in the address, which is

marked throughout by a calm moderate courteous tone, which is highly commendable. We cannot agree with the speaker's policy completely, as we prefer and profess much more purely democratic views than those which he propounds, but whilst disagreeing we must in all fairness admit that the address reads like that of an honest politician who has a distinct programme, neither curries favor nor indulges in trimming, but speaks out “ a round unvarnished tale.” Whatever Ministry may be in power next session, the reentry of John Hall to political life can. not fail to be of advantage to his fellow colonists.