Mr FitzRoy at Gisborne.

Hastings Standard, Issue 164, 5 November 1896, Page 2

Mr Fitzßoy at Gisborne.

(By Telegraph.) [Special to Standard.] Gisborne, This day. Mr Fitzßoy, Opposition candidate, addressed the electors of Gisborne last night. He said the sole issue upon which the elec tions must be fought was the approval or non approval of the administration of the Government, for it was by their administration more than their policy that the Government were to be judged. After reviewing the administration of the last three years the candidate announced himself as an opponent to party government, favoring an Elective Executive or failing that the referendum. He was a strict Ecohomist and declared there should be no more borrowing unless under the referendum. The expenditure of public works moneys should bo more under the control of local bodies and subject to the will of the ratepayers, the present system of allocation by political log-rolling being far from satisfactory. The Bank of New Zealand should be freed from political interference. Purloining of the sinking funds should cease. He favored a three-fifths majority for Prohibition, the control of clubs, and the strict administration of the liquor laws. He declared that the country was suffering from a plethora of legislation. He favored the Eight Hours Bill, and suggested the reform of the Upper House by popular election from four constituencies —two for each Island. He thought sweeps were not so harmful as the totalisator. A vote of thanks was accorded the candidate.