MR DUTHIE'S ADDRESS.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9892, 19 January 1895, Page 3

MR DUTHIE'S ADDRESS.

Wellington, Friday. Mr Datfaie addressed hla constituents to-night, about 200 people being present. The Mayor presided. Mr Dutble reviewed the work of last session, and explained his reason for voting for the second reading of the Eleotion Executive Bill. He thought that some better system would have to be adopted to oonnterßclj the return of membcrn to support a Government through thick and thin. He thought that in Borne of the Government measures, notably the Shipping and Seamen's Act and the Factories, some harsh regulations were Inserted, He thonghti dbe depression was due to confidence being disturbed. He dealt at length with the cheap money scheme, under whioh be declared they were selling the ownership of the land to London. He donbted whether money could be borrowed at par, and contended the scheme wonld not be the success the Treasnrer anticipated. Referring to estates purchased und settled, he B»id although they had returned 7 per cent on capital invested in the first year's working that was no criterion, as he was confident a large area of land would have to be nbandoned. Inferring 'to the Pomohafea estate, ho said he had made o personal examination at Chrlßtmau, and WM oonvlnced that the purchuss prlca was too high. He produced a sample of oats grown there, and declared that while

the price of produce ruled bo low as at pieaent the land was nob worth euitlVAiicg. He thonght the manner Id which the estate was purchased might lead to corruption in future purchases unless carefully watched, although he attributed 00 corruption to the Minister of Lands in connection with the purchase of Pomo haka. He deprecated the Treasurer leaving the colony wlthoub first giving information coDC^rniop the two millions for the Bank of New Zealand. He said he bad been one of those prepared to vote for the rejection of tbe Bank Guarantee Bill, and after further consideration had felt the Honse would be jnstiGed in rejecting the measure^ as no information had been divulged as to the necessity of It, and no Government) had a right tij dra^ the eotintry to the assistance or a bank. He asserted that no disaster wdald have happened to the conntry If tbe bmk had been allowed to take its course, and be pointed out that the shareholders hid not been saved from paying culls. He contended that when the Premier and Treasurer in their speeches asserted that no additional bnrdens would come on the taxpayers by the recent legislation they were deluding the people. He condemned j the appointment! of unsuitable officers to I the Civil Service; and thought tbe Civil Service Act waa a dead letter. He referred to tbe Hon. Mr Reeves as torobably the most truthful Minister on the benches, and said he preferred to take his word before that of any of the other Ministers; He alluded adversely to the appointment of Colonel Kraser and Captain Hennah. He referred to the Horowh&nua ca,B,e ahd the omission, of any referencs-to it in the Premier's HolcHlka address. Continuing, he said that if Mr Seddon had a, sense of political honor he would have defended himself from the charges levelled against him. He stated that be would leave for England next week, but he would not resign his seat on the Tariff Commission, explaining that though he would probably be absent from the sittings he considered that by retaining bis seat he conld, on his return, confer with tbe Customs officials on the matter, and probably be of assistance in drafting the measure. He received a nnanimous vote of thanks and confidence.