THE PREMIER AT LEESTON.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 118, 1 June 1881, Page 3

THE PREMIER AT LEESTON.

(per united press association.)

The Hon. John Hall, after referring to some local questions, said he was not anxious for a platform controversy about opinions or statements contained in any speeches of members during the recess, but silence with respect to such an address as that which had been recently delivered at the Thames might be regarded as discourtesy to the leader of the Opposition, and it might also leave on the public mind a wrong impression as to Major Atkinson's share in the matter of an advance of £10,000 to the Patea Harbor Board. Sir George Grey, speaking at the Thames,

referred to Major Atkinson's statement that he had said jocularly to Mr. Sherwood (chairman of the Board) that if he told Sir Geo. Grey he intended to oppose him (Major Atkinson), he (Mr. Sherwood) would get the £10,000 for his Board. Sir Geo. Grey described this as a" diabolical plot " and " a disgraceful transaction." But Mr. Sherwood did get the £10,000 from the Grey Government the day after he applied for it. Could anyone believe that all these things were connected with Mr. Sherwood's candidature for the Egrnont district ? They knew the pace at which Government business of the kind would ordinarily be gone through. They knew that Mr. Sherwood was opposing Major Atkinson, and how important it was to him that he should secure the advance, and return to his canvass of his constituency, and when they saw the transaction go through in an extraordinarily rapid way, were they to believe it was all an innocent coincidence ? If it were so, it was simply miraculous. He believed that the people generally would agree with him that the transaction was a discreditable one. Sir George Grey before his constituents denounced the system under which such an advance could be made, but Sir George Grey, as Premier, allowed the system to continue in full force during his term of office. As soon, however, as the present Government came into power, the system was attacked. Mr. Stevens moved in the House to refer to the Public Accormts Committee the whole question of dealing with trust funds, and he (Mr Hall) supported the motion. The Committee did not report on the matter during 1879, but last year they recommended that Trust funds should be in Government securities only. The House had not in fact approved the recommendation, but the Government had conformed to it, and thus they had ended the system which Sir George Grey had so strongly denounced, but of which he did not attempt to get rid. Mr Hall defended the Government from the charge of flooding the House with bills last session ; the number introduced being below the usual average. He denied that the session was a barren one, although onefourth of the time was taken up by useless talk on hopeless no-confidence motions. The Government freely ackuowlenged the assistance given by the House in promoting retrenchment ; but during the recess the Government had, without fuss, gone further in the unpleasant, though necessary work ; and the next estimates would be nearly £250,000 below those of last year. He hoped that in eight or nine months all the native land purchase transactions would be finally wound up. If Sir G. Grey wanted a committee on the Patetere transaction, he would second the motion. Eeferring to Mr. Bradlaugh's question in the House of Commons, ho said the Government had cheerfully given the information asked for by the Imperial Government, but had made them understand that this Government would not tolerate any outside interference in the management of native affairs. It was most important that the natives should understand that they had to look to the Colonial Government for redress of their grievances and preservation of their rights. He denied that the Governor had used any unconstitutional pressure, both as regards Te Whiti and the prisoners. The action taken was the spontaneous action of the Ministers. He declared Mr. Pyke's agitation re the Otago runs unnecessary, as the Government had already taken action to classify the land and provide for its settlement. He expressed great regret at the retirement of Messrs. Bryce and Oliver from the Ministry. The latter had made the railways realise 8£ instead of 2^ per cent. The foremost amongst the bills of the next session would be the Regulation of Elections ; to extend the hours of polling, and probably have all electious on the same day ; also to render the ballot really secret. A Corrupt Practices Prevention Bill would probably be required. All public-houses would be closed on the election day. The Eedistribution of Seats Bill would be on the same principle as last year, population being the primary basis, regard being had to different groups of population, and securing the representation of every important district. Couutry districts would require larger representation than the town division. Districts would depend largely on the census returns. He paid tribute to the value of the Legislative Council as a branch of the Legislature, but thoughtsome reform in its constitution was desirable, being inclined to favor a scheme proposed by Mr. Curtis in 1878, that the Council should consist of half the number of members of the other Chamber, and whenever a vacancy occurred it should be filled by a vote of the House, taken by ballot ; also, that in the event of prolonged difference between the two Chambers, they should sit and vote as one on questions at issue. The Government intended j to introduce a Bill to abolish the law of entail, and prevent land being locked up except during a minority. The Government would oppose any scheme which might be suggested from the outside for securing a large expenditure on public works and the purchase of the principal lines of railway. The Government would, however, favorably consider the policy of granting land subsidies towards making approved lines where money was not available ; care being taken to secure settlement along the lines. The Hospital and Charitable Aid Bill would, he believed, pass ; and the Licensing Bill would be passed on provision being made that all clubs should be licensed, and be under the control of the police. A bill dealing with the Chinese question, prepared by the Queensland Government, and approved of by the Intercolonial Conference, would be introduced. Also, a Consolidating Bill, prepared by the Commissioners, which would relieve the Statute Book of 80 Acts. He hoped there would be a compact Opposition next session, but the planks of its leader's platform seemed to be — (1) Abolition of Legislative Couucil, and eubstitu-

tion of a single Chamber. (2) Removal of the Governor appointed by the Queen, ■End substitution of an < lected Governor. (3) Taxation of English bond-holders to enrich the New Zealand Treasury. (4) Dismissal of Civil Servants who were not political supporters of the Government of the day. Mr. Macandrew proposed to add two more planks — unlimited expenditure on public works, and Government paper money. This was the so-called Liberal programme. He described it as despotism, tempered by bankruptcy. The Government left the Opposition to talk so-called Liberalism, but they claimed to have earned the name of working liberally. He reviewed what had been accomplished since they took office, and appealed to the House and country for a continuance of the confidence hitherto enjoyed. A vote of thanks and confidence was proposed and carried.

For remainder of Beading Matter,

see Fourth Page.