THE PREMIER'S SPEECH.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume IX, Issue 1535, 26 January 1887, Page 2

THE PREMIER'S SPEECH.

(per united press association).

DUNEDIN, January 26.

Sir Robert Stout addressed the electors at Dunediu East last night. The building was well filled. He prefaced his remarks by saying that it was impossible to discuss the whole of the snbjects on which he wished to sppak, and therefore would have to meet his constituents a second time, when he had simply formulated what he believed to be the policy of the administration. To pass over in siknee what was done in last session of Parliament would be acting unfairly towards himself, bis constituents, the Government, and the Opposition. Referring to the depression, he said it was not confined to* New Zealand. There had been a great falling off in custom revenue in this colony, especially in intoxicants, and another falling off was on tbe price of goods, tbe revenue being based on these prices. The cry of economy last session was merely raised by those who wished to displace the Government. If tbe colony was to assume a progressive position tbe strictest care was necessary, and the people must be prepared for less help from the Government. He referred at length to the Maori measures of last session. He said the Maoris recognised that they had been treated by the present Government with justice and mercy, aud last session for the first time in the history of the colony the four Maori members were found snpporting the Government. Great good was being derived from the present system of native schools. The land question he dealt with at length, and showed that, notwithstanding the depression. 1886 had settled more people on the land than any previous year. The Government had used their best endeavors to encourage local industries. He admitted that the tariff required revision, but in revision it would not do to ignore local industries. Referring to retrenchment, he said that before economy could be got in the public service people must demand it by being prepared to put up with fewer conveniences than now possessed. He hoped when the estimates came down to show a saving in expenditure of £'40,000 or .£OO,OOO. With reference to railways and loans, he had no new policy to formulate. He was still convinced that if we were to provide for the permanent stability of onr finances borrowing must cease. He believed we ought to be able to do without a loan next year. He hoped to be able to pass a Representation Bill next session, and was willing to allow au advantage to scattered country distiicts, but otherwise would stick to the population basis. He opposed single electorates, and hoped in the new bill cities and some of tbe suburban districts would be united together. Iv conclusion be considered tbe outlook of tha colony more favorable than previously. A vote of confidence was carried by acclamation.