POLITICAL MEETING.

Lake County Press, Issue 39, 1 March 1872, Page 2

POLITICAL MEETING.

ME. HALLENSTEIS AT ARBOWTOWN.

Mr B. Hallenstein addressed a large number of the Arrow district electors on Saturday evening, 24th ultimo. The Library Hall was crowded by a most orderly and attentive audience. Mr J. F. Healey was elected chairman, and with a few well-chosen remarks introduced

Mr Hallenstein, who, on rising, was cordially received. He said—Before entering the hall he was told it was no use his addressing an Arrow meeting—that he had been represented in colors blacker than the Devil, with the Crown Range in his stomach, and sowing the beds of our golden rivers with wheat. But be this as it might, he would ask from them what had been asked for him by the chairman—a patient and impartial hearing. He claimed their patience because he conceived that the occasion was worthy of it, and their impartiality because he was well aware there existed against him here a great deal of prejudice. It was, however, re-assuring to him to find that this prejudice did not exist amongst those who knew him most intimately, and if, in the opinion of those whose acquaintance he bad had no opportunity of making before, he succeeded in representing himself no better, and no worse, than he actually was, he should feel he had not come there in vain. He was aware that this place and its vicinity—by its position and natural advantages claiming perhaps the largest share of attention had been most shamefully neglected ; but whose was the fault? 'He had been told it was his—all right, put it down to him. It might be very convenient to find somebody to blame, and he was quite satisfied that it he put down to him. If it suited the people of the Arrow to lie in bed and dream of future greatness, while their roads and tracks were out of repair, why put it down to him ? If, as Mayor of Queenstown, he had done his duty, and seen that that district was not neglected like this, was he to be blamed ? He thought not. He could not but take their undeserved grudge as a compliment. If elected, he would do his duty equally well for all parts of the disirict. He did not intend to make many promises, but would say he would do his utmost to see this hitherto neglected portion righted if he was elected—and he thought the district would be true to its own interests. Even should he not get a vote in the Arrow, he conceived that the present state of things could not longer exist. It might peihaps be said—and probably had been designedly said —that the General Government had nothing to do with the district; b it he thought they would soou have all to do with it. The end of provincialism was approaching, and the sooner it was ended the belter. (Applause). It was the duty of representatives to get as much money as possible for Road Boards or other forms of local government, and he would not be backward in asking all that was fair for this Province. He was an ad%-ocate for bridging the Kawarau River at the punts, which he thought should be done out of the Public Works Act, as we were entitled to some share of the heavy loans for the repayment of which we would have to give our share. He would allow compensation to punt-owners. Respecting the Colonial Scheme, he (Mr II.) wisliedto make q few remarks. While claiming essentially to be a man of progress, and anxious to see our resources developed, and the Colony prosperous, be looked upon the Scheme with some anxiety—which feeling was increased by the knowledge that it was shared by all honest men who intended making New Zealand their home. They would have hesitated before initiating so daring a scheme on so bold a scale —a policy which might involve the Colony in great difficulties unless circumstances were favorable. Of course they were all aware the country was committed to the Scheme; but they must look the fact straight in the face that its objects must be carried out -without any profuse—or what was worse, a corrupt expenditure of public money; otherwise our taxation would become unbearable. Whether the Colonial Scheme had originated with Mr Vogel or Mr Stafford, it was evidently the work of a man of talent ; but greater talent, honesty and integrity were required to carry it out successfully, (Cheers). Now more than ever the country needed men of honesty and ability, and under good management all might come right. II a stand were made against adventurers and place-hunters, and government was economically administered, then they might look the future cheerfully in the face. If elected, it would he his dulj —as well as that of every Middle Island member—to see that this Island got a fair proportion of the loan, anil it would be specially the speaker’s duty to see that this district was largely benefitted. Instead of having railways qlong the coast they should he run into

the interior, and he migm lav claim to having already inleiesled hum-elf in this direction. lie liad exerted hitusi if to have the Tuapi It a ami Kingston lines constructed, there lulling at hist been considerable difficulty in Inning the luapeka line placed among the laiUvavs to.be commenced forthwith. He had written to the Select Committee appointed to consider the matter, pointin ' out the advantages of the Tuapekvj Railway being at once proceeded with, (Letter to, and Report of. Select Committee read.) This railway would be an advantage to our district by bringing ns some 70 miles nearer Dunedin, thereby reducing cartage, and consequently the price of provisions. There was also the advantage that it would he a means of relieving us of our surplus produce, by supplying neighboring districts. While on the subject of railways, be might say he would be entirely opposed to the construction of railways in districts where there was no chance of their paying.—He would now come to a subject interesting to all —Mining. He believed a case had been attempted to be made out against him as being opposed to conserving the mining interest. He would make no defence against this charge, but leave it to the intelligence of the miners themselves. In reply to the requisition sent him be had said “ he felt sure that in promoting the welfare of the miners he was promoting the interests of the agriculturists, and of those engaged in trade and commerce.” If elected, he should go to the House as a mining representative, and consider it his most important duty to foster mining. There might be more able men, but none more earnest and persevering. He thought the duty on gold nu unjust tax ; it might have been justified 10 years ago, when a sudden influx of population necessitated a large and sudden expense ; but that expense had row to a great extent passed away, and still this special taxation existed—in fact, it had been increased. It would have been a more honest assistance to the miners had their special taxation been partly abolished than was the Water Supply Scheme. He thought Miners’ Rights should be available throughout the Colony, and that auriferous lands should not ho aliena-ed Iroin Goldfields. A good deal had been said about his being connected with an attempt made some some time ago to alienate the Crown Terrace. Ho begged to say he hud had nothing to do with it, and when he, heard Mr Arndt had applied for the land he remonstrated with him, saying that if gold was known to exist there he had no right to make application lor it. \V hen there had been an effort made to take tip land on the banks of the Shotover, he (Mr Hallenstein) had objected, unless 1 o'chains clear were lett from the. banks. Me called a pubho meeting, and the eon equence was that I<> chains were reserved. He bad also; been most unjustly blamed for trying ta get the land between the punts on the Kauarau thrown open. Now, the facta were quite the reverse—he had objected to the land being thrown open, and had advised Mr Edwards to get up a petition against it. Again, he had been charged —it was host to be plain with being a land monopolist. He did not know whether he was a monopolist because he had pm chased a farm and made a home for himself—because he was planting trees and employing a host of men, instead of go ng elsewhere and living at bis case. There wore times when a man could speak of himself without egotism, and he might sav that but for his beneficial influence half the land in the district would have been lying idle, and the staff of life double its present price. When he came here, Miller’s Elat and Franktou were little short of barren wildernesses.— As to the land taws of the Province Mr Hallenstein had not studied them much, but was in favor of a liberal system. He thought the laws at preseut in operation on the Goldfields had been found to work well. Regarding the Chinese, the speaker had always been strongiy against their-iutroduction-r-as must he any one who intended to make the country his home. He was sorry the Chinese I ommission has come to so unsatisfactory a conclusion. He would he in favor of stopping Chinese immigration by all fair means. Would impose heavy taxes on rice, opium, &c ■ almost wholly used by Chinese. When, some two years ago, a new Tariff was made, he had sent telegrams and a letter to the Independent newspaper, Wellij y ton, wliiidi had been read m the House of Representatives. (The following is a copy of the letter i eferred to): —

Sin, —I observe from a telegram that ihe Government have proposed a new Tariff. I approve of the new duties believing they will forward the progress of the Colony—with one exception ttio duty on nee. Everyone adm.t.-, that no portion of our popu'ation ishss beneficial to Uio general welfare than the Chinese, while they impoverish our Guldfi Ids, cairying away with them their wealth, they do not benefit us to any extent win o sij uniing here, and leave fewer traces of their presence having aided the work tf Colonisation than any other class. Uur taxes are heavy and the Chinese, using dutiable.

to on *f to a limited extent, almost esj Ipa taxation. Thar staple’s rice, which If ftitlur ben fits the 0 deny or the Home Kmtry why should they not] pay say 51 < S ncrtoil duly on it? If they continue to C>U Ke it thus taxed it lightens our burdens—*'C Bid if the duty should cause them to use vs Hviiv toe produce of the country it would udiSiMiefU the real tax-payers. Therefore the, p. Htantry and all legislation should tend to-.-fKurd.s this. 1 do not seethe justice of ftJßTixing many of our staple articles, such as hj f|ugai, so heavily and leaving almost free ’ |the staple of these undesirable colonists, if Iffhe term cdonist can at all be applied. I | trust that the duty on rice may be recon‘B piJei-ed this session.— Yours, &o. u * p Bendix Hallenstein. •e | Jla had also written to several members >e Bf the Legislature, and, whether caused by 1S f |iis representations or not, he had the Satisfaction of knowing a much heavier tax I* I had since been levied on rice. The Chinese * Kvere undesirable colonists—if they could y. properly he called such—and should be s: made to pay towards the government of 6 the country while they were in it. Indeta , IpHident of the direct disadvantages, it \ was a m ual duty to ourselves and children d ' not to nave the colony peopled by an inrr ferior rare. The subject of education had J* ■ been much discussed lately. He wou d I .give his views on the matter as briefly as “possible. They were doubtless aware the General Government intended to bring in a Bill suitable for the whole colony. He considered every child should be educated, and there was no better and cheaper g\ stem, in a large but thinly-populated [, district, man where children met on the ''common ground of education. He was, : then, in fav.r of the National “ School si stem (oueers) and that books hurtful to fi elings of any denomination be not read ; and tuat the Bible only be read t bv consent o! the local boards. Belonging to neither of the contesting parties, he 3 gave bis opinion with due respect to ail, t and without any pnjudice. Children i| under the National System grew 1 up with lib ral views and in amity, while H mider the denominational the seeds of 6 bitterness among men were sown, and : thev b c one enemies where they should be friends. Hie spiritual duties properly belonged to the clergy, and it was the duty ! of parents to teach their children ail that was good and noble. He trusted the Legislature would come to a conclusion || ju>l and equitable to all. He apologised lor leaving many things untouched upon, but would be glad to answer any questions lie was perbap.- under a disauvuntage in being so long known, and having taken a d' cp interest in alt public matters lie l.aidly expected to escape having a hole picked in bis coat, as he must confess he was far from being mtallable. l;i aiu-wcr to questions Mr Hallenstein said;—He hud a!"ays been against introt duct ion of Chinese, and was so still. They I might be for a time a benefit to him as a O meichant, but not permanent, and were Ft most undesirable colonists.—He had not I studied the Provincial Education Ordinance, but knew from experience it worked well. Hud read Mr Fox’s Bill, it required deep study, and there were many faults in j .} it. It would be calamitous to outlying districts such as Macetown, Frunktou ami even perhaps Afiowtown. — Was not in favor of Aided Schools clause, as being likely to undermine the National system.— Would not expect efficiency where theie were a number of schools in a limited community, and did not think it would work.—Thought it fair that the clergy I should instruct children spiritually after school hours. —Would support a Bill in favor of submarine telegraph between this § Colony and Tasmania, but before pledging m himself would look to financial position of Lj country.— Was in favor of getting all nvailabo information iron other countries which Would tend to d> veiope our mineral resources, and thought money so spent would be to as a good a purpose as the ’Water Supply Scheme.—The country was ' already committed to a system of immigration, but it would require legislation as to the most suitable places to settle immigrants. Would be favorable to settling Martin’s Bay, Stewart’s Island, &c., but would be against bringing more people than lab r could absorb.— Would absolve every man who signed his requisition—lot every man vote according to his conscience.— Would favorably consider the compulsory clause iu the General Government Education Bill, with certain restrictions such as di-tunce from school or where parents certified that they taught their children at home. He had lived in a country where compulsory education was in existence, and it worked well. After answering several other unimportant questions, Mr Lewis Harris proposed—“ That Mr Hallenstein is a fit and proper person to represent this district in the General Assembly.”—Seconded by Mr H. Elam. On being put to the meeting the resolution was unanimously carried. An amendment was here about to be put, but the Chairman ruled it too late. / Mr Hallenstein in proposing a vote of thanks to the Chairman, expressed his obligation for the patient and attentive hearing accorded him, He would take the opportunity of wishing that the election <1 might be conducted iu a fair spirit, and on ,j its merits only. He did not seek the honor of being their representative from any benefit he would derive, but for the IS benefit of the district. If elected he hoped 1 to & 11 hi* with honor to himself and credit to the Wakatip.