ELECTORAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVI, Issue 11108, 6 November 1896, Page 3

ELECTORAL.

MR FLATMAN AT TEMUKA. Mr F. R. Flatman, who formerly represented Pareora, and who is now a, candidate for the Geraldine electorate, addressed a meetin" of electors in the Volunteer Hall, Temuka, on Wednesday evening. The hall was crowded, about 450 electors, a large proportion of whom wore ladies, beingpresent. Mr E. Cutten, chairman of the Town Board, presided and bespoke a patient hearing for the candidate. Mr Flat man, -who was accorded a warm welcome, said that he had not addressed them earlier owing to tne late sitting of the House and the fact that, since his return, he had been engaged in going over his ntw district. In reference to his past actions he claimed that hecouldcome before them as one who had fulfilled the pledges given them when elected. He had promised, if returned, to support the Minister who represented the Liberal party, and he found that Mr Seddou had the respect and confidence of the party, and ho therefore elected to follow him. Giving support to a Minister did not mean slavish obedience, and ho denied that he or any member had ever given Mr Seddon a written pledge. As a matter of fact, ho had voted against the Government on several questions where side issues were involved. Mr Flatman then reviewed the legislation of the past six years. The first measure had been the change in the incidence of taxation from Property tax to a Laud and Income tax. The effect of this was to lift some £70,000 a, year off the shoulders of the small' farmers on to those of Lie largo landholders. Ho was pretty confident that if the Opposition were returned with a sufficient strength they would attempt to revise this legislation, although it would be a bold thing to do. The Arbitration and Conciliation Act was a measure that had relieved the country from the danger of strikes; and ■another measure passed in the interest of the masses was the Workmen's Lien ’ Bill, ■which protected the earnings of working men who might be engaged on contract work or other wise by men of straw. The co-operative works system had now been five years in operation. A return to March 31, 18011, showed the total expenditure under this head to have been, by public works .£528,785, by Lands Department .2401,177, or a total of .£929,902. Of this £610,941 had been paid direct to workmen for their' labour. There had been 172 miles of railways constructed and 180 miles of roads, besides several public buildings. One of the principal measures was the advance of cheap money to settlers. No one who valued his reputation could deny that this Act had assisted to bring down the rate of interest, and it was noticeable that money-lenders who supported the Government throe years ago were opposing it now. Capital had been made out of the fact that money was cheaper in Australia than here ; but what was the position before the Government came into competition with the money-lenders ? The fixed deposit rate had gone down to 3 per cent in "Australia, while - it remained at 5 percent in this colony, but the very moment the Government proposed their cheap scheme the banks brought down the rate of interest here. The result of the scheme really meant an all-round reduction of interest by 2 per cent. As an indication of how careful the Board were in making advances, no fewer than 730 applications for advances up to £255,822 had been declined. The Government, by its splendid land policy,- had opened the land to the people, and in reply to the question, what had the Government done ? he could say that, up to March 31 last, twenty-eight estates, of a total area of 89,919 acres, had been purchased at a cost of £377,534, and £11,761 for surveying, reading, Ac. The selectors had put improvements on the holdings amonntingto over£l3,ooo. An Act to repeal the Land for Settlements Act, 1892, authorising the acquisition of private lands for purposes of settlement, and to make other provisions in lieu thereof, was passed in 1894. By this Act a Board was constituted, consisting of the SurveyorGeneral, the Commissioner of Taxes and the Commissioner of Crown Lands for the laud district in which it was proposed to purchase, and the constitution of this Board pi need its purchases above suspicion. The Act was amended in 1895, and the Board now consisted of five members. The Premier was not one of them, not, as alleged, because there was no salary attached to it, but because it was contrary to law. The Laud Purchase Inspector, in his report of June 27, 1896, said that the lands had been much improved, but suggested some amendments in the ballot system. The Amendment Act of last session raised the age of persons entitled to ballot from seventeen years to twenty-one years. He was glad to say they had been successful in obtaining several good pieces of land in this electorate. Mr Flatman dealt at some length with the liquor question, and defended the Premier from allegations made that he was not in sympathy with the proposed legislation in regard to clubs, national option and bare majority. The Government, throughout its term of office, had in every way studied the interests of the masses, and its labour legislation was of an important character. It had introduced the Factory Act, Shearers Accommodation Act, Servants Registry Office Act, all in the interest of the working classes, and had coped with the unemployed question more successfully than any previous administration. During the year 2871 persons had been assisted, and he was glad to say there was a decrease of 159 from the previous year. Since June, IS9I, to March 31,1896, no fewer than 15,739 persons, with 37,840 dependents, had received temporary employment from the Labour Department. It might be said that the people did not want Factory Acts, Ac., but when they looked at the number of people employed, and the increase of the number of factories, they would realise that the Government was working in the interests of the working class and small farmers. He believed no Government had done greater good. Was it likely he would leave a Government which, though not faultless, was passing many laws for the public good, especially when he saw its bitterest opponents had been converted to the same way of thinking, and were taking up the policy ? (Applause.) The Opposition had fought tooth and nail against the Government measures, and heaped torrents of abuse on Ministers and the Liberal Party ; but now they stood up without a blush and said: “ We are in favour of nearly everything the Government has done; turn the Government out and put us into office.” (Applause and laughter.) The Government and its supporters had their work at heart, and meant to do what they said they would do. There was nothing 'original about the Opposition. As soon as financial trouble came, their fil-st and only remedy was to dock a poor man’s wages and raise the price of flour. They wanted the people to believe that the Government managed public affairs corruptly, and raved of “ spoils to the victors.” Were the appointments of Judge Edwards, of the Auditor and Controller-General, of the Public Trustee, of the Commissioners for Defining the Electoral Districts instances of “ spoils to the victors ” ? The cry was absolutely false. Two direct charges were made against the Premier: first, that he was a member of the Realisation Board, and second, that, he was ;in advocate for a mining syndicate. He (Mr Flatman) considered that it was absolutely necessary that the Government should bo represented on the Realisation Board and Mr Seddon was the right man in the right place. As to the mining position, Mr Seddon was a mining advocate and exnert, and the question was, must members give up their private business the moment they join’ the Ministry?” Sir F. Whittaker was Chairman of Directors of the Bank of New Zealand when a Minister of the Crown, but nothing had been said of it. The Liberal Party never raised a cry against him as the Conservatives now did against the Premier. Mr Flatman then dealt with the Banking Legislation, and quoted the writings-oif since IBSB, which amounted to no less than £990,802. At the same time dividends were paid from 1888 to 1393, amounting to £265,688. The Opposition might say what it liked, but the inquiry went

a long way to - prove that the bank bad been plundered during the Conservative reign, and that it -was the dirty business created in years gone by that bad to be contended with. If they could have got hold of any information that would have damaged Mr Ward, the rest of the inquiry could have gone to Hanover, and because they had been frustrated in this, the Opposition called the inquiry a farce. He believed the interests of the colony were conserved by the banking legislation, but was of opinion that if the whole concern could be placed at an early date on the money market of London it would be in the interests of the colony. Other Acts dealt with were the Chinese Restriction Act, Married Persons Summary Separation Act, Law Practitioners and the Female Law Practitioners Act, which allowed any woman to enrol as a. barrister or solicitor after passing examination. Last session the amending Act to tho Government Advances to" Settlors Act was passed, allowing the Board to advance on freehold security up to half tbe value ox such security for tea fyears at 5 per cent, and also allowing advances to be made up to £3OOO. The Government Loans to Local Bodies Act Amendment Act gave extended borrowing powers to local bodies, and a useful Act was the amendment to the Land for Settlements Act, passed to check dumrayism and to allow tho Land Purchase Board'to provide allotments for workmen’s houses near towns, and to permit of lowlying lands, where required, being added to existing leases. Tho Electoral Act Amendment was also quoted as one passed in the interests of the working man. Mr Flatman also referred briefly to the Orchard and Garden Pests Act, Government Valuation and Eating on Unimproved Value, and claimed that the Opposition collectively had done everything to prevent these measures from becoming law. He warned them that the Opposition would not, if returned, carry out the measures of the present Government, and as an instance, quoted from a speech by Mr Rhodes in connection with the proposal to vote £IO,OOO for purchase .of land for settlement. When elected three years ago he had been asked whether ho was opposed to a loan for public works. His answer was, that he would consider the question and see if it would benefit the country, and if ho believed it would he would vote for it. Consequently, in voting for the Aid to Settlement Act he did not consider he had broken his pledges. Had the Act not been passed some three thousand men would have been thrown out of employment. Mr Rolleston claimed that the public debt had been increased by £8,000,000, and Mr Rhodes said practically that the debt was increased by £5,000,000. The debt had been increased by £4,220,000, but how- ? The Opposition never gave any credit for assets, and he would show' how the increase came about. There were— Debentures issued for loans to local bodies, £805,300; lands for settlement, £227,266; land improvement and Native laud acquisition,'£s97,7oo; Cheviot Estate, £250,000; Now Zealand consols, £161,390; loan advances to settlers, £1,500,000; preferential shares Bank of New Zealand, £500,000 ; purchase Kaihu Valley Railway, £47,000; Naval and Military Settlers Act, £27,226; decretions sinking fund, £1,100,300; conversions, £654,779, less debentures redeemed, £1,490.531 ; leaving a total of £4,220,430. This showed they had assets for every penny, with the exception of £301,774, which, at 3£ per cent, cost the taxpayers £10,500 per annum. Could the Conservatives show a record like that ? Thecolonial debt from 1879 to 1891 increased yearly, and from 1888 to 1891 it increased no less than £3,088,697. Mr Flatman quoted figures showing that no less than £82,822,779 of debt had been imposed by a continuous Conservative Baity. Mr Flatman then dealt with the railways, and said that although wool decreased by 3965 tons, firewood by 6298 tons and grain by 13,857 tons for the year ending March 31 LSU6, yet the railways more than held their own, and the increased earnings of last year exceeded those of the previous year by no less than £32,190. In the concluding part of bis address Mr Fllitman referred to the old age pension scheme which he hoped would be given effect to, and he also supported the introduction of the referendum. He had opposed the Elective Executive, as he did not think it would alter the system of party government. Three years had not altered his opinions, however much his Conservative friends might have changed, and if elected he would endeavour to support every Liberal measure in the interests of tbe people of the colony. (Applause.) Mr Flatman spoke for two hours, and afterwards replied to a long list of questions. Many of these referred to subjects dealt with in his speech. On the motion of Mr Scott, seconded by Mr E. Lee, Mr Flatman was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence, none present opposing it and a large proportion voting for it.

The meeting was one of the largest overbold in Temuka, and applause was frequent.

[Per Press Association.l AUCKLAND, Nor. 3. A requisition has been presented to Mr Theo Cooper by 1029 electors, soliciting him to stand for the city. GISBORNE, Nov. 5. Mr C. A. Fitzroy, the Oppositionist candidate, addressed the electors of Gisborne last night. He said that the sole issue upon which the elections 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 an opponent of party government, favouring the Elective Executive if workable, or failing that the referendum. He was a strict economist, and declared that there should be no more borrowing unless under the referendum. The expenditure of public works moneys should be more under the control of the local bodies, 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, and purloining the sinking funds should, cease. He favoured a three-fifths of those who vote to carry prohibition, the control of clubs, and a strict administration of the liquor laws. He declared that the country was suffering from a plethora of legislation. He favoured the Eight Hours Bill, and suggested a reform of the Upper House by popular election from four constituencies, two for each island. lie thought that sweeps were not so harmful as the totalisator, A vote of thanks was accorded him. WELLINGTON, Nov. 5. Mr Duthie has replied to his requisitiohers that the difficulties he foresaw some time ago are now accentuated, and he must, therefore, finally decline to be • come a candidate for the city. DUNEDIN, Nov. 5. Voting among the members of the National’ Association for the selection of candidates for the city, resulted in Messrs Scobie Mackenzie, A. C. Begg and H. S. Fish being selected. _ , Mr James Alien addressed his constituents at Milton last evening, reviewing the work of the session from an Opposition standpoint. He received a vote of thanks and confidence. .. Mr W. Hutchison addressed the electors of the city this evening. In dealing with the work of the session he condemned what the Government had done all along in connection with banking matters. He spoke in support of other policy measures. If re-elected he would support the Seddon Ministry ; he would not follow Sir E. Stout. A vote of thanks and confidence was unanimously carried, coupled with a request that Mr Hutchison should again contest the city.

Mr Joyce addressed a very large assemblage of the electors in the Woolston Oddfellows’ Hall on Wednesday night. The Mayor (Mr J. >l. Douglass) prodded. Mr .Joyce reviewed I he worlc of last session and answered questions. Mr M’Kiunon proposed, and Mr Million seconded, a vote of thanks to and confidence in Mr Joyce*

which was carried almost unanimously, there being only three dissentients.

At a meeting of a Political Association recently, certain members who had voted at the last election were considerably astonished at finding that their names were not on the electoral roll. It is probable that these are not the only persons who are in the same predicament; and the incident emphasises the necessity for everyone making sure that his or her name is on the roll.

At a, convention of prohibitionists, held at Ashburton yesterday afternoon, at which there v. r as a largo attendance from all parts of the Ashburton electorate, Mr Sawle was chosen by a large majority as the prohibitionist candidate at the coming election.

Mr D. Buddo addressed the Woodmid electors on Wednesday evening m the Oddfellows’ Hall, which was well filled, i Mr T. Ayers presided. After speaking for an jhour and forty minutes a number of questions were answered, principally dealing with the Bank of Hew Zealand. A ' vote of thanks and confidence was moved by Mr E'. Horreil and seconded by Mr D. Hewitt. Mr Buddo asked that it should be amended to thanks only, and the motion' was then carried unanimously. In view of the likelihood of the writs for the general election being issued at an early date, it is necessary for all those who have not done so to register their votes_ at once, otherwise they run the risk of being disfranchised, as directly the writs are issued the rolls will be closed. The main roll for the Christchurch electorate at present contains 15,125 names, as against 12,824 on the purged roll after the late bye-election, and it is expected that the main roll will close with about 18,000 names. The Avon main roll will, so far as can be judged i at present, close with about 3000 names, as against 8200 on the purged roll after last general election. The Eiccarton roll is expected to have slightly over 3000, as against 2900 on the purged roll after last election. In the two last-named districts, however, a number of persons who registered under a property qualification before the general election of 1593 have now withdrawn.

A general meeting of the Liberty League will be held in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Lichfield Street, this evening at eight o’clock, to consider the recommendation of the Council to support Messrs C. Lewis, W. W. Collins and J. A. H. Marciel for the three Christchurch seats at the general election.

A meeting of Messrs Lewis, Beswick and Donnelly’s Committee will be held at the National Association rooms at eight o’clock this evening. The Hon W. Eolleston addressed a crowded meeting of Eiccarton electors in the Templeton schoolhouse on Wednesday evening. The speaker dealt with the leading political questions of the day, and after answering a number of questions was unanimously accorded a hearty vote of thanks. He also addressed a meeting of electors in the Pi'ebbleton Town Hall last evening. There were about two hundred present, and the speaker was well received. After an address lasting an hour and a half, during which he was frequently applauded, on the motion of Mr Hazlehurst, seconded by Mr Smith, a vote of thanks and confidence was substituted for a vote of thanks, and passed, with three dissentients. A meeting of the Ballance Liberal Association was held last evening at the Sydenham Chambers. Captain J. A. H. Marciel briefly addressed the meeting, and declared himself in favour of the present Government. The following resolution was carried unanimously Association does its utmost to secure the return of Messrs W. W. Collins, W. Cullen and J. A. H. Marciel to the next Parliament.” It was decided to send copies of this resolution to the Secretary of the (Liberty League and the United Canterbury Electors’ Association.

Mr W. Jacques, president of the Canterbury branch of the National Association and a candidate for the Lyttelton seat, will give his opening address at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Woolston, at eight o’clock this evening.

The following election addresses will be given this evening;—At 7.30, Mr G. W. Eussell, at Weedons schoolroom ; Mr W. W. Tanner, at Papanui Town Hall ; at eight o’clock, the Hon W. Eolleston, at Yaldlmrst schoolroom ; Mr J. Joyce at Heathcote Valley schoolroom; Mr D. Buddo, \at Clarkeville school; Mr G. Swann, At the Social Hall, Ferry Eoad, Linwood ; Mr A. Saunders, at Springston schoolroom ; Mr J. C. Wason, at the Hororata Town Hall; Mr H. P. Eeece, at Medbnry school; Mr E. Moore, at the Eangiora Literary Institute Hall; Mr G. Benner, at Ashley 'Bank; Mr E. Meredith, at Balcairn schoolroom.