POLITICAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CI, Issue 11885, 8 May 1899, Page 5

POLITICAL.

MR MEREDITH AT KAIKOURA. •Mr Meredith, member for Ashley, addressed a meeting of his constituents at the Town Hall, Kaikoura, on Friday evening. There’ was a large attendance, over 300 parsons being present, and Mr James Davidson, a member of the County Council, presided. Mr Meredith, who was well received, spoke for two hours. He submitted facts and figures to prove the prosperity of the colony, referred to the tactics of the Opposition, winch were not designed ' for the general good, and defended the railway administration, pointing out that concessions amounting to £240,000 a year had been made to producers, consumers, and the general public. New Zealand’s credit in London was equal to that of the best of the Australian colonies. ; He recommended the conversion of local bodies’ loans by Government guarantee, thereby relieving the taxpayer’s of a burden equal to more than £IOO,OOO a year. Referring to Govern-. xnent advances to settlers, he praised the administration of the Department, and commended the Government for the immense benefit that had been conferred ; on farmers by cheap money. He warmly 'praised the land policy of the Government, and devoted a considerable portion of his speech-, to, the consideration of local land questions. Referring to the petition promoted by Messrs Gibson and Renner, -which came before the House last session, he read extracts from the, evidence given before the Waste Lands Committee, and he also read a great deal of oorfespondence bearing on the matter at issue.' At . the conclusion of the address, and. after a number of questions had been answered, Mr E Parsons moved—“ That a hearty vote' of thanks be accorded, Mr Meredith for ins admirable address, for the lucid manner in which he has answered questions, and for his attention tp the wants of tlie district..” The motion was seconded, by Mr George Taylor. Mr Walter Gibson moved, as an amendment—“ That, while thanking Mr Meredith for his address, this meeting luts no confidence in him, on account of his failure to stop tie maladministration of the Crown lands of the district.” ' The amendment was seconded by Mr Howard. ’ The motion was earned by a veiy large majority, and the meeting closed with cheers for Mr Meredith and the Government. .