THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume 30, Issue 9186, 13 October 1899, Page 5

THE GENERAL ELECTION.

o - Active preparations are being made on both sales for the coming "electoral camV«gD.. The platform of the Government party is as follows : : Land Settlement.—The continuation and extension of a progressive land policy, further acquisition of estates for close settlement ; to see that justice is done to the native race aud that the native lands are settled on terms beneficial to l.oth races. - Taxation.—To maintain the priaciple of land and income tax and to secure an equality, of sacrifice as between those directlv and indirectly tax-d ; industrial promotion of legislation that will ensure the carrying on of industries to the advuntH S P 'pf employers and tiie employed. Mining—To assist in Securing the necessary development of the gum, gold, coal, and other material resources of the colony. Trade, Commerce, and Produce.—The fostering of the dairying, agricultural, and pastoral interests and pursuits. Social.—To pass such laws as shall promote the social, moral, aud political wellbeing of the people, protect the young, and provide for the necessities of the deserving aged. . ~" Education.—To place primary, secondary, technical, and university education within the reach of all,, and to stimulate the national ideals. Electoral.:—Representation to be made by an absolute majority of electors. Local Government—To urge the Legislature to give • greater powers to local .authorities, and to provide for them assured and improved finance. :: PuMic Works— The continued opening up of the country by the construction of roads, railways, aud other reproductive works. Gener.il.—The.extension of the functions of the State in such directions as will conduce to the prosperity aui contentment of the'people of the colony. The Times' Wellington correspondent understands that the Opposition platform, will be plared before the tlectors soon after the close of the session. It will be on the following lines :—Reform of the Legislative Council; reform of the civil sen ice ; option of freehold for Crown tenants; settlement of the native land question ; referendum on the Federation question; penny postage; completion of the maiu trunk railway ,: lines ; expenditure of. borrowed money to be controlled by a nonpolitical board ; extension of markets for New Zealand produce ; reduction of the ra:e of interest on loans under the Govern-'' ment Loans and Local Bodies Act.