Sir J. G. Ward Before the Electors.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8148, 23 November 1905, Page 6

Sir J. G. Ward Before the Electors.

Per Press Association,

WINTON, November 22.

Sir J. &. "Ward, member for A-.varua, addressed a large meeting of his constituents at Winton to-night. Tho Minister, who was received with cheers, dealt with the general progress of the colony and the large increases in exports, imports, Savings Bank deposits, land in cultivation horses, cattle and shipping The only decreases were in sheep and in the value of wool, but the increase in cattle was a million sterling more than the loss in sheep. The colony's resources and its powers to meefc its obligations were beyond all question. On the 31st December the wealth per head of our population was £2SO, that of Victoria £261, New South Wales £266 and South Australia £260. Our public and private wealth was £297,887,386, in addition to which there was £8,634,25<i of native land, with improvements excluded. Deducting from the total t'ue public indebtedness outside the colony, the balance of public and private wealth was £252,200,000. The increase in. consolidated, revenue of £248,070 for the previous year, and a review of the consolidated revenue for the last fourteen ye;trs, was an unanswerable record of solid financial progress. From consolidated revenues £1,171.000 Had been paid to old age pensions, £100,000 in reduction of the public debt, £1,785,9(36 had been remitted in customs reductions, and railway concessions amounted to £880,000—a total (including *539,000 interest saved on money transferred to the Public Works Fund) of £5,934,671. When they recollected that there had been a continuation of unusual disturbances in the outside markets, caused by the South African and Eastern wars, and by a great fluctuation in the British financial world, it must be recognised that the Government had steered the colony through financial cyclones that had swept over other countries. Those who criticised the annual borrowing ignored the purpose for which the money was obtained. Since 1891 ;£22,789,42b had been borrowed, and of the <n-oss deb& of £60,000,000 no less than £31,322,000 was directly interest bearing Referring to the allegation regarding the increase of taxation, he stated thai excepting the increase in the graduated land tax against which there is the exemption of improvements, there had nob been any proposal for increasing the direct taxation since 1891. Tho principal contribution to indirect taxation was through the Customs and exciss duty. The Government'had not found is necessary to increase the direct taxation with the exception of the graduated land tax. On the contrary remissions ia the Customs tariff had been made on two occasions to the people as a whole, amounting to £1,756,000. The increase ppr head of indirect taxation showed that the spending power of the people was greater and the imports were increasing in response to the larger demand. He believed it would be better for the colony to build one line of railway at a time. If he were able he would not hesitate to put every man employed on railway construction on to the North Island Main Truck and finish it; then to the Otago Central; then to the Midland ; and then on to tho North of Auckland. In a few years the whole of the trunk lines could be completed, and then it would be possible to cease Dorrowing for railway making purposes, and from the surplus of consolidated revenue carry on a vigorous policy of branch railway and road construction. The Minister then dealt with the great increase in passengers, goods, and stock carried on the railways since they were taken over by the Government. The whole of the rolling stock was now being made in the colony's workshops, giving largely iucreaed employment and circulating large sums 'of money. The additional number of hands appointed during the year wa5.579. The employees had not beea neglected, tho wages having been increased by £070,000. The general freedom from serious accidents was a matter for congratulation. The dining earsalso had been a success, and would be extended as circumstances warranted. He again gave his personal assurance that tbe charge that expendi-

ture was cbavgad to capital that should be charged to revenue, was absolutely without foundation.

Concessions in the Post and Telegraph Department from March, 1891 to 19U5 amounted to £-2;>6,792. The Toun'36 Department had given excellent results. The oversea visitors recorded last year numbered 5992, and they must havo left behind them £299,000. The Department last year earned in fees, etc., a much larger sum than it cost the eolonv.

He had incessantly endeavoured to secure fresh markets, cheap freights, and cheap'railage. The steamers to South Africa took away produce to the value of £900,000 ; the'colony had paid £90,000 for subsidies and the steamers spent in the colony £SS,2SS for labour, port charges, etc. The diversion of tins produce from London must have increased the prices to the farmers. Tenders would be called for a service direct from New Zealand to South Africa, but he did not think they would get anoit'or except at impossible prices. He hoped shortly to have a line connected with Canada subsidised by both Governments. Preferring to the great increases in exports and imports, he said it was regrettable to notice that imports from the British possessions increased only by 86 per cent., while those from foreign States increased by 274 per cent. Imports from America were increasing, and there was a decrease from New South Wales and Victoria. Sir Joseph also touched on other matters, for internal legislation, and outlined several necessary reforms.

(Per Press Association.)

WANGANUI. November 22,

The Premier addressed a meeting at Aramoho, which is a railway centre. Mr Seddon, who had a good hearing, reviewed the work of the Government and spoko of the colony's progress under present administration, his speech being generally oq the lines of those delivered in other towns. He advised the electors to support the sitting iiferuber and not to supplant a journeyman by an apprentice. At the conclusion there was a strong demonstration in favour of one of the other Liberal candidates, Mr Hogau, an ex-railway employee. Cheers were given for the Premier and Mr Hogan. Mr Seddon speaks at Wanganui tomorrow night.

HOKITIKA, Nov. 22. An enthusiastic meeting of Mr Seddon's supporters was held in tho Town Hall this evening at the invitation of Mayor Mandl to organise committees to promote the Premier's candidature. Regret was expressed that the Opposition had put up a candidate. A large and influential committee was appointed, including many ladies, and sufficient money was guaranteed in the room to defray the cost of the election, without making a call on the Hon Mr Seddon. The proceedings concluded with, three cheers for the Premier. Similar meetings are being held in all other centres of the eoastituencj'.