Electioneering.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXIV, Issue 258, 31 October 1890, Page 2

Electioneering.

Wellington, October 81. Mr T Kennedy McDonald addressed the city electors last night, and announced himself an independent candidate to promote the welfare of the colony. A more vigorous land system would have to be instituted, and he would like to see the whole of the native lands of the North Island purchased by the Government and the Europeans settled on them. Steps should also be taken to compel the subdivision of the great estates in the South Island. He would favour the repeal of the property tax, to be replaced by a land and income tax. Absentees should also be subjected to heavy taxation. He favoured the present system of education and the appointment of a Civil Service Board. He received a vote of thanks and confidence. Invercargill, October 18. Mr Hodgkinson, late member for Wallace, addressed the electors at Riverton last night. He reviewed the work of Parliament, supporting the Atkinson Ministry. He received a vote of thanks. Mr G. M. Bell, who was a probate oandi date for Mataura, will be absent in Victoria in December so that he will not stand. It is now stated that Mr J. G. Fraser (editor of the Gore /Standard), T. Ayson, and P. K. Fahy, will run Mr G. F. Richardson .or his seat, Timaru, Ootober 31. Mr Rhodes spoke to a large meeting of the Geraldine electors at Temuka last night. He defended the Government against Mr Hutchisons charges so widely circulated ; was in favour of Bmall settlements, and would approve of borrowing to purohase landa for the purpose where necessary. Elo spoke at some length on dummyism; explained the action of the House last session and expressed the opinion that after the Btrong recommendation of the Wa_te Lands Committee the Government would be bound ts prosecute and test the alleged cases of dummyism. The land laws required amendment to prevent large holders from competing, and the Boards should have power to examine applicants and to allot to the most suitable, and transfers should be prohibited for some years after allotment. He would maintain the education system intact. He spoke guardedly on the labour question, as the strike was now practically over. He would not vote for a useless declaratory Eight Hours Bill. The waste of time last session showed that some form of cloture was necessary. A vote of thanks and confidence was accorded, but not many voted.