Mr Guinness Before his- Constituents.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXIX, Issue 137, 12 June 1895, Page 3

Mr Guinness Before his- Constituents.

[United Presa Association.] BKUNNEBTON, This Day. Mr Guinness addressed his constituents "at Brunnerton last night. He reviewed the work of last session and referred to the statement by the Opposi;ion that tie party in power had been returned pledged not to bonow. He admitted this, hut denied that lhe borrowing of the Seddon Ministry was like that of Sir J. Vogel or Sir H. Atkinson. Referring to the Shops and Shop Assistants Act he said that he would vote for its amendment Persons employed should bave half a day, but employers should he left free to select the most suitable day, or otherwise all, big and little, should be compelled to shut. Dealing with the Midland Railway Mr Guinness stated that the Government had fnll power under the Act to take the line, and to finish tho construction. Whether the Government was in the right was another matter which would be settled by arbitration and the Supreme Court. As, how--ever, tho Government had taken it he would help the Government hy ote to get the million and a quarter required to finish the line. Tho Government would have to borrow, this and at the same time wonld have to borrow for the Otogo and North Island lines. , He could not hope to get the money for the Midland Railway oy itself. The speaker assured the electors that they had only to undtrstand the matter when they would corfsent to borrow more extensively for reproductive works than they now did. He would vote for borrowing even should the Ministry have to go to the country on the question. After passing reference • to the tariif, local government, and otlier matters Mr Guinness was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence.