MR G. F. RICHARDSON BEFORE HIS CONSTITUENTS.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 7274, 23 October 1891, Page 3

MR G. F. RICHARDSON BEFORE HIS CONSTITUENTS.

BY TELEGRAPH. Invercakoill, Ootober 22. The Hon. G. F, Richardson, addressing his constituent? at Wyndham to~niffht reviewed th« work of the session. He ci iti cised the policy of the Govorntuonfc, and complimented labor representatives on their reiuly adaptation to the forms of tho House and their moderation of tone, but thought their increasing support of the Government on the smallest matter suggestive. The amendments to Bills was the cauae of ao many being thrown out by the Upper House. Referring to the Minister for Lands he said ho could not i account for Mr M'Kenaie'a studied dis- ; courtesy to him, leading up to tho Bryco episode. For that he held tho Premier to blame as personally he insisted on the withdrawal of Mr Bryco's words, instead of appealing to the Speaker in the usual course. On tho Land Bill he thought tho alternative tenure provided by the Act of 1887 had been appreciated, and ho did not believe that tho people would submit quietly to have the right of purchase taken from them at tho caprice of the Minister, as provided in Mr M'Kenzie'a Bill. He hinted that the Bill waa the work of someone nob fully conversant with land. As it stood tho Land and Income Tux Act did nob assist progress. He did not understand it, and neither did anyone hu h<id come in contact wiih, but he felt suro that it was in the interest of cities against the country, and that the exemptions would have to bo lowered to get tho revenue required. He asserted that tho Government sold 74,000 acres less land this year than were sold in the same time last year. The Government were expeuding heavily on tho unem« ployed, nnd paying so well that men are leaving their ordinary employment for Government work. The appiopriathns showed L491.0O0 voted in excess of last year's expenditure, and as things were going now the Premier must give up all hopes of having LI J 3,000 surplus. In conclusion, ho urged the formation of a national party to organise and conserve the right of those who had a stake in the Country, Mr Richardson whs unanimously accorded a vote of thanks and confidence, A motion was also passed thanking the Opposition for the gallant way they acted during the session, and the Legislative Council for its action in suppressing obnoxious legislation.