MR. ORMOND AT NAPIER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5494, 26 June 1879, Page 5

MR. ORMOND AT NAPIER.

[by telegraph.] Napier, Wednesday. Mr. Ormoxd addressed his constituents in the Oddfellows' Hall, Waipawa, this evening. There was a large attendance. Mr. It. Harding occupied the chair. Mr. Ormond said he hid intended to meet his constituents at a much earlier date, but delayed in the hope that some member of Government would indicate what policy they proposed to pursue in the coming session of Parliament. Sir George Grey commonly said that people had a right to demand that they should be taken into the confidence of Government, and at this time more than ever, would his words apply. When he made thii explanation some .time ago, the LyUelton Times took him somewhat strongly to task, but he did not think that these comments had done him any injury, and he would not reply to them. GOVERNMENT FOLIC V. The Government had made no definite statement of policy on the part of thu Ministry, except in a speech delivered by Sir G. Grey at the Thames. The greater portion of that speech was devoted to subjects which he would not refer to, but there were two points worthy of notice. Sir George tirat announced that an attempt to create a spurious aristocracy in the colony was being made. Reading further, it appeared that this "burning question" concerned the title "honourable," which had been conferred by the Quean on two retired judges. tie (Mr. Ormoucl) thought more important matters than such trifling rubbish were likely to occupy the House next, session. The next " burning question " wag that of separation from Enyland. The colony was thoroughly loyal, ami there was no cry for separation. The question was not really agitated :it all, but merely came to the surface because it was thought that Sir George had slighted the Marquia of Normanby, ami the people of Dunedin took occasion to show that they did not agree with these studied slights. LEGISLATION OF LAST SESSION". Mr. Oruaoud then went on to refer to the legislation of last session. The Electoral Bill was first referred to. Sir George Grey had promised universal suffrage, but the bill brought down by Government did not confer this. It merely extended the franchise and had some advantages, but there was one feature of the bill to which he strongly objected, that was the dual native vote. He had intended to brinn in n bill dealing with native representation, increasing their number of representatives if Lecissary, but they should not be allowed to vote for European candidates unless they accepted all the responsibilities of Europuin settlers, aud con-cnted to pay rates on auy property which they held. As the bill waa introduced it was uujust, but during its passage through tho House it was proposed to make it much more objectionable, in fact it proposed to practically confer universal suffrage on the Maoris. This would have the effect of tuencies in the North Island. At the last electiou for Napier, the present Native Minister boasted that in time he would hold that constituency, and the speaker thought Clive constituency also, in his hand. He (Mr. Ormond) regretted to say that the House, which was supposed to represent the people, passed the bill, placing many Northern constituencies under the Muori heel, apparently becau-e the Native Minister urged upon the House tbat, unless this clause passed, it would seriously interfere with the negotiation then said to be satisfactorily concluded with Tawhiao. The Upper House, which was so freely condemned by Sir George Grey, had the courage to strike out this clause, and then, apparently merely because they could not carry the dual Maori vote, the Ministry determined to deprive the 70,000 unfrauchised Europeans of whom Sir George Grey spoke so pathetically, of the franchise. REPRESENTATION BILL. The Government had not announced what they intended to do with reference to the electoral question this year, but he might say that it was his intention to bring in a bill conferring the franchise for a residential qualification, and another bill, if necessary, for a small increase in the direct representation of the natives, who would not be permitted to vote for European candidates unless they paid rates. RE-DISTRIBtmoN OF srATS. At the Thames, Sir George Grey repeated what he had said before about the neei for a re-distribution of seats and representation on population basis, and indicated that two measures with these objects iu view would be introduced in the coming session. He (Mr. Ormond) thought it would take a much stronger Government than the present to effect a re-distribution of the representation. Ho did not think that numbers should be the only guide in re-apportioning the repre sentation. Other interests had to be cotisi dered in an article in the LyttcUon Times, a paper ordinarily devoted to Government, recently gave a good instance of unfairness of representation according to numbers, iu pointing out that London, with a population of four millions, had only sixteen representa tives, yet Scotland, with three millions of a population, had lifty-three members. In New Zealand, with seats on the population basis, the four largest towns would have more than one fourth of the totalrepresentation of the colony. .Aβ tii Triennial Parliaments he did not attach much importance to them, but if the country desired them ho was prepared to vote for such a bill. He agreed, however, that there should be a re-distribution of seats, though not accordiug to numbers. PLURAL VOTING. Another of the points of policy indicated by Sir George Grey was the abolition of plural voting for rating purposes. He (Mr. Ormond) was still of opinion that it was but reasonable that a man should have votes according to the money he had paid, and the interests he had at stake. CHANGES IX CUSTOMS TARIFF. Mr. Ormond then referred to the changes made in the Customs tariff last year, pointing to the figures quoted by Mr. Hunter in the House, to shew that the poor man was not relieved, while'rich men had rtally benelited. Mr. Hunter had shewn that he would gain £300 by the change, after allowing for what he would have to pay for land tax. THE LAND TAX. The Beer Duty Bill and Companies' Income Tax Bill were next referred to in condemnatory terms ; and then Mr. Ormond came to what he called a great trump card in game of finance— the land tax. It was the only measure of the Government which really proposed to tax the wealthier classes. He criticised this at great length, and condemned the tax in tolo, on the ground, that it would keep capital out of the colony and check settl-roeiit. He recently applied to an agent at home fur funds to improve property. Tho agent replied, etating that, notwithstanding the high interest offered in New Zealand, capitalihts were averse to sending their money out, because they had no guarantee that the land would not soon be bo burdened as to render the security anything but desirable. He mentioned this to prove that the apparently well-founded rumour of proposed increase in the land tax had reached home, and wn having influence on English capitalists. It was unwise to thus tax only one description of that property, especially considering that only one-fourth of the North Island was yet settled, and it was tho interest of the colony to increase the settled area by every possible mem s, iiutuad <jL imposing

taxation to check it. It was simply like killing the goose which laid the goldeu eggs. As an instance of the unequal pressure of the tax, be pointed to Auckland, which was far wealthier than Hawke's Bay, and had to contribute only £GOOO as a land tax, while tlawke's Bay contributed £8000. THE DEFICIENCY. The deficiency in the revenue Mr. Ormond estimated at £400,000. He thought the beat way to meet the deficiency was to aboliih the subsidies to local bndies, which would save a quarter of a million. The deficiency to local bodies ehould be made up by increased rating powers, by which they could contribute their fair share towards the works by which they benefited. He supported the prnposal to go into the money market for a three million loan, but defended the conduct of the Opposition last session in refusing larger borrowing powers to the Ministry, as their conduct since had ehown, that the South Island would get everything ami the North Island nothing. ° THE THAMES WAIKATG RAILWAY. Referring to the Thames Valley railway, he hoped the House would in the strongest manner show its sense of Sir.George Grey's conduct, in pledging the country so far as he could to the construction of a railway unauthorised by Parliament. Sir George Grey even went so far as to turn the first sod of the railway. EXPENDITURE. Mr. Ormond next referred to the speeches of Sir George Grey, when in Opposition, relative to reductions io expenditure, declaring that instead of reducing expenditure, the Civil Service had boon increased by £100,000; while the Hineinoa had been used merely as a pleasure yacht for Ministers. The present Government was also destroying the character of the Civil Service by appointing to Government offices mere creatures of the Government of the day. There were some in that district, to which he would not particularly refer; but, as an instance of what he meant, he iyould refer to the appointment of Air. G. McCulloch Reed, late journalist, as emigration agent in England, at a salary of £600 ayear. Mr. Keed was a man who was taken by Sir George Grey and Mr. Sheehan at the Hikurangi meeting with the King, to manufacture telegrams purporting to convey to the people of the colony what was being done at the meeting. Men who performed such work expected to be paid for it, and Mr. Heed had been appointed in reward for his distinguished political services as a creature of the Government. Mr. Ormond quoted from Hansard a speech made by Sir George Grey in 1577, condemning the employment of followers of the Ministry in public offices, saying that no previous Government had ever so paid for such services as those of Mr. Reed. IMMIGRATION. On the subject of immigration Mr. Ormond condemned the Government for recently sending to Sir J. Vogel for 2000 immigrants at a time of depression euch as the present, as they could not be provided with work. THE NATIVE QUESTION. After referring to several minor topics, he came to the native question, on which he spoke for nearly an honr. It was claimed by some organs of the Government that this question should not be alluded to as one of party, but when in opposition the present Ministers had used it as one of the chief weapons of attack on Sir D. McLean, and since they had been in office they had continually used their supposed influence with the natives for party purposes. They were continually boasting of Sir G. Grey'ainfluence over the natives. The first occasion when this was tested was at Hikurangi, at the same meeting to which Mr. Reed was taken to manufacture sensational telegrams. Through the Press, the colony was assured that this meeting was going to accomplish everything. Last night he received the Appendices to the Journals of the House which contained the official report of the meeting, with Sir George Grey's proposals to Tawhiao; but, briefly, these were—that portion of tho confiscated land was to be returned to the King ; he was to have an annual income from the Government, to have a house built for him, aud a large sum of money for distribution amongst his people; that he was to have a kingdom. The report was mainly made up from newspapers. Mr. Ormond read extracts about Tawhiao playing a concertina, accompanied by a tin kettle, Sir George Grey distributing lollies, 4c, which caused roars of laughter. Next Mr. Ormond referred to the murder by Hiroki. The House was last session told that after the prorogation Mr. Sheehan would go to Te Whiti, who was represented as friendly to the Government, and get Hiroki given up. Mr. Sheehan went, saw Te Whiti, and the meeting was, as usual, reported as highly successful. Mr. Sheehan, however, seemed to have made no reference to Hiroki. Certainly he did not succeed in getting him given up. Then Waimate Plains survey was stopped. Mr. Shrehan ha 3 another interview with Te Whiti, and was insulted. Reports in newspapers which evidently emanated from the Native office, shewed that Mr. Sheehan and Te Whiti had a wrangle—the Government report making out that Mr. Sheehan got the best of the argument. One peculiar feature was, that while the dispute was going on, Mr. Sheehan took a pipe from the mouth of one of tho Maoris, and actually sat down and smoked it. That was not in accordance with the dignity of a representative of the colony. It was calculated to lower his personal dignity, to degrade his office in the eyee of the natives—than which nothing could be more injurious to the interests of the colony. Things then drifted from bad to worse, until the country was now waiting daily with some excitement to learn what is likely to be tho end of the West Coa<t difficulty. It was a matter of extreme regret that the colony should have allowed it to drift into such a position, and which would never have occurred had it been managed firmly and wisely from the beginning. It was now almost impossible to escape that difficulty. War would, no doubt, bo a very grave calamity, checking the inflow of population and capital. The duty of the colony was quite clear. Wo must maintain the supremacy of our race. He, though in opposition to the Government, would not be found placing impediments in tho way, so long as they endeavoured to maintain the integrity of the colony. There was only one thing in the whole business on which we could congratulate ourselves. He referred to the action of the West Coast settlers. The decided etand and preparations for defence made, and yet the forbearance shewn by them, were worthy of praise in the highest terms. They deserved the thanks of tho I whole population of the colony for their action. Tho hesitation recently exhibited by the natives was undoubtedly due to the firm stand made. Mr. Ormond next turned his attention to native affairs in the Waikato. He had already referred to tho terms proponed by Sir George Grey to Tawhiao. It was represented in the House that his proposals had been accepted, and only remained to be finally ratified at a meeting to be held after the session, to which Sir George Grey and the Hon. Mr. biieehan had been invited. Government was on this account treated with the greatest consideration in debates on native matters. He had refrained from speaking on these occasions, that Sir G. Grey might have every facility for exercising unimpaired his boasted influence. Shortly after the session the reports, at first unbeeiled, were circulated, that Minis', rs were begging invitations to attend . uvhiao's meeting. Reports were repeated, until he heard from reliable sources that they were true. Tawhiao refused again to give an invitation, although repeated messengers were sent to get him to do co. At last, Major Te

Wheoro was sent. This had not yet been published, but must come out soon, so ho would state itpnblicly. Te Wheoro was endeavouring to get a meeting, and urging Tawhiao to give it, because, if not given, Ihe Europeans would be angry with him for having deceived them, and his Government might be overthrown. Tawhiao replied that it would be rather good if it was, and again refused the invitation. Notwithstanding, Sir G. Grey and Mr. Sheehan went, extremely unwisely, as they were certain to be insulted, as they were Tawhiao again rejected the terms which he was represeuted as agreeing to. The organs of the Government claimed, in a most impudent manner, that Sir George Grey deserved credit for having escaped the fulfilment of his promises. Sir George Grey, when apparently successful, claimed the whole credit of the negotiations ; but did he not turn round in the most cowardly manner, and endeavour to shift the responsibility on Sir Donald McLean, who had now gone from among us ? If Sir Dona'd McLean had lived, there was no ghost of a chance of his having landed the colony, in the present difficulty. Now similar negotiations were being tried with Ecwi. His opinion was that Rewi was simply trying to get all. and would give aa little as possible in return. This reminded him of an extract from the New Zealand Herald he held in his hand, whieh stated that Sir' George Grey reproached Tawhiao with not accepting the proposals, as he (the King) was not called upon to give anything in return. If the terms v/ere over agreed to, Tawhaio must give up something. For one thing, he must acknowledge the supremacy of the Qu<-en. He now wished to refer to articles which had recently appeared in Government organs throughout the colony, stating that the failure of the negotiation!) with the natives was due to the action of TJuropeans, who instigated them to resist. The leader of the Opposition was evidently referred to. He wished to say that, neither directly nor indirectly, had he interfered with negotiations with natives. He had communicated with his late colleagues, and received replies of a similar tenor, even when some of the late chief Karaitiana's friends wanted him to interfere to prevent what certainly appeared injustice. He refused, as he would not move in any way against the Government. The matter has been prominently referred to in the local press. An article appeared in tbc Hawke's Bay Herald about a fortnight ago, on this subject. He could have wished it had not been telegraphed over the colony. He read the article, which contended, whether intentionally or not, that there were traitors in the camp, and this had come to be regarded as receiving a semi-official panction. The matter should be investigated by the Parliament; and if the charces were found to be true, the individuals indicated should be punished with the utmost severity of the law. Hβ said the article ivas couched in somewhat strong language, but he thoroughly enJorsed it. More recently, the names of several gentlemen have been published as being the tools of the real authors of this opposition. The two gentlemen were, Majors Jackson and Mair. The first he knew personally. He fought bravely, in command of the Waikato Cavalry, during the late war, and rendered distinguished service. He (Mr. Ormond) did not know Major Mair personally, but Sir Donald McLean had often spoken of him, saying he could always trust in his information, and that he relied greatly upon him for his firmness and knowledge of the native character. With a thorough trustworthiness he made his services most valuable. He did not believe for an instant that they had been guilty of the conduct imputed to them. He was sorry to see articles in the Herald, in which their mmis were mentioned in connection with "The sinister rumours of traitors in camp," but he was glad that the same paper, on fuller information, had that morning retracted the statement. Newspaper writers should be cautious in circulating such rumours, and should make careful iuquiries before publishing the existence of any ofof these alleged rumours. Mr. Ormond, who was frequently applauded throughout his speech, affered to answer any questions that might be asked, but no one accepted the invitation. A vote of thanks and confidence was proposed by Mr. McGreevy, seconded by Mr. Giblin, then passed with acclamation.