MR. LEVIN AT WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6063, 23 April 1881, Page 5

MR. LEVIN AT WELLINGTON.

[BY TELEGKAPir. —PRESS ASSOCIATION'.] . WeIUSGTON', Friday. Jlr. Levin addressed his constituents this evening. Ho reviewed the events of last session and attributed its barrenuess to two causes, first the weakness of Government in introducing and withdrawing Bills, some necessary and some quite unnecessary, and second to the conduct of the Opposition in wasting the tiino of the House by vexatious talking. Although ho should regret it, steps -might become necessary here as at Home to curb factious opposition and stop obstruction of public business. He greatly regretted that the Licensing Bill was.not. passed, as he regarded it as the best Bill oE the kind ever introduced. He also approved eenerally of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Bills. He regretted the rejection of Mr. Stevens' Charitable Endowments Bill. He considered population an important element,but not the sole one to -be considered in reap:; portioning the representation;'; A population

to the North or the Ponth, and destroy the j balance which the Cook's Straits settlements had so long held to the great advantage of the colony as a whole. He approved the reduced beer tax. If the colony looked at its task in a manfnl self-reliant spirit he had no doubt of its ability to sustain all its burdens. We bad no doubt gone ahead too fast, but we know our position now. The country was full of resources. It had responded nobly to the call made to save its credit, and showed it was able to more than meet all calls with care and thrift. He had no doubt of a triumphant future. He gave Ministers credit for their retrenchment efforts. The property tax was a fair one in principle, and superior to a land or income tax. The abundance of cheap money now, showed it did not drive capital away, in fact he believed its effect was precisely contrary, as it proved the spirit and resources of the people of the colony. He warmly eulogised the West Coast Commission. He regretted Mr. Bryce's retirement, but was glad his advice about marching on Parihaka had not been accepted by his colleagues. It would have risked a war, which would have ruined the colony. With regard to native lands, he would do his best to prevent such lands as were suitable for settlement being monopolised by the few, instead of being occupied by the many. He approved of Mr. Rolleston'e land administration, but did not approve of indiscriminate settlement of people on the land. Successful settlement required suitable land, and suitable persons to occupy it. He would preserve the present education system intact, but thought it cost more than we had a right to spend on it. Many economies might be practised without impairing efficiency. He would alter the age of compulsory education, and make the fourth standard the maximum in ordinary schools, but have in each district a school to teach the fifth and sixth standards, charging a small fee to those able to pay it. He urged the claims of the West Coast railway on public support, and for a grant of land. He also announced that the Government had promised him next session to put a vote on the Estimates for the erection of a new post and telegraph office in the city. A vote of thanks and confidence was passed.