CITY WEST. —MR. FLEMING'S ADDRESS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6253, 1 December 1881, Page 6

CITY WEST. —MR. FLEMING'S ADDRESS.

Mr. Ai.KXAXbEii Fleming, a candidate to represent the constituency of City West in the House of Representatives, addressed the electors at St. James's-hall, which was about half filled, yesterday evening. On the motion of Mr. Duncak McNab, Mr. Offer was chosen chairman, and in a brief speech introduced the caudidate. Mr. Fleming said he had represented the ward in the City Council six years, and had been returned at the top of the poll. That gave him courage to come forward. At present, representation was not based on population, but on a political swindle, as was apparent from the great majority of the South Island over the North. The 30,000 or 40,000 natives had to be legislated for, and should be represented. If that were the case the North Island would have jivo mem ers more than the South. He did not think it was a fair thing to have all the elections for the province on one day. Under the old system if a good man lost at one place, he might find a seat elsewhere. The Government was allowing persons to buy large tracts of land for private speculation ; not to make small farms, but for themselves and shareholders in companies. These parties would be looking some time hence for 10 per cent, and 4 per cent, bonus, which came from the horny-handed people who made the land valuable. The Government should buy the land and resell it in blocks of not more than 1000 acres or less than 40. He was not in favour of the present property tax ; it taxed industry. He might be in favour of a modified property tax ; but an income tax was more iu accordance with his views, say on incomes over f 200 or £300. He would leave the education system as it is. (Applause.) He would have been glad to have had the benefit of such in his early days, and it should be supported liberally. The natives had been unfairly treated by all Governments. The Governments had tried to make them like British subjects ; but all had broken faith with them. Sir Donald McLean said he had bought land to give these natives, but the natives had never received it. No wonder the natives were dissatisfied when they took everything from them and gave them nothing. The Upper House should be elected by the people to whom the members would bo responsible. Else tlioy should be elected from the General Assembly, where they would have had a good trainiug for their future duties. Relative to public works, if the reclamation in Queen-street had boon in the South, it would have been finished years ago. Mr. Fleming referred to what purported to be a bridge at Cox's Creek, which was only a sop. Scientific men had informed the Government that a harbour could not be formed at Taranaki. But that did not suit Taranaki, and a vote of £500,000 was obtained, and work commenced. .A commission was afterwards appointed to inquire into the matter, and condemned the work. It would take five millions to make a harbour. It would be fur better to spend the money ou a railway between Wellington and Taranaki. He was in favour of triennial Parliaments, three years wa3 long enough for any man to represent the people, more especially if he did not represent them properly. He was a free trader. The raw material should be allowed in free for such articles as could be manufactured here. If returned he would give an honest vote, and not be led away by one party or the other. He did not believe in empty speeches. Last session there was a great deal of talk and very little work. He did not believe in stonewalling.

Iα answer to questions, Mr. Fleming said a person elected to the Upper House should be a man of education and ability. Money should not interfere in the matter. He thought Grand Juries should be abolished. He thought the Gaming and Lotteries Act was a step in the wrong direction ; it was extreme. They would not allow sweeps, and the consequence was the money was sent out of the country. There should be licensed responsible persous. He thought it was wrong for the Government to take away the capitation money, as many volunteers could not alTord to give their time and find their own clothes besides. He was not in favour of pensions. He would allow a woman who held property a vote, but no further political influence. He was not prepared to abolish distraint for rent. He was Grey rattier than of any other party, but did not think their member should be tied down to any party. He would go as a liberal member. As to elective Governors he would not care about undertaking the responsibility of severing their allegiance to the Crown. He would like to give the Licensing Act as it now stands a fair trial ; both parties seemed pleased with it. On the motion of Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. D. McNab, the following resolution was carried unanimously :—"That this meeting, while thanking Mr. Alexander Fleming for his address, heartily accord him a vote of confidence, and pledges itself to secure his return as the member for City West." A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.