MR. READER WOOD'S ADDRESS AT ALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6259, 8 December 1881, Page 5

MR. READER WOOD'S ADDRESS AT ALL.

Mr. Reader Wood addressed the electors of Eden electoral district yesterday evening, at the Eden-hall, Mr. F. G. Ewington occupied the chair. Mr, Wood said there had been a good deal of misapprehension with regard to his candidature, and numerous misstatements had been made. .Some persons seemed to think that he consented to contest this constituency, so. as to leave Mr. Hurst a quiet seat for Waitemata. Nothing could be further from the truth. He had never spoken to Mr. Hurst on the .subject, and seldom spoke to him on any subject. He was not anxious for a seat in the House, and ■would not have come forward had he not been requested to do so by a certain number of electors. It appeared to him that the only question of tho immediate future was careful administration. 4S long as he wa-a in politics he intended to be as far as possible a political power, and to act according to his judgment and conscience. When there was no great principle before the country, he could not understand playing " follow my leader." Neither side, or rather it was a question of the ins and the outs, wanted such men. They wanted pliant tools who would stick close to their party. He believed in payment of members, but thought £100 enough. The 200 guineas were divided by the sitting days, aud mombcrs were only paid according to the number of days they were present. He, for instance, only drew £170 last session, instead of £210. Referring to the title for the Piako swamp, Mr. Wood said it could have been tested in the Supreme Court. When Sir George Gr. y became Premier did he have the matter tested in the Supreme Court ? No. But he allowed them to get a title—an indefeasible title under the Land Transfer Act. Tho railways only paid 3j per cent., while the money was borrowed at 5 per cent. The taxpayer had to pay £SOO,OOG annually for nothing. He thought the ratepayers should have the power of suspending the County Councils when they chose. In answer to questions, Mr. Wood said he was in favour of a leaseholder's vote. He voted that one man should not have more than two votes—on« for himself and one for his property. He saw no present necessity for borrowing, and would strenuously oppose it unless under a great emergency. He and Mr. Gillies had opposed Sir Julius Vogel'e borrowing scheme and reckless expenditure. He would not vote against party processions. He was absolutely opposed to Dr. Pollen's multiplicity of offices. Mr. Donaldson proposed, and Mr. Patteson seconded, a vote of confidence. Mr. Doyle proposed, and Mr. Grady seconded, as an amendment, a vote of thanks, Messrs. Cole aud Seaurook spoke in support of the motion. For the amendment 13 hands were held up, and it was declared lost. The motion of confidence was carried by 29 to 9. A vote | of thanks to the chairman terminated the 1 proceedings.