THE ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8385, 13 October 1890, Page 5

THE ELECTIONS.

REQUISITION TO SIR GEORGE GREY. On Saturday afternoon, a deputation, composed of Messrs. R. J. Duncan, Adams, E. W. Burton, J. M. Shera, H. VV. Farnall, and J. M. McLachlau, waited upon Sir Gcorgo Grey, at the Auckland Free Library, and presented him with the- requisition which has boon numerously signed, asking him to address a public meeting.

Mr. Duncan presented the requisition, which has already been published in tho Hkiiald. Ho said that at the meeting hold on Friday night, at Robson'fi Rooms, considerable discussion took place regarding the political situation ; and it. was decided then not to wait, as many of the leaders, and especially the Government leader, were hanging back, but to ask Sir George Grey to speak, as it was considered very important that tho public should bo informed of what, he thought an to the present position of the country. Some surprise had been expressed at that meeting that so long a time had elapsed without any indication from ihe head of the Government as to the policy to be adopted ; and as it was considered exceedingly desirable in the interests of tho colony that some gentleman should be requested to give a public address, it waa decided to ask him (Sir George Grey), who was the most noted man in tho colony. It was felt that one of the first duties of the new Parliament would be to take steps to greatly simplify government and curtail public expenditure.

Mr. SUKKA said tho requisition oxpressed the wish of the great bulk of the people to hear Sir George Grey's views at this critical time in tho history of tho colony ; and it would bo for him (Sir George) to select the time for his address. The requisition represented various sections of the community, and different political ideas.

Mr. BUKTON pointed out that even those in the room represented almost the two extremes of public opinion. In the discussion at Friday night's meeting one thing stood out boldly —bhat the financial position of the country should be most seriously considered in the new Parliament, and that the incidence of taxation was not of such importance as the reduction of the total amount, of taxation. All the speakers on Friday night were, he believed, agreed that at the present time, the country was living beyond its means. Mr. Farnall said ho represented a p.ection of the community who had already made up their minds as to what should be placed before tho candidates at the approaching elections. They had adopted ono plank—the repeal of tho property tax, and tho imposition of a land tax, and considered that if a majority in the House supported such n. plank as that, they would ruako all the Liberal reforms that the country required. Mr. Adams spoke of the affection with which Sir George Grey was regarded. People of all classes of the community wore looking to him, and were awaiting his words, with anxiety ; they knew not where else to look but to him.

Sir Geokoe Grky replied that what he had heard during the last few minutes must encourage any man, and make him think it wonderful that he should live long enough to hear such expressions made use of regarding what he hi.d done, but it showed that hid position was one. of course, of extraordinary difficulty, lie observed two things in the requisition : he was asked to speak on the existing position of public affairs, and also to explain his views upon the best course in the future to relieve the colony from its present embarrassed position. His own impression was that he could not do that ut one meeting ; the subject was too great —too mighty, he should almost say— and he thought it woidd bo better that lie should hold two meetings at least—one in which he would do his best to explain the existing position of public affairs, and to glance generally at certain possibly necessary points ot relief, and then there should be a subsequent meeting. They would then have time in the country to consider the evils to which remedies were to be applied, and to make suggestions, and he would have an opportunity of considering any plans, His own mind had been niado up to a certain extent ; but he might be able to make improvements in his plan if they were suggested, and then at the subsequent meeting he would give his own unbiassed opinion.as to what he thought should be done. He therefore asked the deputation to fix the time for the first meeting ; he was prepared at any time, when they would tell him the best day for the people at large. It seemed that ut the meeting spoken of, not so much had been thought of the incidence of taxation as of the reduction of the total amount of taxation, leaving the incidence for after consideration. The great majority of the country, however, probably agreed with him in thinking that the larger portion ot the community—as. lie thought he would be able to .show—were unjustly taxed to relieve those who had no claim whatever to be relieved, and he could hardly expect them to sit down under that taxation and wait patiently for relief. That would simply drive more persons from the colony instead of attracting people here. Sir George Grey mentioned that one of the first Bills he introduced into Parliament was a measure to reduce taxation on the necessaries of life.

Mr. Duncan said that in getting , signatures to the requisition they h/ul avoided the usual supporters of Sir George Grey. He asked Sir George whether it was the usual practice, in any country having Con stitutional Government;, to allow one Parliament to expire before steps were taken to elect another ?

Sir Gbokoe Grkt replied that f,ho invariable rule was tint Parliament was dissolved, and the election of another then took place. The rule was that the country was never left without a Parliament for more than thirty-five days, but in the last Parliament a certain number of members who styled themselves "' the Opposition," and acted under Mr. Ballance, had authorised him to come to an agreement with the Ministry that the new Parliament was not to bo summoned till early in April. This wh4 the h'rst time such a thine was done as that a Parliament should take from its successor a great portion of its life. The deputation promised to inform Sir George Grey of the date of the first meeting.

Mr F. Lawry intimates elsewhero his intention of addressing the Par noil electors at an early date. The nomination of candidates for the Northern Maori electoral district will tako place on Monday, the '27th instant, at tho Courthouse Russell, and the poll, if necessary, on Thursday, the 27th November. The list of polling stations will bu found in our advertising columns. Mr. Collins, Registration Officer, is pro ceeding energetically with the purging of the roll. His action is said to bo resented by some of the electioneering agents, but he is carrying out his instructions resolutely, and receiving the support of the authorities.

Major Harris will contest, the Franklin peat in the coming election with M,ajor Hamlin, who has already announced himself as a candidate. We understand that Major Harris has been asked to stand by a number of his old supporters in tha now electorate of Franklin, and has been promised a large amount of support.