MR. SEDDON AT BLENHEIM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8814, 1 March 1892, Page 5

MR. SEDDON AT BLENHEIM.

[BY telegraph.—press association.]

Blenheim, Monday. Mr. Skddon, the Minister of Public Works, addressed one of the largest and most representative political gatherings ever hold in Blenheim, this evening, many being unable to obtain admission. The speaker dealt at length with the salient points of the Government, policy, particularly with regard to the taxation proposals*. Ha said that the valuation lists were now in the hands of the Government, and that the estimated revonuo would be more than covered, and that so far the objections in the Revision Courts had not made much difference, as the values were generally admitted as fairly correct. As to driving away capital, Mr. Seddon contended that the ory was dying out, and on the authority of financial experts it was now proved conclusively that there was no justification for the scare. There was now plenty of money available for investment at a lesser rate of interest than there was before the now taxation was introduced. As to the uncertainty and want of finality, that was caused by the opponents of Government wishing to reintroduce the property tax. The Government, however, had decided to adhere to tho land and income tax, and were satisfied that when once imposed and collected there would be finality, and the last would be heard of the property tax. The I.and Act Amendment Bill would be again introduced, and probably on reflection the Council would see its way to pass the measure. The one man one vote proposal would be adhered to, as well as the Land for Settlement Bill. He contended that over-competition in labour was the curse of the country, anil that judicious expenditure on public works under the co-operative system was working exceedingly well, and found employment for over 1000 men, and that the work was done better than under the old system of contracting. The yield of the gold mines was £'2'20,000 in excess of previous year. The exodus was stopped, and generally the colony had prospered under the Government re'jinie. A hearty vote of thanks to the speaker and confidence in the Government was carried unanimously. Mr. Seddon leaves for Lyttelton to-night, en route for the Milford Sound.