NATIONAL ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9628, 28 September 1894, Page 3

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the National Association (Auckland section) was held yesterday evening at the Association rooms. Mr. John Batger presided, and there was a

large attendance, amongst those being Dr. Giles, Captain Makgill, Messrs. A. H. Nathan, C. C. McMillan, D. B. Mac Donald, G. Aickin, W. R. Bloomfield, E. W. Barton, K. Farrell, R. Monk, J. EL. Upton, W. Kirk brido, Mrs. Still, Mrs. Hartwoll, Mrs. Bell, etc. ANNUAL RKPORT. The third annual report was submitted, as follows:—

In submitting the third annual report to the members, the Council is pleased to announce a contiuuance of the steady progress aud gratifying success which have followed the operations of the Association since its inauguration three years ago. This has been specially apparent during the past twelve mouths, for evidences are numerous that the influence of the Association is acknowledged both by friends and foes, and is not despised by its enemies. Members and adherents of the present Ministry, whose general policy the Association has opposed, have lost no opportunity iu Parliament of misrepresenting the aims and objects of the Association, and attacking the fundamental principles which your Council has upheld to the people. During the present session in Parliament many references to the Association have been made and published in Hansard. Further, the comments upon its pronouncements aud literature, from time to time appearing iu the press of the colony, are signs that the trend of public opinion is directing itself to the importance of the work performed by the Association.

THE COUNCIL. The year just closed has been one of especial activity ; partly because the general election iu November last intervened, but chiefly because the functions and responsibilities of the Couucil are ever increasing, in proportion with the promiuence aud publicity given to the Association. The members who constituted the Council; after the election at the annual meeting of the Association held on 2Sc.li September, 1893, were Messrs. Graves Aickin, John Batger, Edmund Bell, W. R. Bloomtield, Thomas Buddie, IS. W. Burton, M. A. Clark, John (J. Colbeek, Robt. Farrell, Francis Hull, Win. F. Massey, D. B. McDonald, C. C. McMillan, aud John Phillipps. They unanimously elected Mr. Batger president for the third term, and Messrs. Massey and Phillipps vice-presidents. The vacancy caused by the retiral of Dr. Davy was filled up by the election of Mr. Thomas J. Steele, whose appoinment made up the complement of fifteen (15) members now constituting the Council. The Couucil has held 51 meetings during the course ot the year for the transaction of business. In addition to these, numerous meetings of the various committees, occupying fully one evening a week, have been held. The attendance of the members ot the Council has been very regular, and the heartiness and harmony of their deliberations are most marked. It is deemed proper to make mention of these facts because members in remote districts have no means of knowing the importance of the and the responsibilities devolving upon the Council, except through a perusal of the annual report.

RETIRING MEMBERS. The following five (5) members of Council retire at this meeting in terms of rule sof the constitution, viz. : —Messrs. Batger, Colbeck, Fait ell, AJassey, and Phillippa. They are eligible for re-election, and willing to accept office if re-elected. MEETINGS. The ordinary quarterly meetings of the Council with branch delegates and district members have, with one exception, been held with regularity during the year. The exception was the meeting which should have been held immediately after the _ general election, which it was found impracticable to convene. The subsequent meetings have all been of a satisfactory character, and delegates and members have attended from remote districts at considerable inconvenience auil expense to themselves. It is desirable and important, however, that the members attending these meetings should be largely representative of remote districts. It brings members into closer fellowship with the Council and the work of the Association, and they are thus the medium of communication to and influence in districts that are otherwise inaccessible. The quarterly meetings of members have been well attended. To Messrs. Bell, Ewington, and others the Association is indebted for their able exposition at the last quarterly meeting of the question, " Has the policy of the present Government boon beneticial Co the working mail?" At this stage it may be mentioned that a conference of your Council with delegates from the Trades and Labour Council was held in February last, when an exchange of views took place on various important political subjects. The Council thought it desirable in this way to promote a better understanding with the organised Labour party —not for the purpose of "capturing their votes," but to remove doubt as to the objects and methods of the Association, which have been, and still are, wilfully misrepresented by outenemies. The Council believes that further conferences of like kind should be encouraged, and that they would result in national benefit, by producing a better understanding and mutual respect among all sections of the commuuity. MEMBERS, BRANCHES, AND SECTIONS. The number of members on the Auckland roll is now over 1000 —a considerable increase from last year, and not representative of the full strength of the Association, as members of sections aud branches are not all registered on the parent roll, The Council believes that it would improve the efficiency of the Association's organisation to register all branch members on the Auckland roll. Branch secretaries have been asked to furnish complete lists, in order that members may not be lost sight of by removal or otherwise. After the lists are received the names will be arranged under electoral districts, and then allocated to local branches. There are now 37 branches of the Auckland section. Those opened in the Franklin electorate at Pukekohe, Mauku, and Waiuku last month have encouraged the Council to persevere in this department of the work. The meetings were most successful and enthusiastic. The Association is greatly indebted to Messrs. Bell and Monk, who, at much personal inconvenience, accompanied the secretary, and addressed the meetings; and to Mr. Buckland, who assisted at the Pukekohe meeting. Other districts have invited the Couucil to send a deputation, which will gladly be done when funds are available. The other provincial sections of the Association, though not so active, are still in entire accord with the parent section. Probably with the prospective inauguration of additional sections, in both islands, greater cohesion of the whole and more united action may be obtained. It would then be practicable to control the operations from one centre by the establishment of a central executive or council. Greater efficiency in organisation, and an enlargement of financial resources would result from the wider diffusion. Recent communications from distant parts of the colony enable the Council to look forward hopefully to the extension of the Association in all provincial districts of New Zealand during the coming year. (Applause.)

A CENTRAL COUNCIL. In last year's report the inauguration of a Central Council was foreshadowed. The Council has not allowed, this important matter to rest. A circular letter was prepared, and sent to prominent politicians and friends throughout the colony. The responses were sufficiently encouraging to lead the Council to hope for some practical result before long. Political views ripen slowly, but when once the need of better organisation is realised, the thoughtful settlers of the colony will readily supply the sinews of war, and the Association will be able to exercise a powerful influence for good in the government of the country. SPECIAL APPEAL TO MEMBERS. The life of the Association depends upon the interest displayed by its own members. Some have shown great activity in introducing new members. Were this energy more generally exercised, the members might at once be doubled with the greatest ease. The Council makes this special and urgent appeal to each and all, that members may recognise an a bouuden duty to the Association their obligation to nominate during rency of the succeeding year at least 0110 new member each, and to introduce them if practicable at the rooms. Ah a sample of what can be done by individual members in this direction it may be mentioned that the first enrolled lady member of the Association has nominated ten new members during the past year. (Loud applause.) POLITICAL QUESTIONS. Following the action of previous years, the Council has critically scanned the scope and character of Bills introduced into Parliament, and of legislation foreshadowed. Many of the Bills were a repetition of those which had been introduced in previous sessions, and upon which the Council had expressed its views. The following are some of the principal questions of public interest in connection with which pronouncements were made by the Council, and copies transmitted to members of both Houses of Parliament and to the press 1. Purchase of private estates. 2. Native lands. 3. Corrupt Practices Act. 4. System of Co operative works. 5. Non - borrowing. 6. Appointment of Sergeant -at - Arms. 7. Financial Statement — (Budget). 8. Labour Bills. 9. j Schedule >i reforms, etc., etc. With

reference to the last named the Council, being impressed with the advantage ot having its aims and objects clearly " de stood members of Parliament, formulated a schedule of the reforms which it considered the public welfare required, and forwarded a circular on the subject to every member or the new Parliament. This should have been sufficient to protect the most thoughtless 01 the members from being led by such gross caricatures of the Association as have been gravely . laid before during the present session; but the Council regrets to observe that good taste and good faith have both been abandoned by some of those members who are opposed to the Association s views. The Council deal with some of these in its leaflet No. 13, but there are others whose impertinences are too silly to criticise.

LITERATURE. During the past year an unusual quantity of literature has been compiled by the Council for distribution in leaflet form. One of these (No. 5) comprised an indictment against the Government. Special leaflets were voluntarily prepared to assist the several candidates who were recommended to the electors, for their support at the general election. Over 100,000 leaflets have been distributed to electors by postage and otherwise, iuvolving much labour and expense to the Association. More recently leaflets 10, 11, 12, and 13— dealing with public finance, the journal of the Department of Labour, and the Council 8 reply to the attacks made upon it in Parliamenthave been prepared and • widely disseminated. The publication of this literature has attracted public attention throughout the colony. Over 20 different re-prints from the press, and a large assortment of literature, such as instructions to voters, canvassing cards, etc., were likewise specially formulated for 1 use at the general election. Membere are recommended to apply at-*'the rooms for copies of the Association's literature, as it has been found impossible to pose or deliver copies to each member.

REGISTRATION. The rooms were largely utilised for registration purposes, and means were taken to. ascertain and notify those members whose names did not appear on the Electoral Rolls. A special form of application was also printed to facilitate and simplify registration upon one roll only.

THE WAITEMATA BYE ELECTION. General satisfaction was expressed by members when Mr. Massey, one of the vicepresidents of the Association, was returned for the VVaitemata electorate, in spite of the most determined opposition of the Government party, the active interference of the GovernmenA'Tarliamentary whip, and the presence audpartizan influence of the Premier of the colony. (Loud applause.) FINANCES. The resources of the Association have this year been taxed very seriously. The extraordinary expenditure at, and since the general election, for printing, postages, and other necessary items had to be_ met, whilst the available funds have not increased in the same ratio. Further, some of the branches I and members have failed to contribute to the general fund, whilst many members only contribute the nominal subscription of two shillings. On the other hand the Council has received from several unexpected quarters, contributions of sums ranging from £5 to tlO, and in one case a voluntary donation of £25. Some 80 members contribute each £1 and upwards, either in ordinary subscriptions or supplementary donations. _ The extended usefulness of the Association will mainly depend upon the continued liberality of the latter class of donors, and increased practical help given from the members as a body, by more general promptitude of payments and additions to the membership. This matter demands the, urgent attention of all the members. The balance on hand to carry forward to the incoming year is only £27 ljs 9d. The greatest economy has been exercised throughout, and the working expenses considering the amount and character of the work involved are moderate. The sum needed for carrying on the work should be easily obtained, if all the members give a fairly average contribution. he Fiuance Committee and the Council are most anxious to place the Association finances on a more stable basis.

CONCLUSION. The Council cannot close its report without congratulating the members upon the success of the Association during the past year, and the position it has now attained by methodical effort and steady perseverance, joined with temperate forbearance towards those who differ from its general policy. There is a growing conviction in the public mind that the National Association, as an established institution, has become an absolute necessity in political life. Its importance as a corrective and an educative medium is recognised even by its enemies, and the prospect of its efficiency and influence upon the well-being of the country largely depends upon the cooperation of its members in every district. They should place fairly before the people its aims and objects, and induce all friends to join its ranks without delay. Whatever be the issue, the Council will fearlessly pursue in the future what has been itd past policy, m spite of the sneers and persistent misrepresentations of the avowed detractors of the National Association of New Zealand. (Applause).

JL'A£.9iUC.ni O The Presidknt, after the reading of the i report by Mr. Hastie, the secretary, said : It is now my pleasant duty to move the adoption of the report you have heard read. One or two points in it I may emphasise by referring to them again. - There has been a gratifying increase in the number of our members, and in the branch Associations. Wo number over 1000 on the head office register, besides members admitted at the various branches, of which we have now 37. And we have ample evidence of the growing influence and usefulness of the Association. In reference to the Council's efforts to extend the organisation throughout the colony, 1 am glad to inform you that our secretary has recently been to Wellington, where he had the opportunity of meeting with representative men from various parts of the colony, and of making arrangements by which we be« lieve a great expansion of our organisation will be secured. A scheme has been agreed upon, and it is expected that new sections and branches will soon be established in all the more important districts in the colony. (Applause.) Our funds have been sufficient hitherto to meet all necessary expenses, and we bring forward a small balance to the new year. Reliance is placed upon the voluntary subscriptions of our members, who we hope will contribute as liberally as they can to maintain the Association in a state of efficiency. We cannot work with an honorary staff alone; and the maintenance of an office is necessary ; so our expenses are heavy, though not excessive. But in our secretary we are fortunate in having a man who throws into his work the quality of enthusiasm—a quality not to be appraised in pounds, shillings, and pence—which makes him take a pleasure in the sometimes excessively hard work thab falls upon him and which enables him to secure able and willing helpers in times of stress. The Council feels that we are indebted to Mr. Hastie and to his family for the very Burnish and effective way in which they

have identified themselves with the work of J the Association. (Applauso.) You will expect some explanation of the principles upon which the Council lias moved in its opposition to Goveantnenfc measures during the past year. We hold that true progress depends mainly upon individual enterprise, and that it is the duty of Government to encourage each legitimate effort of enterprise, and to safeguard tho earnings and rewards of every member in the community. Government appears to be aiming at the suppression of individuality, and the development of the socialistic idea, checking individual aspirations, and levelling down to the deadness of communism. Herein is a fundamental difference. As you well know, the Council has never believed in the Government's professions of "self-reliance" and "non borrowing." (Applause.) Repeatedly it has called attention to the liollowness of these professions, and show that, in spite of the emphatic disclaimers of the Premier, the Colonial Treasurer, and their allies, the practice of borrowing has been steadily continued, so that in the last Financial Statement it is admitted that the net public debt, which ill 1891 was £37,804,481, had increased in 1894 to £39.685,491. The Council is convinced, too, of the unwisdom and danger of a great deal of the legislation to which tho present Government is committed, and of the unsound principles of their general administration. When the present Government came into power they did not scruple to charge their predecessors with having caused the depression which then prevailed. They would nob admit that economic reasons, outside the influence of legislation, had caused the untoward conditions from which we then suffered. We should be equally in fault if W9 I blamed the Government for the pre--1 sent low prices of produce, and the 1 i losses which have fallen upon the j commercial and investing portion of ( the community; hut we have the right to charge to tho account of the present Government, the 100 my outlook L now b«fore ua. (Applause.) The unwise

tirades which have been levelled at capitalists, especially ah those who have invested in the purchase and stocking of land, have undoubtedly discouraged further investments. The Acts realating to land tenure, and the avowed policy of the Government as to the compulsory resumption of private estates, have certainly repelled new investors from settling in New Zealand. The rcckless plans for plunging the colony deeper into debt have . paralysed enterprise, and shaken the confidence of all whose interests are bound up in the future prosperity of the country. What is the outlook for us who remain, and intend to remain in New Zealand? It is inevitable that the burden of taxation will be increased. The colonial debt is already £1,881,010 more than it was in 1891. The further direct liabilities proposed in the Bills now before Parliament amount to £1,750,000, besides the normal annual increases of debt which the present Government incurs, side by side with its annual surpluses in the one account called "ordinary revenue account." There are also the two contingent liabilities which arise from the colony having guaranteed £2,000,000 of. batik stock, and being pre- , pared ,to borrow £1,500, per annum to I re-lend to settlers. ' This borrowing policy must lead to increased taxation, both for the payment of interest on the increased public debt, and for the payment of the army of additional employees who will be required in the administration. _ The general policy of our Government is, in the judgment 'of your Council, the exact opposite of what the true interests of the country demand. We ought to abstain from borrowing, and to reduce taxation, lightening the burdens upon settlers, and aiming at making our country a desirable ; one to live in. We ought to reduce to a minimum, and abolish where possible all restrictions upon the free development of commercial, and agricultural _ industry. ' Wo- ought to reduce the friction between capital and labour, and the disabilities under which investors are placed. We ought to reduce the amount of State interference with individual freedom, to the minimum which is consistent with the general welfare. We ought to encourage the investment of capital in the colony by securing confidence in our good faith and in our capacity for governing the country. Instead of this policy, what is the direction in which our present Parliament is legislating? 1. By following a policy which must lead to increased taxation it is preparing for the country general impoverishment and the destruction of its attractions as a placo of residence. 2. By the harassing laws constantly being proposed for regulating industry, it is checking enterprise and discouraging the employment of labour. 3. By legislating unnecessarily for the supposed advantage and protection of labour it is increasing the friction between employers and employees. 4. By increasing interference with private enterprise, and the absorption of capital by the State, it is drying-up the funds which would otherwise be expended in enterprise and the employment of labour. Turning from the legislative to the executive functions of our Government, we have a right to expect that the administration shall be carried on impartially, for the good of the people as a whole ; that having due regard to econony, the efficiency of the public services should be secured by employing the best men and women available for filling the offices required, quite irrespective of political "colour." (Applause.) But what is the case ? Read the pages of Hansard and note the frequent intrusion into debates of claims by members of Parliament to exercise rights of patronage in the public departments ! In one place you will find a discussion as to whether a certain member had been allowed to nominate a fair proportion of the employees in the Telephone Department, and the Post-master-General offering to confer with the complaining (or inquiring) member as to tho filling of future vacancies. Then there are pages occupied in recording the complaints of members as to the distribution of patronage among the newspapers of the colony—showing that the point of effective publication of the Government advertisements was subordinated to party purposes. Again, notice the anxiety of the Government to resume full control and patronage in the groat Railway Department. If this policy is pursued for a few years longer there will be but two parties in this colony— those dependent upon Government for employment and advancement, and the outsiders, while there will be no capital in the country except that under Government control. (Applause.) Under these circumstances, what is our duty ? We have to continue steadily protesting against the social and economic blunders of the Government, trusting that reason will influence the electors of tho colony, before the stern Nemesis of actual ruin overtakes them. And we have to organise earnestly and hopefully with the set purpose of bringing to an end the system of Government which, based upon lavish expenditure and misrepresentation, is fast destroying the enterprise and selfreliance of the people. Our aim should bo the reform of abuses, economic administration, abstention from further borrowing, and all public employment being earned by merit, nob by favour. (Applause.) I think you will agree that the Council has, during the past year, endeavoured honestly, and with some success, to promote the common weal in these respects. And I now have the pleasure of moving the adoption of the Council's report. (Applause.) Mr. Ramsay seconded. Captain Makgill supported the motion. He said he and those like him viewed with dismay the present state of things politically. They could not take their capital out of the county ; they had invested it in the land. Class was set against class. Whatever legislation was for good and the public weal must be based on goodwill between man and man. An attempt was now being made deliberately to break up this goodwill. The motion was carried unanimously. ELECTION OF COUNCIL. Mr. Eugster moved that Messrs. Batger, Colbeck, Farrell, Massey, and Phillipps be re-elected to the Council. Dr. Giles seconded. From what they had heard in the report, he said, of the progress made by the Association, through the instrumentality of its Council, it must be a matter of congratulation to all the five gentlemen who had belonged to that body, that they were not afraid to resume office. Nothing could be more encouraging than what they had heard of the probability, almost certainty, of the operations of the Association being very largely extended all over the colony, because, whatever might be thought of the particular points advocated by the Association, there could be very little doubt that the general discussion nf t-iirtuo r>rinpinlf>s of legislation which the

Association made ib its business to discuss, I and to enlighten the public upon, must be of very great use, whatever conclusions might be arrived at. He thought the general principles of the Association would make their way in the public mind if they were quietly and industriously propagated. What they had heard encouraged them to hope there was a still larger sphere of usefulness before the Association, and that for many years to come it would not cease to be useful in criticising the action of any Government, in carefully watching all its actions, and in looking after every kind of evil and mischievous legislation which might be brought before the Colonial Parliament. (Applause.) The proposition was carried unanimously. The President, in reply, said : I have to thank you very heartily for the vote you have just passed. As you know, five members of the Council retire every year, and it is by the mere chance of the ballot that I happen to be in the last section of the original fifteen members. I have reason to be proud of the honour which you, through your Council, have conferred upon me in having elected me president for the past three years, and I have done my best to serve the Association in that office. This seems a fitting time to say that there could nob have been greater harmony and singleness of aim than has prevailed in the Council. There are still nine of the original members lefb, the _ other _ six having been elected at various times as vacancies occurred, but both of the older and the newer members I can honestly say that the Council has had no object throughout but the good of the country. We have no private ends to serve, no patronage to bestow, no personal vindictiveness to gratify. We have striven to keep free from all entangling alliances, and to be courteous and moderate in our opposition to the Government of the day. I have no doubt you will find us as earnest in serving you and our country in the future as we have been in the past. (Applause.)

The other- re-elected members of the Council also returned thanks, the President speaking for Mr. Massey. THANKS. Mr. Hartnoll moved and Mr. Squirrell seconded, and it was unanimously agreed to, " That this meeting of members wishes to record its hearty appreciation of the labours of the Council during the past year, and of their self-denying efforts to promote the welfare of the Association. ADVANCES TO SETTLERS.

Mr. Kirkbride moved "That as the electors at the last general election declared against increasing the liabilities of the colony, and inasmuch as the borrowing proposals of the Government will greatly augment the public debt, and will eventually result in grave disaster, this meeting is of opinion that a respectful petition should be presented to the Legislative Council, urging it to reject the proposed measures, until they have been submitted to the people for consideration." A meeting of farmers, said Mr. Kirkbride, had been held the previous evening at Maugere. He believed nine out of ten farmers, if not a greater proportion, were entirely against the proposals of the Government, and particularly so against the Advances to Settlers Bill, because they looked upon it as a sop—a mere class bribe. They also objected to the proposal because it would be sure to lead to a very great deal of corruption. (Applause. ) Major Harris, in a recent speech in the House, said that at thegeneral election he had promised to vote against borrowing, that he considered the present proposals borrowing; yet he intended to give them his hearty support. (Laughter.) Mr. Kirkbride then went on to read a letter which, at : the meeting he had referred to, it had been resolved to send to the Hon. Mr. \ Swanson, asking him to oppose the " Ad- '■ vances to Settlers Bill." The new department to be created would mean additions to officialism, and the people who would benefit would be those of the " right colour" or of the "wobbly" kind. Farmers considered the margin allowed for advances was not sufficient. He (the speaker) knew a gentleman who a few years ago bought a small farm in the Waikato for £900. Only last week he had had to sell it for £300. Where then was the margin for risk ? It would be very unwise to advance more than half the value of the laud. At the present time plenty of money could be pot on undeniable security at 5J per cent. Mr. D. B. McDonald seconded the motion. . . . , Mr. Phillips, in supporting it, said the legislation that had be'en going on for some years wan decidedly class legislation, and this had rendered necessary the Advances to Settlers Bill. Provision had up to the present been made for toe town classes ; now this came as a " sop" to the farmers. It was almost impossible for a Government to set hard and fast rules upon which they were going to advance money. The proposition was carried unanimously. PROPORTIONAL representation. Dr. Giles suggested that the Council should at its earliest convenience take into consideration the question of the proportional representation of the people in Parliament. Representation that was not proportional was not representation at all. He moved, " That the Council take the matter in hand." Mr. E. Bell seconded, and Mr. Bloomfield supported the proposition. \ This was unanimossly agreed to. MONTHLY MEETING.

Mr. E stick suggested that the meetings should be held more frequently than once a quarter. He moved the desirability of this.

Mr. James seconded. The proposition was unanimously agreed to. 1 A vote of thanks to th© President concluded the proceedings. DELEGATE MEETING.

The quarterly meeting of the Council, with delegates and district members, was held in the afternoon, when a large and widely representative number were present. The delegates and district members who attended were : —Drs. Kilgour and Giles, Captain Makgill, Messrs. Newland, Vailo, Roche, White, Barriball, and Woodward. Apologies were made for the absence of a number because of the inclement weather. The usual quarterly report was submitted, and heartily endorsed. It was resolved, also, that a small committee draw up a resolution and a form of petition anent the borrowing proposals of the Government, and have it ready for submission at the evening meeting. A. vote of thanks accorded to the chairman closed a very successful meeting. PETITION. The following is the text of the petition, which was unanimously adopted at the evening meeting : — To the Honourable the Legislative Council of New Zealand, in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned residents in the provincial district of Auckland, sheweth :—Thai certain measures have been introduced into Parliament by His Excellency's Ministers, which, in the opinion of your petitioners, will have the effect of largely increasing the public debt, and adding greatly to the burdens of the people of the colony. That these measures, which include the Government Advances to Settlers Bill and the New Zealand Consols Bill, are likely to come before your honourable House, to be passed into law. That the constituencies of the colony at the last general election were led distinctly to believe that the Government had no intention of adding to the public liabilities by borrowing money, and their support to the Government was given on that understanding. That your petitioners believe that the measures abovenamed are alike opposed to the best interests of the country, and to the wishes of the people. Your petitioners, therefore, pray your honourable House to refuse to pass the said measures into law until the electors of the colony have had an opportunity of pronouncing an opinion upon them. And your petitioners will ever pray, etc.

MANGERE BRANCH.

A meeting of farmers was held at Mangere in the Public Hall on Wednesday evening to protest against the borrowing proposals of the Government, particularly the Advances to Settlers Bill. Mr. M. M. Kirkbride was voted to the chair. The night being very dark and wet militated against a large attendance, yet some 18 or 20 farmers were present, and several sent apologies and sympathy with the object of the meeting. The Chairman said the farmers in the district, so far as ho knew, were entirely opposed to the borrowing proposals of the Government. The voice of the country at the last two general elections _ had declared against borrowing, and on this ground alone the Legislative Council would be justified in throwing out such _ Bills as the Advances to Settlers Bill. So far as he could see the debt of the colony which had increased at the rate of half a million a year for the last three years, was to be increased at an alarming rate, quite as fast as in the hey-day of the Vogel borrowing policy. It would be much preferable to see money borrowed for a specific work, such as the Auckland-Taranaki railway, as there would then be something to show for it, but under such a proposal as the " Advances to Settlers' Bill, the money would be frittered away. This was intended as a sop to the farmer, a class bribe if they liked, and it would lead to endless corruption. It was deplorable to notice how members who had pledged themselves to abstain from borrowing supported the Government in these proposals, Mr. Kirkbride read extracts from Hansard, notably one from their representative, Major Harris, where he said, "At the same time I may tell you I promised to vote against borrowing. I say this is borrowing in a measure," and yet he goes on to say, *' I have no hesitation in going with the Government in these proposals," vide Hansard, fto. 16, page 506-7. Mr. Kirkbride produced a copy of the Advances to Settlers Bill, and showed that a number of highly-paid officials would be created t in fact, if all the bills introduced by the Government were to become law, there would be a huge increase of officials, who all had to be supported by the producers. ' Mr. J. Massey, who supported all that had been said, moved, "That this meeting of farmers protests in the strongest terms possible against the Government Advances to Settlers Bill, as calculated to greatly increase the already too large number of public officials, to lead to a great loss of public money (one-third of the assessed value being insufficient cover) to injure the credit of the colony, and to prove a fertile source of corruption." Mr. J. Wallace seconded, this, and it was unanimously agreed to. f. • Mr. Wallace moved, and Mr. John Scott seconded, "That the Chairman be instructed to forward the resolution to the Hon. W. Swanson, of the Legislative Council." —LOw Correspondent.]