A POLITICAL PROGRAMME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10116, 27 April 1896, Page 5

A POLITICAL PROGRAMME.

[BT TBLEORAPH.-OWK CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Saturday, Thr following programme hat been put forth by Mr. G. F. ttichardson, ex-member of Mataura, and ex-Minister of Lands. Considering Mr. 0. F, Richardson's politics, and his prominence as an administrator, many persons believe this manifesto to have the authority of the Council of the National Association :—Civil service purification by Commission, and not by Parliament. Further loans to be by ieeue of terminable debentures only; thus, money beint; obtainable say at) three percent), pay four pet cenb. half-yearly to debenture-holders, and 1 per cont.ainkingfuiicl, so that (nsby computation) the loans would be self-redeeming in from 30 to 50 years. Glasgow aiid Birmingham have set us the example. Conversions of present general loans to bo made only by statutory provision, with absolute seouriby as to sinking funds. Conversions of looal bodies' loans by the General Government on a 3 per cent, basis, and consequent reduction of interest). Prompt quarterly publication of all public accounts (public accounts, 1894.95, published 11th Feb., 1896, and Advances to Settlers Acb not yet disclosed). Advances to Settlors Act to have fair trial if absolutely freed from Ministerial interference, Prohibition i This is now up to, if not in advance of, popular feeling (vide Cluthn). Tbe effects of the present law must be tented before alteration of legislation should be demanded. Local roads: Duplicate and triplicate servioee now exist, causing great waste in salaries. Decentralisation of such works would conduce to economy. Defence: More assistance and enoouragemenb to volunteers, including good weapons and ammunition. Mining laws revision: Too little now by statute, too much by regulation. Waste Crown settlement lands to be utilised by access and easy terms before further compulsory taking of private escabes. Kβ' vision of the tariff in the direction of f roe trade, ftative land laws revision; individualise the title, then grant equal rights of dealing with those possessed by Europeans. Bank legislation, assistance, and amalgamation: Enquiry needed into the moving causes and the probable future effect on the colony (at present discount rates in New Zealand are 5 per cent, for large businesses, yob with our money the Bank of New Zealand discount rates in Auetralia are to-day 3J per cent.). Council appointments to be limited to men who have honourably eerved an apprenticeship in publio affairs. Ib is not necessary to poinb out thab a Parliamentary Opposition are nob called upon to formulated policy; their function is criticism, nob exposition.