THE COMING ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10264, 16 October 1896, Page 5

THE COMING ELECTIONS.

PUBLIC MEETING AT THE 1 PON SON BY 1 HALL. ' In view of the approaching political campaign a public meeting of electors was held in the Ponaonby Hall last evening; when there was a good attendance, Mr. T. T. Masefleld, on, the vote of those present, taking the chair. Addresses on current public questions were delivered by Mr. Edmund Bell and Dr. Wallis, the remarks of both speakers being followed with the keenest interest. Mr, Edmund Bell, in introducing himself, pointed out) that the Association which be represented (National Association) was not, I*9 many thought, a party body, but one that endeavoured to safeguard the interests of the public generally, and that was always prepared to give praiso whore praise was due, In fact they had congratulated the present Government on more than one of the measures they had put forward, but uufortunately all too hastily, as time had proved. They had congratulated them on 'heir not) borrowing' policy when they cams into power, but all too prematurely, as the doings ot the last five years had shown, for during that time over 000,000 had been borrowed. In connection with the coming elections ho would urge the electors to insist upon sound administration, and sound economical instincts, and pointed out that it was not legislation, but the enlightenment of public opinion that was responsible for the great reforms of the present day ; not so much State Socialism as a free community inspired with noble principles, and able to take oaro of thomsolves. As an example of the faulty legislation of the present Government, lie instanced the Masters and Apprentices Hill, which, had it gone through, would have proved ruinous to the country, inasmuch us that the rising male generation would be precluded from obtaining employment, and prove a burden to those who had brought them into the world. Another injurious measure was the Orchard and Garden tests Bill which would, according to those interested in the industry of fruitgrowing, have simply annihilated that industry, Surely this was not the outcome of the demands of tho democracy, but rather the act of a tyrnuical policy, Then there was the Shipping and Seamen's Bill and the Alining Act, with its 365 clauses, which would have the effect of preventing the progress of the mining industry. The attack upon freehold tenure was surely ruinous, m it tended to drive away those people with money who were coming here. The Lands for Settlement Bill had been looked upon favourably in some quarters, but the ratepayers have to pay for tile estates and the bonds are sent to London. There was never a bigger humbug than the action of tho Government in advancing money to settlers, which meant that interest Ht Ilia r»to of 5 per cent, on the money borrowed for the purposo would have to be paid to the London bondholders by the ratepayers for 30 years, in face of the fact that the rate of interest was shown to bo 011 the decrease. This policy was also contradictory to the high-sounding Family Homes' Protection Bill, which'also emanated from the present Government, and was promoted to prevont the mortgaging of homestead*. In fact, the doings of the present Government showed inconsistency in ovory step, and nothing more could be expected from them. After commenting on the borrowing tactics, and tho nionev spent on lands for settlement, the speaker, in conclusion, urged those present to see that they senb men of principle to Wellington, and not men who promised much and did nothing. Dr. Wallis, .the course of his remarks, said that after "0 years' experience of New Zealand Governments, bad, good, and in different, he had come to the conclusion that tho present was the very worst Government that he had ever known. Ho advocated justice to both capital and labour, as the ono could got along with the other, and they must work togothor in harmony, but the present Government were against capital, and feught only for labour. Thero seemed to be no end to their blundering. They sug gested introducing State fire insurance, and lent money all to make money for thomsolves. This was interfering with the rights of individuals, and clearly not tho duty of the State. The ratepayers had to suffer for all this blundering by paying additional taxation. No country was taxed as heavily as Now Zealand at the present day. At tho conclusion a fow remarks were made by Mr. Campbell, and a vote of thanks tendered to tho speakers on the motion of Mr. Eugster, secondod by Mr. Becroft. A voto of thanks to the chair closed the proceedings. Our Wayby correspondent writes:—Mr. Jackman addressed the electors of Waiteinata, in the schoolhouse, Wayby, on Octohor 3. The chairman, Mr. A. Worker, introduced Mr. Jackman, who then spoke for an hour. A number of questions were asked, which he aswerod satisfactorily Ho receivod a vote of thanks aud confidence. Our Kaipara Flats correspondent writes: On tho sth inst.. Mr. Jackman, the independent candidate for our suffrages in this electorate, delivered a very able address in our public schoolroom. There was a large attendance, and Mr. Sainsbury occupied the chair. After discoursing 011 topics of general interest at present before the public, he very lucidly explained his viows on matters pertaining more especially to this electorate, viz., fruit-farming, kauri gum, roads and railways, etc. At) the close of Ilia address a number of questions were asked, and the answers enunciated were decidedly satisfactory. A hearty vote of thanks was then accorded to Mr. Jackman, and the usual compliments to the chairman ! closed the proceedings. Our Mahurangi correspondent writes:— On tho 9th Mr, Jackman, 0110 of tho candidates who wish to be the representative of the U'aitemata electorate in the next Parliament, addressed the electors in the Masonic Hall, Wark worth. Mr. T. C. SainsWlry was voted to the chair, and briefly introduced Mr, Jackman, who announced himself as a Liberal, an Independent Liberal, but would give the present Government a general support, but would also reserve to himself the right to voto on any question according to his own conscience. He did nob think that the present Government was quite as black as frequently painted by the Opposition. With regard to tho holptho Government had given to the Bank of New Zealand, lie considered that no Government could have refused the assistance rendered under tho circumstances. He was opposed to borrowing, unless for a specific purposo of known utility. He did noli think that party government was the best that could be dovised, and if done away with government would be cheaper, and ought to be better. He was in favour of the Government taking over tho Main North Road ; and, if necessary, borrow sufficient to metal ib from end to end, and, if dotio properly, a saving of £.100 per annum might be effected in tho carriage of mails between Auckland and Matakohe. The Local Government) Bill lately circulated was unworkable. He would be 110 party to make alteration in the present) Education Act. Ho was an advocate for settlement of the land; and he considered that fruit-culture had been much neglocted in tho past, Government having, done nothing to encourage the industry. The climate was suitable for tho culture of all kinds of fruit. He would advocate technical instruction should be given to our young men how to grow and how to utilise fruit when grown. Several small vineyards had been planted in his own district, and promised euccoss, With regard to prohibition the question was now in the ban-is of the people, and any further measure to prevent drunkonness would have his support. The Civil Service needed attention, and probably a considerable saving might be effected. No district in the colony has been so neglected as tho north of Auckland ; and, if returned, would endeavour to do his duty and obtain justico for all parts of the constituency. A very large number of questions wero asked, and answered satisfactorily. Votes of thanks to Mr. Jackman and tho chairman were carried by acclamation. Our Mullet Point correspondent writes: —Mr. Jackman addressed the electors of this district in tho 'schoolroom, Mullet Point, on the '10th insb. Mr. A. D. Grant was votod to the chair. Mr. Jackman said lie was a Liberal, but would use his own discretion in voting with the present Government, unless it was a voto of noconfidence; then his vote would be recorded

for them. ; Personally, he was against borrowing. The Financial Statement ho thought was correct, as tho Opposition had admitted ib, and tho condition of the country was never in such a prosperous state. The appropriation of local money he could not understand, and should he be returned it would be his duty to see that it was fairly distributed. He was not in favour of party government. He would bo In favour of an elective government. He would be against touching the Education Act, as ib was to his satisfaction. He would not be in favour of increasing the Civil Service list. He spoke for some time on the fruit industry of the ftortli, and closed his address with the gum industry. Ho was deeply interested in it, and the rich rewards from the gum were those of the London and New York merchants. To remedy this the Government should build large bonded stores, where the gumdiggera could take their gum and receive a fair price for it. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Jackman. Our Matakana correspondent writes Mr. W. H. Jackman addressed tho electors of Wuitomafca in the Public Hall, Matakana, on the 12th instant. There was a largo attendance, particularly of ladies, and Mr, A. Campbell, J.F., was voted to the chair. Mr. Jackman reviewed tho political situation, and also propounded a scheme for dealing with kauri gum which would benefit tho gumdigger anc' provide a groat source of revenue for the Northern local bodies. He was an Independent Liberal, and Would give a general support to the Government, but would not pledge himself to any party. At the conclusion Mr. Jackman received loud applause, and the following questions were answered :— He was favour of the Mining Bill. Ho believed that local bodies with extended powers would administrate cheaper. Ho was In favour of rating unimproved land, but to bo optional. Ho was in favour of co-operative labour for tho indigent only, nob to compote with ordinary labour. He was in favour of the principle of old age pensions, but had not seen a scheme he would approve of yet. He did not favour State farms. He believed in the Upper House being elected by the local bodies, as the Education Boards aro elected by the school committees. Regarding prohibition, be was in favour of a three-fifths majority. Mr. Jackman asked tbo meeting not to propose a vote of confidence, as it was misleading to candidates and electors. The poll was the proper place. Mr. I. G. Carrie proposed a voto of thanks, which was seconded by Mr, G. Cruicksliank, J,P., and passed by acclamation.