POLITICAL ADDRESSES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12860, 8 May 1905, Page 6

POLITICAL ADDRESSES.

MR. HOUSTON AT TOWAL

A HOSTILE RESOLUTION.

Our Towai correspondent writes: —Mr. R. Houston (member for Bay of Islands) gavo an address in the Towai Hall on May 1. Mr. Houston, who was received with applause, touched on the principal political topics of the day, and gave, his reasons for supporting the Government, and also fur supporting the appointment of the- Land Commission. He advised the settlers of the district to appoint (from amongst themselves) delegates to give evidence before the Commission. His views ou the land question were well received, especially his remarks on the homestead system with a "non-residential clause." Speaking on railway extension (which is a sore point, with the people of these districts) he admitted that the Government had not treated him fairly, but a great deal of the bkime belonged to the people of Whangarei and their late member for getting Sir Joseph Ward (Minister for Hallways) pledged to the Grahamtown extension, the amount of money expended on which would have been more than ample to construct the line to Towai. A number of questions were asked and answered, and the following resolution, proposed by the chairman and seconded by the president of the Hukerenui Agricultural Association, was carried unanimously: —"That this meeting of electors, having heard Mr. Houston's account of Ins stewardship, accord him a hearty vote of thanks for his address, but feel sorry he had not sufficient influence with the Government to get an extension of railway front Hukerenui in accordance with the prayer of a monster petition forwarded to the Government some time ago from this and surrounding districts." It was pointed out that this extension would benefit all and take the. traffic off a bad portion of the Great North Road, whereas extending the line from Kawakawa would benefit no one until the gap was filled up. The usual vote to the chair brought a most orderly meeting to a close.

MR. MANDER AT KAIPARA FLATS. Our Kaipara Flats correspondent writes: —Mr. F. Mander, M.H.K. lor the Mavsden electorate, gave a, political address in the Ranfurly Hall on May 2, Mr. J. 8. Williams in the chair. The attendance was not large, but this was in a measure owing to the dark night, and also to the fact that this is one of the outposts of tho Marsden electorate, as at this point the Marsden, Waitemata, and Kaipara electorates join, the latter preponderating as regards tht' number on the roll. Mr. Mander strongly condemned the policy of the Government, which he considered inimical to the best interests of the country. Mr. Seddon, lie said, posed as a democrat, but was in reality an autocrat. The North hud suffered neglect at his hands, and all development was retarded in favour of the Southern electorates. The north of Auckland would compare most favourably with Westland as regards the quality of tie land. yet littl-,'. had been done t develop the resources of tho North. Co-operative labour was a system of extravagance, and the construction of the railway und<r this system was costing the Government £2000 per mile more than it would under usual conditions. Ho condemned the Lund Commission, now sitting, as altogether unnecessary. The question could have been settled definitely during last session, and tho great expenditure would thus have been avoided, lie emphasised the necessity of the Farmers' Union. A strong union would strengthen the hands of the legislator.--, and every farmer should bo a member and thus add his quota to the weight of influence •brought to bear on all questions affecting the land and the- country. It was within the power of the farmers to compel reform, and to this end all small difference- should be- put aside. The farmers could form an organisation of greater influence and magnitude than (he labour unions. Mr. Mander spoke of Mr. Massey as a worthy chief of the Opposition party, lie stated (hat his present visit had been called for by the recent visit of die Premier through the North: but he hoped to show the people the fallacies of much that the Premier had stated. Mr. Mander also said that he intended to again be ft candidate for the Marsden seat, and would, if possible, revisit this district prior to the general election.

Replying to a question from Mr. Hood on taxation. Mr. Mander said that he did not think it- possible, to abolish all taxation for roads, but tlio Government should bear a fair proportion of the cost of making and maintaining the public roads. Mr. Williams said that tin; ballot box system was not, in his, estimation, inviolate. Mr. Mander said that he was aware that some improvement could be made. The paper:, were transparent if held to a strong light. Thicker paper should be substituted, but it was necessary to retain the papers used in rase of a recount being demanded.

Mr. ]•',. G. Clements moved a vote of thanks and confidence, which was supported by the chairman and carried. The- usual compliment to the chair was carried by acclamation.