THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1260, 23 April 1896, Page 39

THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS.

The Minister of Public Works addressed his constituents at the Theatre Royal, Timaru, cn Monday evening. It was a veiy wet night, and this kept down the attendance. The Mayor presided. Mr Hall-Jones, in his speech, chiefly defended the Government against the charges by Captain Russell at Auckland on various points—finance, tariff, and land and liquor questions. He defended the Treasurer regarding the London Chamber of Commerce speech, attributing all disputes to the misleading effects of the condensation of the speech. Views on the licensing fiuostion had not yet cropped up between him and his colleagues. Kor himself, he preferred that the bare majority should rule, while admitting that the three-fifths vote would ensure permanence of decision. Though lie had opposed the banking legislation, it must he admitted that the colonial interests at stake were immensely important, and time alone would supply the true verdict on the action which had been taken. The forecast of the measures for next session resembled that already given by the Premier, and there was no reference to any measures dealing with public works. Mr Hall-Jones stated that there were numerous applications for works, but no money to do anything. A vote of thanks for the address and confidence in him as a member, and in the Government of which ho is a member, was carried by a good show of hands.