MR, J. RICHMOND AT NELSON.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 6281, 30 May 1881, Page 3

MR, J. RICHMOND AT NELSON.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Nelson, May 28.

Mr. J. C. Richmond addressed a full meeting of electors of the city last night. Having alluded to his former career prior to his absence from the colony, he said those who had known him would not find him substantially changed. Although he had ranked as an antiProvincialist, he did not view the abolition of Provincialism without regret. The vivid interest taken in local affairs was gone, and Provincial Councils had been a sort of official audit of colonial finances. He critic sed their original constitution, blaming Sir George Grey for the endowment of the provinces with the Land Fund, which, he said, was a rich patrimony of the colony, which would have afforded a splendid opportunity of constructing railways without burdening the colony ■with debt. He looked upon the land tax and the abolition of the law of primogeniture as safeguards against the acquisition of blocks ot land in one hand. He spoke in favor of volunteers receiving capitation, stating he was exacting as to the requirements of that force. He thought the colony ought to have power to restrict Chinese imm'gration, but referred to existing treaty obligations. He blamed the Grey Government for continuing expenditure when the credit of the colony was at stake, and a financial catastrophe averted only by an active use of the cable, when Sir Julius Vogel did admirable service. He appeared favorable to the property tax, and, having declared himself a Socialist, referred to the programme of the Chartists, and said their doctrines in essential parts had been carried out here. He said all classes must work together for good, and expressed the opinion that if the railways _ were prop rly farmed they would pay the interest on their cost and ou the money squandered on other works. He advocated a scheme of general assurance, to provide against poverty, so that the poor and infirm should not seek relief as be<"»ara. In reply to questions, he said a Bill was preparing to amend the Constitution of the Upper House. He spoke in favor of the Nelson compromise on education, and said he would support a reduction of the Customs duties. On the licensing question he gave no definite reply. A vote of thanks and confidence was accorded to the candidate.