ELECTION ADDRESSES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 7214, 9 July 1884, Page 2

ELECTION ADDRESSES.

MU Wi HUTCHISON AT SOUTH WELLINGTON, Mr Hutchison, the late member for South Wellington in the House of llepresentativos, and a candidate for re-election, addressed the electors of the district at the Lyceum Hall, Tory-street, on Monday evening, when a very large audience assembled to bear the views of the candidate, who was exceedingly well received. The hall was quite full. The chair was taken by Captain Moore, who introduced the candidate. Mr Hutchison, who was loudly applauded on rising, said that he came before them earlier than he had expected, on account of a dissolution of Parliament, which he considered was premature. This dissolution should not have taken place until a number of local and private Bills had been brought before the House. These Bills would have had the effect of starting many works of a public character, which might have employed a large number of working men. But 44 Parliament could do no wrong,” and hence he had again to solicit a continuance of the support which he had, he submitted, not forfeited owing to any action of his own in the past. He had in the past only had one aim, and that was to advance the interests of the electorate, the city, and the colony at large. Ho had recorded his vote, which virtually put an end to the reign of the present Government. He had always been opposed to the financial methods and the extravagant expenditure of the present Govern* ment. It was only now when Major Atkinson came to bid for new confidence that the Premier thought it necessary to reduce the Civil Service, and now oven he sought to increase the salaries of the Supremo Court Judges, The deficit in the revenue, according to the Treasurer, amounted to L1G5,161, and he (Mr Hutchison) considered that no redaction in this deficit would be found to have taken place at the end of the financial year ending March, 1885, and he thought he was justified in saying that at the end of the next financial year the deficit would amount to L 330,000, and to this would have to be added a further sum of L 40,000, being interest on the L 1,000,000 loan. Mr Hutchison here criticised the Premier’s proposed mode for reducing the deficit. The Financial Statement was, he stated, mere electioneering. The Premier had talked about reducing the Civil Service ever since his assumption to office, but he had never attempted to reduce the Service except in 1880, when a reduction of 10 per cent, was made on the salaries of Civil servants, many of which reductions were cruel in the extreme. That the Treasurer could have made many reductions no doubt was true, but that ho intended so to do he very much doubted, at any rate so far as big salaried servants were concerned. He (Mr Hutchison) believed that a reduction might be effected in the Civil Service. Then, again, the Treasurer had stated that ho intended effecting a saving in the charitable aid vote. But it was not intended that any actual saving would really be effected. A poor law, or Bome_ other local scheme, would have to be put in its place, call it by whatever name you might. This he would say—that whatever scheme was propounded, the present was the very worst method of relieving the poor and helpless that was ever originated, as was patent from the fact that the Colonial Secretary, whose official residence was in Wellington, was unable to conduct the affairs of the local hospital. The present mode of dealing with the public charitable institutions of the colony was a waste of public money, for he could state as a fact that the lowest tenderers of such institutions were not invariably accepted. It was not only the consolidated revenue which had suffered during the past financial year, but the public works revenue had likewise suffered. Mr Hutchison quoted statistics furnished by the Railway Department, in order to prove his assertions. The earnings of the State railways,he said,amounted to L2 10s per cent, on the capital, so that it would be seen that the interest was very little. Mr Hutchison then referred to the Treasurer’s statement that LIOO,OOO per annum for some years to come would be required for our open railways. The position was one which should make them all pause. It was not only distressing, hut it was also discreditable to a colony which could raise 25 bushels of wheat per acre, that the present depression in the colony should exist. Wellington, had not felt this depression so much as other parts of the colony where labor was unemployed. To remedy this state of affairs, the Premier had suggested that 4s Gd per day should be given to relieve the men who were suffering from want of work. The introduction of this dole would have the effect of introducing the thin end of the wedge of a Poor Law. This 4s Cd per day as by the Premier, was not a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. It had been said that many of the unemploj’ed down South were loafers—well, there were loafers, perhaps {Voice : “ I said so.”) —and there were loafers of a different sort. (Laught.r.) He felt very -strongly in this matter, as he believed there were many men who paused before they accepted low wages which would not keep them and their families, a: they did not wish to injure their fellows. He favored a change in the incidence of taxation and he thought that property should be made to bear its fair burden. The principal source of the present revenue was the Custom House and the poor man—the wages paid —paid just as much if not more than the rich man and the merchant. This was manifestly unfair, for although it had been said that the poor man could do without coffee, tea, and sugar, that he would stultify himself if he did not reiterate they could not, and he considered that these and like nece-saries of life should come into the country free. With regard to the property tax, he believed it was a deterrant to the establishment of local industries and a stumbling block to all national improvement; for this reason he was in favor of a laud tax, which was, in Ms opinion, a most equitable tax. The question of a land tax opened up a wide question, viz., that of land tenure, in which every man, woman, and child was interested. He was in favor of nationalising the land, and he had gone into the question most carefully. He had seen how the farming class of England and Scotland had been ground down and almost extirpated. He did not entirely agree with Mr George, but on the main points he did agree with that gentleman. He, however, did entirely agree with that most ancient of all law-givers—Moses—that “ the laud shall not be sold for ever.” He prophesied untold blessings for the people in an equitable redemption of the ; land. The people were not made for the laws, hut he rather believed that the laws were made for the people. As yet the question of land redemption was not worked out, and all they had to do was to keep the matter fully in view. The prosperity of the country depended upon placing a large population on the lands of the colony, and this could only be done by breaking up the large estates. The State had disposed of 14,000,000 acres, and half of tais was distributed amongst 2500 individuals. How were these estates to be broken up? Why, by taxing them. (Applause.) In fact, there were about 3000 individuals who owned nearly three*

quarters of the alienated lands of the colony, and pome cf this land had improved from live to twenty-fold on its original value. What he proposed was that the Stale should ask Ihe-a landowners cither to break up their e.-latea into small farms or else to submit t*» taxation. The proposition was not unreasonable at all, (Hear, hear.) But it had been said that the Government had still acres not yet taken up, but it should be remembered that of this 1M.U00.000, 10,000,000 of themwere either lakes, morasses, or mountain tups. There then remained 10,000,000 acres, but these were bush lands, and were not lit upon which to place a struggling veemanry. These bush lands, when cleared, would prove g.M.d fertile land, but it was for the rich to cut down those timbered lands, and the poor yeomanry should be put on land on railway linos and on open prairies. The fact was they had too few producers and too many consumers 1 , and this must be realised if they desired a great and smiling colony. In America they had no large farms ; they were all small farms there, and wherever farms were established, a market town grew up, and so it should be here. N 9 system of taxation could bo equitable or just unless it included also the taxation of the merchant trader or professional man. But it should be an income lax, and not a property tax. A well-devised and well-adjusted incidence of taxation, along with the settlement the people on the lands of the colony, would result in the welfare of the people both socially and.morally, and not till this was accomplidicd would a nation be established which should be noted throughout the universe for its prosperity, its morality, and its chivalry, la the present chaotic state of politics ho thought Jhe would be a foolish man who would pin his faith to any man, men, or parties. He was glad that Sir Julius Vogel..was likely to have a seat in the new Parliament, hut if lie (Mr Hutchison) had the honour to again represent the electorate in the next Parliament he would support that Ministry which went nearest to the policy he had spoken of that evening. He considered that any other Government than the present one would prove more friendly to the City of Wellington, and alluded at length to the want of a Thorndou recreation reserve, the state of the streets near Government Buildings, and the delay in building the Government Printing Office. Tim candidate. in conclusion, remarked that he had some years since drafted a Municipal 3**ire Insurance Bill, but he had, owing to opposition on the part of members of Parliament, been unable to introduce it. In answer to questions, the candidate said that, if elected, he would supi>ort a Bill for the better ventilation of factories. He was not propared at once to say if he could vutefortherepeal of compulsory vaccination. Ho would favour immigration if the immigrants were possessed of means, but he would not vote for the spending of a single halfpenny so long as a mini in the colony was out of employment, lie would be averse to altering the present system of education, though he thought the land reserves devoted to secondary education, rliould be devoted to the cost of primary education. Ho was in favour of further borrowing with 11 the brake hard on.” (Laughter). He was favourable to the State subsidising local steamers in preference to the San Francisco mail service. Mr Collier proposed a vote of thanks and confidence in the candidate. Mr C. Worth seconded the resolution, winch was declared by the chairman to be carried unanimously. The proceedings closed with the usual compliments to the chairman.

MR J. 11. SHAW AT THE ARCADF

Mr J. H. Shaw, a candidate for the representation of Te Aroin Parliament, addressed a large audience at the Arcade last evening. Mr Higginbotham was elected to the chair, but that gentleman being non est, Mr Flockton was voted to the office, Mr Shaw, who was well received, expressed his intention of speaking straight mi, although he might offend some. Two and a half years ago in that hall he had first addressed the electors of Te Aro. Ho had on that occasion abstained from oven mentioning the name of any other candidate. The present occasion was somewhat different, seeing that two of the candidates were tried public men, ami therefore ho claimed the privilege of criticising thei t actions in public life. Among the subjects that pressed themselves forward at the present time there were three that seemed to hold a prominent place. They were taxation and land (for the two were only aspects of one subject), education, and immigration. With regard to taxation, they constantly heard people discussing the merits of property tax against the land ami income taxes. Complete confusion existed in people’s minds about this. The real things which should be compared were the Land Tax Act, 1878, its provisions and its practical workings ; and the Property Assessment Act, 1870, Mr Shaw alluded at considerable length to the relations of these measures. If they found that the property-tax discouraged industry as he said it did, it all came to nothing. With regard to the property-tax ho was afraid that the large merchants were not so fond of the measure without some reason. He firmly believed that by attributing large bank balances the class were able to do very well by the tax, which pressed more on the middle class. A most objectionable thing was that either machinery or anything else had to pay Customs’ duties. It got into the warehouse, and round caino the property-tax valuator. Thus a second tax was paid. The goods went into the hands of the retailer, and some of it remaining in hand till the following year, were again charged upon. In a manufactory, too, goods were taxed,, -iPhe way the tax affected local industries, was suicidal to the .community to the last degree. One of its consequences was to drive capital out of the colony, and in support of this he quoted the speech of Sir Julius Vogel at Ashburton. It was all very well to rail at capita!, but anyone professing a knowledge of political economy knew that it was the life blood of a community. At the last election lie proposed to make a small charge upon the export of wool, which raised an outcry. He calculated that a farthing tax would ha*o brought in LG5.000 or L 70,000; and it could have been collected without any further expense by the Customs’ Department. In the land tax, established in 1878, there were two cardinal defects —one of them that over am! above the deductions for improvements allowed there ought to have been a small allowance for mortgage money. The land was the primary source of revenue. He read about trade associations failing through tlic bank putting on the screw% the bad state of trade, &c. All that was twaddle, for trade was only an exchange. The essential fact was that the exchange took place of commodity and commodity ; but in the present position of the colony there was no other medicine for them than that they should get more from the productive qualities of the soil. If they did not do that they could not get out of their difficulty, (Applause.) The money they owed was appalling, amounting, as it did, to over sixty-three millions, and there was no escape from the difficulty but that he indicated. He found that the financial debt of New Zealand was larger than that of any other colony, and was almost as large as that of the Dominion of Canada. Alluding to a land tax, Mr Shaw pointed out that even in Conservative England now they had a land tax, and it represented one of the main products of the State revenue. The land question itself was a large one—too large for him to go into fully. They heard a great deal of the nationalisation of the land am! perpetual leases. He believed very little in political nostrums or panaceas. There was a great deal of misapprehension in regard to these matters. As to perpetual leasing, that, he presumed, meant a man going mi to land with a perpetual tenure at a small rent. That system would be a good one, but he xvould charge the land and tax it. He had wondered why, with an AgentGeneral in London, they were not able to put their land in the English market. Sir Julius Vogel had attempted this very project, he found, and had carried it into actual effect, when the Atkinson Government put its foot on It. Mr Shaw then referred to education. Mr Johnston had been asked if he were in favour of the Education Act as it then and now existed. Mr Johnston «aid he would attempt to preserve the Act. A Denominational Education Bill came into the House during the session, and Mr Johnston was among those who supported it. He (Mr Shaw) believed the denominational system would work very well in large centres, but not in the country. This was a difficulty that had never been met. lie would therefore stand by the principle of the existing Act. There was no doubt though that the Act was expensive, and some attempt would have to be made to decrease the cost of it. The large reserves to do this would have to be colonialiaed. There would be a strong fight about it, no doubt, but the attempt would have to be made. Touching upon the local government policy of the colony, he thought the number of boards would have to be reduced, and a fusion made into larger and more powerful bodies. A vast attempt would be made shortly to obtain a more local system of government, and Wellington would have to make concessions. Referring to personal matters, Mr Johnston had said that he (Mr Shaw) had a grievance. He thought that was getting stale, and proceeded to explain the circumstances. He never imagined that anyone in the Ministry had anything to do with this matter but Sir Frederick Whitaker. What did that statement mean? Did it mean that he (Mr Shaw) intended to take advantage of his position ? As a matter of fact, he could not [*rtitK>n Parliament if he became a member ; and, oii referring to Hansard, he found that Mr Johnston had introduced the Bill into the House bearing upon the Pliminer-Heeves claim. He had also good authority for saying that Mr Johnston had signed the petition of Mr Beeves. After this x ,jr ficular Bill had been adopted by the Lower House, Sir Frederick Whitaker had a little clause inserted, to the effect that any law costs incurred should be borne by the corporation, and,despite the efforts of Messrs Levin and Hutchison, the Bill as amended, was made law. He next alluded to Mi E, Shaw’s speech, remarking that there was a change of wind,’ and clever pilots made an attempt to catch it. lie knew Mr Johnston’s politics, but he contended he did not Mr Shaw’s, An important subject was that in connection with the coming Parliament, and who were to be its leaders. He saw every indication that Sir Julius Vogel would enter the House with a very large majority, and with certain reservations he should, if he entered the House, look upon Sir Julius a-s a leader. (Hear, hear.) In conclusion, be referred to Majar Atkinson’s statement that the falling off in the land revenue was the cause of the deficiency when he came into office. Mr Shaw, having spoken for nearly two hour**, resumed hid seat amidst applause. In answer to questions, Mr Shaw said he was not in favor of abolishing payment to members of the llou*e, but he thought, considering the number «.f members that the honorarium

ivtiM too much. The honorarium to the Upper House, however, was a monstrous thing which rtliouM not he tolerated. In answer to a quoslion hh to which of tlm two routes of the mam trunk line of railway ho would favor, Mr Shaw Laid he had not any data, and could give no derided answer. Ifo might nay, while on this question, that they ought, in bare justice, to have that line completed. He thought that the payment to common jurors might well ho increased, and certain improvements bo made in that direction, Mr Goodwin proposed a vote of thank# to the candidate. Thin having been earned, the meeting terminated.

MU I/ARD AT I'AHAUTANUI.

Mr Izard, a candidate for tho representation of the Koxton electorate. addressed one of tho largest meetings ever held hero last night. Mr ‘David Ualloway occupied tho chair. Mr Izard was well received, and commenced his address by alluding to tho political situation. He wan of opinion that tho result of tho elections would bo that neither party would have a sufficient following to carry on tho business of the colony, ami a coalition Ministry would bo absolutely necessary to command tho confidence of the i louse. If elected, ho would go the House an independent member, anxious to do his best fur tho interests of tho colony ami his constituents. He would vote for measures, not men. In alluding to the indebtedness of the colony, Mr Izard said he was opposed to any further borrowing. In reference to tho deficiency, he would retrench rather than impose farther taxation. There was one department, he thought, should ho swept away, that of tho Native Office, but the natives re* qulred hand Courts to ascertain their titles. Deferring to tho Legislative Council, ho said ho was of opinion that tho honorarium to mern* hers should ho abolished, and he would vote for tho abolition of tho honorarium to members of the Legislative Council. He thought that one-half tho sum now paid to members of the House of Representatives amply sufficient. Ho said that tho system of education was a great deal too expensive. He would make education in some degree self supporting. He thought those who could afford to send their children to school after passing the fourth and fifth standards were in a position to pay for any higher education. He would advocate reduction in tho mail service. We were spending L 30,000 or J/10,000 a year on the San ’-Francisco mail service. We have now steamers that can do tho distance in 41 days and undor, and he would he in favour of subsidising the New Zealand Shipping Company instead of tho American lino. As he had said, ho was opposed to further borrowing, but to make the country prosperous wo must develop it; wo wanted roadsund other facilities of communication. By tho Komis and Bridges Act, L171,000a year was to bo taken from theland fund, and this was to be divided among the lload Boards. The system was a sound one, but it had been a failure, simply because there was not sufficient funds to meet requirements. The State should assist local bodies in the matter. They should be allowed to borrow, the State guaran* teeing repayment of the loan. There was another topic in tho public mind, the scheme of leasing public lands; this system enabled settlers with small capital to at once enter upon their land and apply their means to its improvement. It had been advocated that no more of the public estate should bo sold. Wo desired to attract men with capital at their backs, ami tho wish of these men was to have a homo ; and we should not attract this class of settlers If we adhered entirely to the leasing system. In reference to federation, ho said it would entail a great deal of expense, and it was a doubtful question whether tho benefits would bo commensurate with the expense. Ho would not pledge himself on the question, but would hold himself free to vote as his conscience should dictate. In, answer to questions Mr Izard saiil he preferred the property tax to a laud tax. On tho motion of Mr Urwin, seconded by Mr Jones, a vote of confidence in Mr Izard as a fit and proper person to represent tho district was carried. The meeting terminated with tho usual compliment to the chair. (UNITED PBKfla ASSOCIATION.) Carterton, July 8. Mr Bunny’s meeting last night was largely attended. He was well received, and at the end of his sprech Mr W. Booth moved a vote of thanks, and was speaking to the motion, when the meeting refused to hear him. SubHerpiently a motion was ptoposod that Mr Bunny was a lit and proper pers.n to represent tho district. Tho chairman put both as ono motion, declaring it carried by a large majority, Blenheim, July 8. Mr W. IT. Eyes addressed the electors at Tuarnarina last night as a candidate for the ificton seat, and received a vote of confidence. Ho favors a coalition, including Vogel, Atkinson, and Bryce. Dunedin, July 8. Mr Hodge, at South Dunedin, declared him* self a strong Oppositionist, Mr James Green received a vote of thanks only at Waikouaiti. WoOUViLLB, July 8. Mr W. C. Smith addressed a largo meeting of electors here last night, and met with an enthusiastic reception, A vote of confidence was passed unanimously. „ , „ Katkoura, July 8. Mr Lanco addressed a crowded meeting last night, lie traversed in tho main the sarao linos as at Amborloy. A vote of thanks was proposed, and was met with an amendment that a voto of confidence bo passed. Tho latter tailed to find a seconder, and the former being carried, the meeting broke up with throo cheers for Mr Gibson, the Liberal, OiiaisTonußon, July 8, Mr Wakefield addressed the electors of Selwyn last night, and said ho would assist in tho formation of a now moderate party with Sir J.lius Vogel as leader, and excluding Atkinson and Grey. A voto of thanks and confidence was carried by an overwhelming majority, an amendment of thanks only being no Mr'McMillan received a vote of confidence last night, at Sheffield, and special thanks for opposing tho Government lost session. Auckland, J uly 8. Mr O’Neill addressed tho electors bf Eden, mid avowed himself a follower of Major Atkinson. Tie received a vote of thanks, iNVEiioAiiair.r-, July 8. Mr Joyce, lato member for Ararna, addressed tho electors at Appleby to-night, and was unanimously declared a fit and proper person to represent tho constituency. Mr (Cowan spoke at Wakaia on Saturday night, and was well received.