MR W. W. JOHNSTON AT MANAWATU.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4023, 9 January 1875, Page 3

MR W. W. JOHNSTON AT MANAWATU.

[By Electric Telegraph.]

Mr W. W. Johnston, M.H.R. for Manawatu, addressed the electors on Thursday.

He reviewed the principal proposals made by the Government last session, and said that he disapproved of the Forests schema as not called for yet, and accepting what the Premier said of the Prussian State Forests, ours were not likely to be very remunerative. He thought it was a desirable thing for the Colony to resume possession of the lands. As for the project of making New Zealand a sort of dep6t for all the Polynesian Islands, and the headquarters of 'the Polynesian trade, he did not think it wise, to subsidi.se trading companies, unless we have the money to spare, nnd that was not the case at_ present. The conditions imposed were injurious, because New Zealand could not consume the products of these islands and did nut rrauufacture goods they wanted. Establishing manufactures in the Colony, he thought, was likely to lead a heavy loss He did not approve of running steamers up and down our coasts to the loss of existing steam companies, and especially disliked the condition that the managing directors were to be appointed by the Government. He referred to the Gcveniment.Arnuities Act of 1872, to show that the Premier had more than once in his mind the idea of "running" the country as a trading body. Earnestly he lmpsd Mr Vogel would return to the Colony without bringing with him a fresh scheme or a fresh contract. He did not think his presence in London would add anything to the value of our debentures, or that the Agent-Geueral and Crown Agents could not negotiate the four million loan as well as Mr Vogel coiild possibly do. He believed that the principal cause of our present prosperity, as well as that of the Australian Colonies^ was the great rise which had taken place in the value of the wool since three years ago. If taxation should be required in consequence of public works, he thought the people would prefer paying the interest out; of the land revenue than submit to a property tax. As to the compact of ISSS, the Middle Island representatives had shown that even they do not consider that the compact should not be broken, if the circumstances of the Colony as a whole make it expedient. He wondered, as possibly others might do, where Mr Vogel was to go to find the "substantial revenues " with which to endow each district when the Provinces were swept away. If he did this, and he appeared to be confident he could do it, he would deserve their gratitude, and he (Mr Johnston) would be prepared next session to support a bill realising Mr Vogel's proposals. A unanimous vote of thanks and confidence was accorded.