A PARLIAMENTARY PICNIC.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12447, 2 September 1902, Page 5

A PARLIAMENTARY PICNIC.

(Per United Pkess Association.) GISBORNE, September 1. A parliamentary party, accompanied by a number of representative citizens, went out by special train this morning to Ormond, the railway terminal, whence they were driven to Knraka, as guests of tho Farmers' Union. Tho party were entertained at luncheon at Karaka, after which a number of tenets were honoured. i\ie,?srs O'Moara and Hardy responded to the toast of "The Parliamentary Party," tho latter remavkiing that ho had been extremerly struck with the very fine land he had seen around the district. He had considered Ko-iapoi district one of tho richest in the colony, but he thought the land here was even better than theirs. The Mayor of Gisborne" proposed " The Commercial Intel'- , efts of tho District." The Hon. Mr Carroll, in replying, mad© a capital speech. He that the railway line from Ormond to ICaraka would be completed within two years, and the resources of the district were such that he felt certain tho line Would not stop there, but must eventually junction with R-otorua or Waihi. He made reference to the suitability of the lovely district for dairying, and prophesied that the indnslry had a great future before it here, as all the flat land between Gisborno and the East Coast was eminently adapted for dairying. The banquet to-night was largely attended and most enthusiastic. In the course of his remarks, Mr Townley (the Mayor) suggested that among the reforms that should be carried out should be that of votes placed on the Estimates being spent and not allowed to lapse. The Hon. Mr Carroll, in the course of his speech, agreed with the Mayor, that faith should be kept in such matters, and ho believed the time was coming when tli.e system suggested would be enforced. It would be a relief to learn that when money was placed on the Estimates it would be spent. It would also be a relief to the Government, and enable them all the more readily to say " No" to Unfortunate members they had to deal with, eomo of whom considered parochial interests abovo those of the general interests.—(Voiees: "No.") Ho said "Yes," because of tho system which had been nllowed to grow up. But to achieve that end there must be carried out a great reform, doing away with the necessity for members eomiug, cap in hand, to the Government in tho interests of their districts. If it wae in the power of the State, fair allocations should be appor-' tioned, but before a reform could be carried out local government must be placet! on a proper footing. Mr Hutchcson, referring, to Mr Carroll's remarks, said lie had never gone cap in hand, but, being a city member, he had no reason to do so. It was the unfortunate country members who suffered by tho cap-in-hand system, and for such members ho had much sympathy. He was heartily pleased by the declaration made by Mr Carroll. In their speeches members passed very flattering remarks on tho fertility of the district. Referring to the Native question, Mr G. W. Russell declared that never again would there bo free trade hi Native Inndi but members would do all they could towards settlement. He warmly urged the dairying and manufacturing intereete. The Hon. Mr Rigg. Messrs Tanner, Parata, O'Meara, Hardy. Smith, Hogg, and Symes also spoko to toasts. The loenl speakers included Messrs C. J. Parker, Lysnar, Matthews, Whinray, Miller, and Da Lautour. The last-named, referring to tho remarks re reform in local government, said it was no use talkltng of such systems to districts like this. It was absurd to suppose a few people could develop such a great district, and no reform in local government would do it. Such districts were a heritage of tho colony. Tho party left at midnight for Napier in the Tutanekai.