Page 4 Advertisements Column 2

Opunake Times, Volume V, Issue 219, 9 October 1896, Page 4

TO TELE ELECTOBS OF TABANAHI. T7IELLOW ELECTORS,— Having received a numer-ously-signed requisition asking me to allow myself to be nominated as a Candidate for the representation of the Taranaki Electorate in Paliament, I have much pleasure in acceding to the request. I have resided within this provincial district for upwards of 87 years, and have experienced all the vicissitudes through which its inhabitants have passed; and lam therefore aware of the many difficulties they have had to face and the self-reliance they have displayed, and 1 should also have thereby learned something of the necessities of the Settlers and of those measures essential to promote their welfare. Should I be returned to Parliament, I shall endeavor to economise wherever possible, so as to bring our expenditure within our income. I feel that the Colony San no longer afford to borrow in order that we may enjoy the luxury of experimental legislation, or for the purpose of entering into competition with private individuals in commercial enterprises. To quote the words of the late Mr Baixance : " I maintain there should be no further borrowing, but that we should pursue a policy of self-reli-ance." I am of the same opinion, except so far as it may be absolutely essential to borrow for the purpose of opening up the country by road 9 and bridges. As to Loans to Local Bodies I am strongly opposed to the seizure of the Sinking Fund, as this will entail on the ratepayers, the Colonists, the burden of the loan after they themselves have supplied money with whioh it should have been extinguished.

I shall, if elected, co-operate with efforts similar to those which Mr McGuiee has strenuously made, to induce Parliament to deal fairly with the ratepayers of the New Plymouth Harbor Eating District, and to relieve them from the Harbor Rate. This can readily be done, either by compensating the Board, in money or land for the 200,000 acres of Confiscated Land, of one-fourth of the value of which it has been deprived, or by guaranteeing a new Loan (which can be done without any risk of loss to the Colony) in substitution of the present six per cent Loan. I think that all possible restrictions should be taken off trade, and that Custom duties should be levied for revenue purposes only, and, as far as possible, only on luxuries. I shall oppose any alteration of land laws that tends towards the destruction of freehold tenure of lands already in freehold, and should favor Crown lands being disposed of either on freehold or leasehold tenure, at the option of the applicant. I do not approve of the Government proposal to allow non-rate-payers to vote at the election of members of local bodies. I look upon it as incompatable with the duty of a Representative to surrender his rights and those of his constituents to any person or party, and- should exercise the privileges of membership uninfluenced by any other consideration than that of securing the welfare of the people. I shall take an early opportunity of meeting you at various centres, when I will go more fully into the political questions of the day. I am, Fellow Electors, Yours obediently, HY. BROWN.

Politics ! Politics ! TO TABANAKI CONSTITUENCY. T ADIES AND GENTLEMEN,— It is my intention to again contest the Taranaki Seat at the next General Election against all comers. Yours faithfully, E. METCALP SMITH, The People's Popular Candidate. OPTJIVAJKE Boot & Shoe Depot. IOOTSand SHOES to order are made under the dirt ct supervision of the proprietor, so that quality and fit are guaranteed. Repairs Neatly and Promptly Executed. Charges iv meet tlie times. J. H. FLYNN, BOOT AND SHOEMAKER, M.uin JsJtreet, Opimalce. OPUNAHE PLUMBING WORKS, MAIN STREET, OPUNAKE. TANKS, FURNACES. All descriptions of Dairy Utensils and Tinware manufactured and repaired on the shortest notice. ESTIMATES FURNISHED FOR PLUMBING WORK. H. HODGSON, MANAGER.