Page 4 Advertisements Column 1

Opunake Times, Volume V, Issue 232, 24 November 1896, Page 4

TO THE ELECTORS OP TABANAKI. •T7IELLOW ELECTORS,— HaviDg 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 Faliament, 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 I am 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, bo as to bring bur expenditure within our income. I feel that the Colony can 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 Ballance : " I maintain there should be no further borrowing, but that we Bhould 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 roads 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 which it should have been extinguished. I shall, if elected, co-operate with efforts similar to those which Mb McGtjike has strenuously made to induce Parliament to deal fairly with the ratepayers of the New Plymouth' Harbor Bating District, and to relieve them frcm 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, ouly on luxuries. I shall oppose any alteration of land laws tbat lends 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 I Politics I TO TARANAKI CONSTITUENCY. ADIES AND GENTLEMEN,— 1 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. USE ETTIGREW'S .UTTER And Pbeserve Your Digestion.