THE PREMIER AT INVERCARGILL.
Invercabgiil, May 10. The Premier, the Hon. J. Ballance, addressed a crowded meeting in the theatre here to-night. Mr Kelly, M.H.R., occupied the chair, and the Hon. Mr Ward, Mr J M'lntosh, and others had seats on the platform.
The Premier referred to Mr G. Fisher's interview with a correspondent of the Dunedin Star, anc said it was a tissue of misstatements, instancing as one Mr Fisher's assertion that the pay sheet of the colony (over four millions) had been increased by the present Government. This the Premier said included two millions of interest sent to London, and the increase was represented by L50,00Q additional interest inpurred by the borrowing of the late Govern-
ment. Dealing with Sir John Hall's statement that the Atkinson Government left L 718,000 in the Treasury, the Premier said Sir John forgot to mention the liabilities of last session amounting to L 240,000, and that part of the balance wasearmarked for the North Island Trunk line, leaving only L 212.000. For the sales of lands by the Grey Government in 1878 Mr Ballance said Sir John and his friends were mainly responsible. Referring to the Legislative Council, the Premier said that formerly men who were Liberals when they entered it became Tories, because they were secured by a life tenure of office. What they wanted was 10 safe-going men that might be relied on in an emergency. At present the Government had only live, aud had a right to put in fresh bloodmen who would be prepared to give effect to the maudate of the people. He took credit for being a land nationaliser, and wished his fellow colonists were also. The State would nsver be a hard landlord, but at present freeholders were in many instances the bondsmen of mortgage companies. Mr Ballance dealt at length with tho new taxation and measures introduced by the Government aud thrown out by the Legislative Council. These he said would be reiutroduced next session. In conclusion he referred to the labour question and strikes, contending that it was the duty of any Government to see that the people had an opportunity to earn the means to live in a fair state of comfort. The meeting passed a unanimous vote of thanks to the Premier and warm approval of the policy of the Government. The Premier is being entertained at a spread iv the Club Hotel.
THE PREMIER AT INVERCARGILL.
Otago Witness, Issue 1994, 12 May 1892, Page 18
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