A POLITICAL MANIFESTO.

Otago Witness, Issue 2199, 23 April 1896, Page 34

A POLITICAL MANIFESTO.

The Hon. G. F. Richardson, ex-Minisfcor for Lands, in a letter to the president of the Mataura Political League says : — •' Here [Wellington] tba public opinion is certainly turning apaiosfc the Government, amongst the ' workers ' who were tbeir chief supporters, and, me3ting men of all shades of opinion, my conclusion is (hat with organisation and energy on our part there will probably be as great a revulsion of public opinion at the next election as took place in Britain recontly." After suggesting attending to the registration of all votes and taking, care that only one candidate is standing in the Opposition interests, the hon. gentleman submits the following heads of a programme for consideration :—: — Civil servica purification— by commission and not by Parliament. Farther loans to be by issue of terminable debeutures only, thus money being obtainable a*y at 3 prr cent , pay 4- per cenh. half-yearly io debenture-holders, the 1 par cent, eiuking fund, so that (as by computation) th? loans would be self - redeeming in from 30 to 50 years. Glasgow and Birmingham have set us the example. Couvernions of present general loins to be rmde only by statutory provisions, with absolute security as to sinking funds. Conversions of local bodies' loans by General Government on 3 psr cant, basis, and eonsequenb reduction of interest. / Prompt quarterly publication of all public accounts (public accounts 1894-95 published Febrnary 11, 1896, and "Adpaucsato Settlers Att " not yet disclosed). "Advances to settlers" to have fair trial, if absolutely freed from Ministerial interference. Prohibition. — This is now up to, if not in advance of, popular feeling {vide Clutha). The (ffeotfl of the present law must be tested before alteration of legislation should be demanded. Local Ro&dj.— Duplicate and triplicate services now exist, caut'iug great waste in salaries ; decentralisation of such works would conduce to economy. (The Government Local Government Bill is purely machinery, and is now fairly perfect. The crux of the question is local government finance, which is not touched upon.) • -^ • Defence. — More assistance and encouragement to volunteers, including good weapons and ammunition. Mining Laws revision, — Too little now by statute, too much by regulation. Wa»te Crown settlement lands to be utilised by access and easy terms before further compulsory taking of private estates. Revision of the tariff in the direction of Freetrade. Native Land Laws Revision. — Individuiiise title, then grant equal rights of dealing with those possessed by Europeans. Bank Legislation Assistance and Amalgamation. — Inquiry needed into the moving causes and prob\ble future effect on the colony (ab present discount rates in New Zealand 5 per cent, for large business, yet with our money the Bank of New Zealand discount rates in Australia ara to-day 3£ per cent.) Council appointments to ba limited to men who have honourably served an apprenticeship I in public affairs. I These are a few heads — matters of important public interest — from which Mr Richardson thinks, after careful consideration, certain of them might, with 'perhaps some modification, be adopted as planks for the ensuing political programme.