RECIPROCITY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2675, 21 June 1905, Page 38

RECIPROCITY.

The world at large is protecting itself by Customs tariffs. The nearest approach to Freetrade is Great Britain, and there a great tariff war is raging, which will not fend, with the general election, no matter Whioh side wins. The incessant, ever-rest- . Jess, onward march , of the commerce of Rations is growing more active every day, i jrad the problem of how best to meet an expanding export trade presents itself to nil Practical statesmen the world over ; and we ■have the same problem with us, and we "taust try to solve it. I have frequently adVocated reciprocity; I etill do so with all the earnestness" I am capable of. — (ApWauseO"~When. Treasurer of this colony I toide a reciprocal tariff with Canada and With South Australia in 1895. The Canadian ton© was not ratified by our Parliament befcause of a fear expressed that' some of the items -would interfere with our traders in similar articles ; and the South Australian Parliament refused, though urged by the flight Hon. Mt Kingston to do so, because It was afraid of our interfering with them. 1 mention this only to show the attendant 'difficulty surrounding reciprocal treaties. (But common sense suggests -that if we can 'grow some product better and cheaper than dut neighbours it would be a sound ecofcomic deal for them to fake it, and give us Bomething in exchange that we cannot pro'daoe -as good or cheap as they can. — (Applause.) It is ridiculous to suppose that those in either country would not, for example, be able to use the land for sonic iother legitimate purpose. There are several items that Australia and New Zealand could 'exchange with mutual advantage, ancl it iwould, pay both to do so, and we should endeavour to bring it about. _ Some of the old and most protected countries have found it to their advantage to enter into treaties *m oertain articles. We should do the same. /We are essentially an exporting country, and anywhere we can enter into a sound business arrangement for ourselves and our \ we should do so. — (Applause.) I fcm sorry to see a proposal made to the j federal Premier to impose a tariff on white pine from New Zealand. We are fairly large customers to Australia for certain Masses of its timber and other pxoduots, and khis should, and I feel sure will, eot be forfofcten when this matter is being considered. RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION. As you know, I have always been a con~)istent' and persistent advocate for the tarrying on of a vigorous' policy of railway Construction- in , our country, and I have hot in any respect changed my T^iews thereto!. There is nothing more important to Either the settlers in the country or the -— flweUers in the town iban to have the most; Up-to-date method of locomotion that it is possible for the country to provide, and there are many places still in the colony without the means which some of them, more brtunately p-cssess, and who still require o have provision made for them n this respect. If you look at What is going on all through New Kealand at present you will find that fche pressure to provide for new railways md to add to the expenditure of such- lines jinder construction is •extraordinary ; in fact, fenyone not knowing 1 the majority of ths ( i>eop.l© who are advocating new railways and increasing the expenditure of construction upon the present lines would be forced to the conclusion that a form of mania was spreading through the colony in this respect — (apjriause) ; — and if you discuss the tnatter with some of those who are emgaffed advocating particular lines you will find that jbhey will admit that to give effect to what is being advocated generally within a reasonable- period of time would be suicidal, and detrimental to most of the interests of the people of the colony, which is to maintain £ strong financial position, not only in the eyes of those of the great financial interests m the outside world who are so. deeply injterested in the progress of our colony, but 5t would create a feeling of unrest among bur own people as to where we were going So land. lam strongly in favour of the prosecution of the lines now in course of construction, and of giving reasonable oonfeideration io applications for fresh ones ; but j[ feel it my duty to utter not only a note »f warning, but an earnest protest against ihose who are attempting to make exorbitant demands upon the colony. They must see, in the general interests of the colony, that, while we are progressing, moderation proportionate to our ability to perform is absolutely essential.— (Applause.) You will find railway leagues — and I wish to be understood that I am not referring to any partioular league in any part of the colony — claaiourinff far cananletion of railways and

new railways, a. d in some cases endeavouring to commit members of the House to a policy of insisting upon oaoh vote being expended within a year. They appear to forget the fact that daily, weekly, and monthly cir- i eumstanees have to be carefully watched and , considered by the administrators of the day. It must be perfectly well known to everyone that the policy at present is to transfer a very large sum of money, running into half a million a year— last year it was £600,000— from the ordinary re-venue to the Public Works Fund for carrying out public works. If you have a vote for a sum of money, say, £50,000, and you authorise the whole amount to be expended at once, it is possible (though I admit in the present circumstances of the colony improbable) that a large drop in tbo revenue from many causes might take- place, and you would at once alter the capacity of the Treasurer to provide £ueh a sum as woidd enable the full amount of the vote to be expended. It is consequently a matter of ordinary prudenoe that the Government of the day should be unfettered) and have a. free hand as to the time and the amount to be sot aside for work throughout the colony. — (Applause.) As to railways now in band, there will be comparatively a very large sum of money provided 'for them during this session, and I have no hesitation in affirming my strong conviction that- th© work which should be regarded as the one of greatest national importance t3 the North Island Main Trunk railway. The people in the south are aa much concerned in the development of the sister island as are those in the northern part of the colony, and the fact remains that the spinal column for the work of the settlers and the industries of , o-uhers in that part of the colony within ! measurable distance of completion should [ be prosecuted to completion. And though I do not advocate that any of the railways | should be sacrificed, I repeat that this work is of the greatest national importance, and ; should be so regarded by th© people's representatives throughout the colony. — (Applause.) The Midland railway is one to which the .colony k committed, and from its magnitude ranks with the Otago Central railway, and both of these necessarily occupy a prominent position in the expenditure of the railways throughout our country ; and there can be no suoh thing as turning back upon great works to which the colony has for years been committed, and our policy ought to be to carry them a point of completion so as to turn them into money-making branches. The point of tho Otago Central railway, as I have previously stated, should be Clyde, and the sccner the colony settles itself upon the ! completion of these important works the sooner will we be able* to in turn carry j on a much more vigorous policy upon the whole of the other railways which are in hand in other parts o£ the oolony. The Seaward Bush-Catlin's River railway is very important, and in the interest of the settlers served by it more vigorous policies should be applied to, the portion requiring completion. — (Applause.) For ihe information of those interested I may state that the Government has definitely decided that the route of the Seaward Bush-Waikawa railway should" be via Tokonui. There has been considerable diversity of opinion upon this •question tor some time, and I think it well to make this statement so that any friction, that may have been created in hopes of - carrying the railway a different direction may disappear, and all interested work together with a view to the active promotion of the line. — (Applause.) I may further say that the Orepuki-'Waiau railway is one that will receive attention during the next session of Parliament. There is an enormous district to be tapped, and the Government is fully cognisant of the great value it would be to the settlers of the oolony to have this Lline pushed on with a reasonable speed. The Gore-Waikaka line is also one that calls for attention. As already remarked, I have not seen In detail the schemes sugp^sted by the member for the district, Mr Fraser, but my opinion is that in the matter of starting the work it would be better for the- people to have the benefit of the low rate of interest the State can obtain, and in this respsct tliey will obtain a more lasting benefit by the colony itself.— (Applause.) I I am not dealing with all railways throughout the oolony, but I would like to take the opportunity of stating that the sanatorium of the Middle Island at Hanmer is tlie place Ihat the Government decided some time ago should be attached to the main line of the railway b-v a connection from Culverden- It is proposed to carry this out by a light line of railways of the same gauge as the present ones, which we are in hopes we will be able to run by electricity. A motor 'bus service was proposed, but it would take a very large service indeed to carry the number of excursionists who might wme from Christchurch alone to take advantage of a Saturday to Mon- } day at this health-invigorating resort. There are other railways in different parts of the colony that I am not specially referring to, I but which will command attention, and I am right in saying that my colleagues and myself will do our best to provide for the general requirements of the eouiiti'y. but I would earnestly ask our fellow oolonists to be reasonable in their demands, and I feel sure that people of all classes will accept in the friendly s.pirit in which it Is. given my remarks, and will not, by any excess of zeal, do anything to injure the | goose that lays the golden, egg. — (Applause.) ROADWAYS OF THE COUNTRY. The proper roading of the country, particularly in districts which have in recent years been opened up, is a, matter of the greatest importance to those who undergo all the hardships and self-abnegation attendant on a life in the country, separated by long distances from town or city, and in this respect the Government will carry on a still more vigorous policy in providing roads in outlying districts. — (Applause.) This year a sum of half a million of money will be used, and, though this seems a large sum, it must be remembered that there are thousands of people who go into the interior and whose whole mission would be destroyed unless mean 3of communic&tion by road, as everyone is entitled to, were provided within reasonable time. In addition to this, the work of providing telephonic communication for those who are out of reach will be vigorously prosecuted. — (Applause.) As Minister in charge of the department, it has always been to nic a mattetr of regret when finani cial considerations have caused mo to refuse requests for telephones, though a great deal more work than is usually given credit for I has been done by the department. Still, we recognise that to extend telephonic communication, in cases particularly where the lives and interests of the farmers living at

a distance are concerned, would be invaluable. I am sure that no one is more impressed ov has a greater knowledge of the usefulness of this, branch of public seriue than myself, and I am anxious to do all in my power to further the want of those in this country in this respect.— (Applause.) While upon this matter of telephones, I may for a moment refer to wirelass telography which has been making such rapid strides in recent years, and which has come to stay. It could in many places be u-cd advantageously throughout our country. When in Australia recently I discussed with the Federal Postmaster- general the possibility of stations being established between New Zealand and Australia. This could be done at a comparatively small cost, and if instruments were placed on the intercolonial steamers many an anxious hour, wh-Ma delays occur at sea. would be saved to tl-o friends and relations of passengers ami crews. — (Applause.) I recently referred the matter to my colleagues for considerat'on, and I ha.ye been asked to make a specifio recommendation in connection with this iinptrtant matter. Stations, as I say, would be erected at a comparatively small cost, and I am hopeful that in these times of advanced civilisation this important adjunct to our siibmarine and oveiland system will before long be" an accomplished faot. — (Applause.) LAND TENURES. You are all aware that the problems in connection with the land tenures in this colony have been brought prominently under notice in recent years. The great question of whether or not the freehold is to be given to Crown tenants is one that will come up for settlement before long. There are efforts in somo places to discount the work of tho Land Commission which h?s been set up to obtain information upon tl.is difficult question for the guidance of the members of Parliament, but I am quite satisfied myself that it would be a wrong thing for me to attempt to anticipate what course will be followed pending the consideration that is due to the opinions of those who have furnished them to the Land Commission. One thing, however, I think you may rely on, and that is that no Parliament will give effect to the breaking of any agreement between the State and Crown tenants to the inquiry of the latter. There is no doubt that this question of " Freehold or no freehold " is a very important one in its bearing on the land fcr settlements policy that has been carried out since its introduction by the late Sir John M'Kenzie; so also is the question of Uie settlement of Native lands, particularly in the North Island. I feel persuaded that ro party in the country can stop the acquisition* of large estates with a view to Iheir being cut up for closer settlement, and the question of tenure in this branch of lan>l administration is almost vital in regard to its continuance in a satisfactory manner. Then, again, the large issue involved in connection with the settlement of Native lands requires very careful consideration. I have previously expressed my opinion that the most effectual solution of this trouble wouM be for the colony to acquire the whole of tho unsettled Native lands, paying fair value, and doing no injustice to the Natives. —(Applause.) If the money were invested for the Natives and the proceeds paid to them, I am satisfied that a larger income would be available to the Natives than under existing conditions, and then, in turn, a vigorous policy of land settlement could bo carried out upon Native lands that arc bringing no direct return to the Natives, and would naturally add to the productive side of the lands of the colony. — (Applause.) I have, however, referred to those matters only incidentally on this occasion, as the settlement of the questions involved, though difficult, must soon be faced, and I think I am taking the right course in suspending final judgment upon the matter until after the report of the Land Commission has been received aaid considered. I hope wh?ii I next have the pleasure of addressing; you to be in a position to deal with this subject more fully. — (Applause.) FUTURE. Speaking generally as to the future, while the Government will exercise prudence in its undertakings there are several matters to which attention will be given during the coming session. The utilisation of the motive- power of our rivers for electrical purposes is one that has much to commend it. — (Applause.) Cheap motive power means a great incentive to establish factories and the more economical working of existing onea, and the more successful we are in this respect the more^ people will be employed. — (Applause.) The classification of the civil service is also of great importance, , and will be given effect to. The increase of teachers' salaries, payable on a fixed basis irrespective of attendance at schools; also calls for attention. A progressive policy in connection with Native lands and the individualisation of titles, to which I have previously alluded, is demanding attention. Scientific prospecting in connection with the gold-mining industry and treeplanting by the Forestry Department should be carried on on an extensive scale. — (Applause.) Central Otago is one of the places where this, together with an irrigation scheme, would enable lands to be brought into profitable occupation. The system of acquiring lands under the Land for Settlements Act should be- altered to enable the colony to take land over at 10 per oent. above the owner's value in substitution of the present cumberous system of assessing values. A sxiperannualio.il scheme for teachers and civil servants, to which I have alluded, is also one demanding attention.-— (Applause.) Then we should still continue to fight to obtain fresh markets for our produce, and in this respect I should be exceedingly sorry if we lost a steamer connection to South Africa; the subsidy is not to be continued on the expiry of the present one. It has, I am sorry to learn, been carried on at a heavy loss; but the value to our producers of having as many markets as possible outside of London is greater now than ever it was. — (Applause.) Ifc is quite a. fallacy to suppose that you can go on pouring indiscriminately into London, the emporium of the world, unlimited quantities of our products without detrimentally affecting the price, and the greater the quantity that can be kept off the London market the greater chance you stand of obtaining a higher price for the quantity you send to London. Some of the London houses that have been dealing for a period of years with the products from this country have been (and no one can blame them for so doing) trying hard to gefe iis to continue to centre our produce in, London; but this is not hy any means the wisest course in the interests of the producers of the colony. — (Applause.) The diversion to South Africa and shipment direct to the west coast ports of England, or the shipment of some of our products under reciprocal treaty fee Canada* or. Australicu

oi" other countries must naturally enhance the chance of obtaining a higher price for that sent to London, and we should try in every way to bring this about. For my own part,' I have always held that fresh markets, cheap freights, cheap money, and cheap railways would ensure higher prices being obtained for our products. I have held that view for years, and experience has shown me that such a policy is a good one to further in connection with the exportable products that this colony has been sending out in increasing quantities for years.—(Applause.) The development of both our gold and coal mining and timber industry is in the best interest of our country, and I am sure all classes would be glad to see them supported. They are finding employment for large numbers <^ our people, and "giving large revenue to our railways, and should be supported. PATRIOTISM TO NEW ZEALAND. Somo of you here may remember that many years ago I urged from this platform that we should regard it as a duty to inspire the rising generation with a love for their country. Since then, and largely as the outcome of the South African troubles, we have adopted a system of paying respeel to our flag at our schools; and a very good thing, too. I now wish I to £iiv that among many important things 1 in which we are engaged daily we should not forget to instil into our youth love of country and love of homo life. — (Applause.) I do not wish to detract from the broader spirit of love of Empire, but what an object lesson it is to all of us ooloniai-born to see those who were> born in the Old Land and who have lived a long life under the sunny southern skies, to observe the devotedn-ess — aye, the sacredness — that they attach to the land of their birth. We want to have the same spirit planted in tho breasts of our young genera- j tion, that, though they have not before j their gaze the old connecting links that are visible in Britain, and which familiarly we call " Home," that to them the soil of New Zealand is as strongly wedded to their daily lives as to call forth, in whatever land they may find themselves, the same warmth of attachment, the same ties of kindred, the same spirit of patriotism, that we find in our elders from England, Ireland, and Scotland, which neither distance dims nor time annihilates., and so equally we want to have an attractive home life in these young" countries. — (Applause.) It is to the rising generation, in a comparatively few years, that we must leave a heritage we now possess in trust. Let iis help then to not only realise that this great duty lies before them, but that_ it oan be made a strong and more effective tie by our not giving expression to a mere lip loyalty either to the Empire or New Zealand, but by planting it deep down in the hearts of our younger generation. A natural home life, together with a wholehearted devotedness to New Zealand, will help to build up the solid fabric of Empire upon a true, and I feal sure a lasting, basis. — (Applause.) • CONCLUSION. Consideration for your time does not admit of my proceeding further; but I would like to say in conclusion that there can scarcely be ij\vo opinions that the country is in a prosperous condition. The people generally are doing well; employment is more plentiful than it has been since tho establishment of our country; the savings of the people in the banks and Post Office Savings Banks are increasing yearly; our business people, upon the whole, are doing well; our wcrkers are living under better conditions than exist elsewhere; our country settlers are doing well; and the whole country is in a better condition than it has been since the European first set foot on it. — (Applause.) If you have a prosperous country and, upon the whole, a happy and contented people — though, of course, *it is the privilege of every Britisher to do a growl occasionally, — what more can rational people want? Some of our opponents would have us believe that the country is not well governed; but all I can pay is: If results are tho indicator by which the mature judgment of the people should be formed, then I can with the greatest of confidence leave it to the people themselves to judge as to whether or not the Government has legislated for the besiV interests of the country, to enable all classes to work out their own destinies and to improve their positions. With the object of propelling our country further on the j gwray of a career of prosperity that has made it the object of the admiration of others, who would be very indeed to find their countries in an equally prosperous state, I would say let us continue a vigorous and at the same time prudent course, and do our best in the interests of all, and by so doing that success which has been ours and the strong position the colony has j gained will go on growing srtronger and i stronger; and those who -want to judge fairly as to what the Government has done ■will find on an impartial * review that the record is a great one, and if we are weighed in the- scales a, predominance of what has been best for our glorious little country will be found to be on our side. Sir Joseph's remarks were freely interspersed with applause, and after speaking for two hours the Minister resumed bis seat 1 amid the warmest applaii.se. „,«• , The Mayor intimated that Mr M'Nab, M.H.R., the Hon. -Mr Feldwick, M.Lr.C, and others had telegraphed apologising for ; unavoidable absence. Asked as to whether his estimate of the population of the colony inoluded Maoris, Sir Joseph replied that the figures lie had quoted had come from the Registrargeneral's office. He was under the impression that the European population only was indicated, but if the Maoris were included the population etill showed an enormous increase on former statistics. Asked if he was in ifavour of opening the doors a" little wider in the matter of old-age pensions so that the deserving poor who had a little property might be admitted, Sir Joseph eaid that under a provision mad© about three years ago a man could hand over his house to the public, trustee, tip to £330, and draw the pension. The old-age pensions' scheme was one of the most munificent existing, but stretching of it to meet individual cases must bo guarded' against lest its repeal beoam© necessary. He favoured consideration being given to an increase in the- old-age pension, for instead of the annual amount increasing this amount had been considerably less last i year, only £195,000, as against something ' like £250,000 a year or two ago. | Mr R. Jameson moved that this meeting heartily thanks Sir Joseph Ward for his 1 able address, and expresses its unabated i confidence in him and in the Government ] of wHoh be. is so distinguished a jmembss.

Mr J. Fleming seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously with enthusiasm. A vote of thanks to the Mayor ioK presiding closed the meeting.