SPEECH BY THE PREMIER.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XIV, Issue 4773, 26 January 1887, Page 2

SPEECH BY THE PREMIER.

THE POSITION AND OUTLOOK. Dunedin, to-day. The Premier (Sir R. Stout) addressed the electors of Dunedin East last night. The building was well filled. Referring to the depression, he said it was not confined to New Zealand. There had been a great falling off in the customs revenue of this colony, especially in the duties on intoxicants. Another falling off was on the prices of goods, the revenue being based on these prices. The cry of economy last session was merely raised by those who wished to displace the Government of the Colony. To assume a progressive position the strictest care was necessary, and the people must be prepared to get less help from the Government. He referred at length to the Maori measures of last session, and said the Maoris recognised that they had been treated by the present Government with justice and mercy ; and in the past session, for the first time in the history of the colony, the four Maori members were found supporting the Government. Great good was being derived from the present system of native schools. He next dealt with the local Government proposal, and said that he hoped last session's Acts would put an end to log rolling. The land question was dealt with at length, and he showed that notwithstanding the depression in 1886 they had settled move peoplo on the land than in any previous year. The Government had used their best endeavors to encourage local industries. He admitted that the tariff required revision, but any revision would not do more for local industries. Referring to retrenchment lie said before economy could be got in the public service the people must support the demand for it by being prepared to put up with fewer conveniences than they now possessed. He hoped when the estimates came down to show a saving in the expenditure of £40,000 or £60,000. With reference to railways and loans, he had no now policy to enunciate. He waa still convinced that if we were to provide for the permanent stability of our finances borrowing must cease. He believed we ought to be able to do without a loan next year. He hoped to be able to pass a Representation Bill next session. He was willing to allow an advantage to scattered country districts, but otherwise would stick to the population basis. He hoped that in the new Bill the cities and some of the suburban districts would be welded together. In conclusion he said he considered the outlook of the colony now more favorable than previously. A vote of confidence was carried by acclamation.