TIMARU POLITICAL REFORM ASSOCIATION.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3498, 21 June 1884, Page 2

TIMARU POLITICAL REFORM ASSOCIATION.

A public meeting was held last night in the Mechanic’s Hall, under the auspices of the Association. Mr A, St, G. Ilamersley (President) occupied the chair, and there wag, considering the inclemency of the weather, a good attendance.

The President opened the proceedings by reading a paper on “ Kindred Associations," in which he traced the history of political organisations, from the formation of Swift’s Tory Brotherhood down to the Eeform Bill of Sir E. Peel’s time. He then referred to clubs, trades-unions, and leagues ; and, lastly, to the Liberal Association, which commencing in Birmingham, gradually spread its influence throughout Great Britain and established itself in Leeds, Manchester, and Glasgow, and from these centres radiated over the whole kingdom. He pointed out very clearly that these combinations and leagues had been instrumental in bringing about reform—and that properly conducted, they would not fail here to do the same good as they had accomplished at Home, and concluded with an appeal to those present to join support and foster similar associations. The address was listened to with marked satisfaction, and on resuming his seat, Mr Hatnersley was loudly applauded. Mr G. Eimber proposed the adoption of object 1, aUd criticised in a very tel ling manner, the management of public affairs in this colony. Mr Kirby said he had been asked to speak on the need for political unity. He distinguished between union and unity thus:—The latter meant oneness of sentiment, the former combination, and it was combination rather than oneness which was needed. He thought the present position of political affairs spoke more eloquently than words; there was an unpopular government in power and an Opposition powerless to dislodge them because of their own disunited and broken condition. If the people desired New Zealand to be governed in a patriotic and not a parochial spirit they would carefully select the best man; and if so, the country would never again behold what they now saw:—viz., an unpopular government retaining their seats, because a disunited Opposition was powerless to dislodge them. The Secretary, Mr Harvey, read the “objects” of the Association, as follows : “1. That the Association shall use every constitutional means to improve the political, municipal and other public institutions.

“2. That the Association shall be a medium for the diffusion of political education, for which purpose papers may be read and discussion invited. “3. To review the statutes now in existence, with a view of obtaining their amendment or repeal when adversely affecting the interests of tho people. “4. To watch over and examine the objects and probable effects of the new Bills introduced inte Parliament.

5. To secure full and just represen' tation of the working classes in Parlia 1 meat.

“6. To secure the enrolment on the electoral roll of every duly qualified member of the community. “7. To reduce tho expenses and simplify the mode of elections. “8. To test the fitness of candidates for Parliament, and to support the one pledged to the principles of our Association.

“9. To prevent class legislation, and to watch over and protect equally the rights of all.” Mr Harvey in proposing No. 2, again strongly advocated the daily publication of “Hansard."

Mr Jacob Hill submitted No. 3, and condemned the system of indirect taxation as inequitable, and strongly denounced tho dedication of reserves revenues to purposes of secondary education, of which only a limited number of persons could avail themselves.

Mr Kimber proposed No. 4 without comment.

Mr T. W. Fyfe, in proposing No 6, pointed out that tho composition of the present legislature was very defective In the House of Representatives land was represented by 33 members, trade by 28, law by 11, Press by 11, and there were eight nondescripts and some Maoris—no working men. He deprecated anything like setting class against class, but he thought it should bo one of their main objects to secure the just representation of the working classes in Parliament.

Mr J. Bruce proposed No. 6, and urged every citizen to qualify himself for recording his vote, Mr W. Bourne, speaking of Nos. 8 and 9, discoursed at considerable length of class legislation, and finally began to advocate Bible-reading in schools, at which the meeting manifested impatience and dissent. The President closed the proceedings by a few suitable remarks, and the reading of the following programme, sketched by the Committee for present condsideration, as followsl. To prevent the alienation of large blocks of land for speculative purposes, and to promote the introduction of laws that will ensure the settlement of the lands of New Zealand in small blocks. 2. To promote economy in the public service. 3. To promote the fair and equitable adjustment of taxation. 4. To promote the development of the resources of New Zealand. 5. To reform the constitution of the Upper House.”