MR DURBRIDGE AT WAKEFIELD.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13262, 13 November 1911, Page 4

MR DURBRIDGE AT WAKEFIELD.

Mr F. Din-bridge, Opposition candidate for Motueka, addressed the electors at Wakefield on Friday, there being about 200 persons present, including a large number of ladies. Mr 3am Baigent- occupied the chair. Mr Durbridge was well received. Speaking on the land question he advocated one law for whites and Maoris. The large land monopolies of Hawke's Bay and olsewhero ought to bo rated at per aero, at "the same rate as the small successful settlers, and thus compel them to subdivide or sell out. He spoke adversely of the Liberal Govoniment going in so largely for borrowing. Regarding retrenchment, the Hon member for Motueka would like to know where he (Mr Durbrklge) would start. Well, ho wQujd start witli persons like him, by cutting down their emoluments. Ho advocated improvements in tlio methods of appointment to and promotions in the Civil Service. Doaliug with railway construction Mr Durbridgo maintained that according to statistics the cost did not work out at the sum per mile i that the Minister stated. Let each worker get the full advantage of his skill and industry, no matter how much he was able to earn. The small contract system was preferable to the present ono mid more speedy. The railways sbould bo under a Beard of Commissioners, and no favours should be granted to Ministers while travelling on "private business. In regard to defence, while approving of appointing generals from' Homo, he would give colonial officers the preference for other positions where possible. Ho was opposed to allowing secondary education (especially technical) to interfere with primary education. Teach3rs should be placed on the same footing as other Civil Servants and pronoted, removed, etc., by a central )oard, in the same way. An annual >alance sheet, properly stated and | ouched for, should be printed and ■irculated by the Government in lower. Mr Durbridgo was accorded a learty vote of thanks.