MR. BISHOP'S CANDIDATURE.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13277, 30 November 1911, Page 2

MR. BISHOP'S CANDIDATURE.

Mr. George Bi.suop (an Opposition candidate) delivered his second addross at Wakefield, at th c Oddfellows' Hall on Tuesday evening, when there was a fair attendance of electors. Mr W. Fawcott presided. In opening Mr Bishop expressed regret that Mr. Durbridge should have been unfortunate enough to miss nomination. He was a straight-forward honest man and well worthy of support. Mr. Bishop, who spoke on the lines of liis previous addresses, regarded the present Government as dictatorial, and lio took exception to th« Hon. R. McKenzie's remarks that it was important for the people of the district that there should be united representation, and that it was no use electing members who disagreed with each other politically. No matter what party was returned, Mr. Bishop said they had a right to expect justice, to bo a free people and to be independent. The candidate criticised the present method of appointment to the Legislativo Council, contending that it gavo one man too much power, and advocated an elective Upper Chamber from larger districts and for a. long term. Ho argued that the country belonged to the peoplo and not to the politicians, and the peoplo had a right to say who should sit in the Legislative Council. In reply to Mr. S. Baigent the candidate stated that taking it per head the people of New Zealand wore taxed about one-third heavior than those in any Australian State. Tlie national debt was nearly £80,000,000 for one million of people, which meant £80 per head at 4 per cent to be paid for by the people. Mr Atmore was right in saying that they were the heaviest taxed people of all the British co.onie.s. Mr. Baigent proposed and Mr. John Koi'r seconded a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Bishop which was carried.