PARLIAMENT OUT OF SESSION.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3269, 19 March 1885, Page 2

PARLIAMENT OUT OF SESSION.

SIB JULIUS YOGEL AT CHRISTCHURCH.

(By Telegraph.) Chbistohttboh, March 18. The Hon. Sir Julius Vogol, M.H.R. for Obrislchurch North, addressed bis constiItuents at the Theatre this evening. There wore fully 3500 persons present, m« eluding a large number or "ladies for whom the gallery had been speoially reserved. His Worship the Mayor (Mr O. P. Hulbert), occupied the chair, and was supported on the platform byneveral M.H.R.'s and numerous influential gentlemen. The Chairman introduced the lion, gentleman, referring to the position he occupied as. repreientative, and claiming for him on account of the peculiar circumstances under which he spoke a patient hearing. ' . Sir Julius (who on rising was greeted with hearty and prolonged applause), said : Ladies and gentlemen, before discussing political matters allow mo to discharge the -debt I owo for my return as representative m my absence through physical incapacity to meet add address you. To be elected as your representative after an absence of so many years from the colony vu one of the greateet triumphs of my career. When an electoral contest is over it ie the duty -of the representative to reprwent the whole conititueaoy,

and I feel that such is now the case with me. I feel bound to say that m this colony party struggles are something liku a farce", tliero being no d stinct lines as m an older country, but all parties are working for one c inmon good, the welfare of the country. Thus party has no real existence, and so we find the3e gentlemen who could not work together at one time doing so a year or so later on. But to refer to what transpired after the House met. It was clearly seen that a good Government was needed, and it was felt that tho men m power had not the right to think they could not be replaced, but thut the timo had come for a change. So it happened that the Stout- Vogel Ministry was placed m power. I think the timo has now come when we do not need to be judged by a contrast with our predecessors, but can with confidence ask to be judged on our own merits and the work wo have done. I feel it due to Major Atkinson to cay that lie took a most dignified and proper view of his position us leader of the Opposition, and would be no party to obstruction < f any kind. I will now review the history of the session and recess, tnd indicate somewhat of our intentions m the future. One of the most . important measures which we brought down last session was that of the District Railways Purchasing Bill,_and though not able to carry it through the House, it was relegated to the Government to confer with the various district railways during the recess as to the terms upon which their lines could be taken over, and a report will be brought up next session. The Harbor Board Bills for the West Coa-t were of vital importance as the work is likely t ■ prove of enormous mutual benefit to the West and East Coasts of the South Island. Canterbury is dependent to an extent on Westland and vice versu. On the question of the West Coast and Nelson railway my viewß are pretty well known. It should be made by private enterprise, if possible, or if not by the colony. Another question of great importance to the whole colony is the North Island Trunk, or Wellington-Auckland railway. The question was one of peculiar difficulty , as the Government had first to fix the route, a by no means easy task — to tie up the landß through which it was to pass, so that thej might bo available for sett'ement, and to prepare and pmss- through the House a measure authorising the raising of a loan . for it: construction. The financial arrangemen 1 1 of the colony have been dealt with, anc many difficulties met the Government whei the question was taken m hand. In the first place, we had to make arrangements to mcc' the engagements of our predecessors. W< had to relieve the colony from the burden o: raising money, time after time, and thei paying it away into a sinking fund. It wus £ great responsibility to affirm that such i system must end, and we were told that il would be disastrous to the credit of th< colony to abolish the sinking fund, bul we have reason for congratulation ir having proved that such was not the case, ai evidenced by the success of the last millior loan. Two other measures were passed ol much importance, of which I may speal again. I refer to the Married Women's Property Act and the Employment oi Females Act. The latter measure did nol belong to tho Government ; the credit oi it is due to Mr Bradshaw. These measure! are but a small portion of the justice which is due to the fair sex at the hands of the Legislature ; the absence of such m the past being due to the absence of sufficient voict from them m the making of the laws of the coimtry. The Beetroot Sugar Bill has not yet, nor is it likely for some time, to make its beneficial effects felt, as the article is so low m price j but I believe a great industry if springing up from this source which will prove of considerable benefit. A measure oi much advantage to the working classes, and due to them, was that which gave them a Her for wages on the works m progress. The measure dealing with the floating of timbei was one of interest to the Nortl Island, especially m Auckland, where the timber trade had assumed enormous dimensions. So far tho Government had nol found, as was usually the ease during the recess, that the measures passed were marnec m their working by flans, and much of tin credit of this state of things is due to the Attorney-General (the Hon. B. Stout) one ol the ablest lawyers m the colony. When i( is considered that we went on with the business of the colony after going into office without asking for an adjournment, I thini tho amount of work we did was such as we may well be satisfied with. During the recess, the Harbor Bills have been brought into force and the work commenced, a most rapid piece of legislation and practice. The contract for the West Coast Railway has been signed, and delegates are now m Loudon negotiating the business with every hope of a successful result. Tenders have beer called for the North Island Trunk Railway and it will probably be commenced m a fey days. The Insurance Department has bees incorporated, a Board elected, and every thing is going on satisfactorily. Consideratioi haa been given to the question of reform m the Civil Service, and will be pro ceeded with m due courso. The Premie has felt it his duty to make hiinsel thoroughly acquainted with all the feature; of the question, and is visiting the variou portions of the colony with that object. Thi Minister for Education has found a largi amount of work to do m his department, ant has further decided to establish a system o technical education, so that our boys will b< taught that there is something beyond men literary attainments to be sought after m edu cation. The Colonial Secretary has deall with the arrangements relating to sheep anc live stock, which he found m a terrible state of inefficiency; He has also found it necessary to take m hand the subject ef charitable aid. I am aware that he has come m for 8 large share of ridicule for his action m thif matter, but there was no more urgent subject m all that could come under his jurisdiction. The Minister for Public Works (Mr Richardson) is undertaking a most arduous work m his endeavor to effect reforms m the department under hiß control, especially the management of our railways. One notable example of the success of his endeavors is seen m the popularity of the excursion trains, the running of which is due to him. These trains are a double benefit to the colony, not only increasing tho receipts of the lines, but enabling the people to see more of the country m which they dwell. Tenders have been called for and accepted for the manufacture of locomotives m the colony, one of the most important and beneficial steps for the whole of New Zealand that have ever been taken, and I have to congratulate you upon tho fact that Christchurch, through Messrs Scott Bros., has beon able to wrest this prize from the hands of the rest of the colony. May this be the first step towards the firm becoming one of those mighty manufacturing establishments which we know exist m other countries. Mr Ballunce, m his dealings with native affairs has attained a status with the natives which no other Minister ever did. From one end to another they give him their confidence. Thus tho North Island Trunk Railway is being constructed withthe full consent of the native*. I have no wish to reflect on his predecessor, as he had a position of much difficulty to deal with, and an unpleasant and delicate duty to perform. He had to show the natives that the Europeans were strong enough to be their masters. His style was a harsh one ; ho had an iron hand, and he made no effort to conceal it under a velvet glove. Mr Ballance has both, and he has shown the natives that we do not wish to rule harshly,but to do justice to both races. Mr Ballance is an enthusiast on the question of settling people on the land of the colony. Special settlements have been eagerly embraced m the North Island, and he hopes to see similar settlements here. The terms upon which these, are open are exceedingly liberal, and he hopes to shortly open up village settlements m Canterbury m the neighborhood of Christchurch and other parts. The question of the defence of the colony has assumed. particular importance, and the Government are 'of opinion that it is our duty to prepare by the next session of the House a plan for the defence of the principal ports of the colony In the meantime we are doing all that we can before Parliament meets. It is ti r,e that we oeased trusting to the chance that no hostilities would break out affecting ourselves or to the chances that no Power would molest us m such a case, as we have done m the past. We may be sure that no Power will wait at our asking until we are ready to repel their attacks. It is time for us to take steps for self-preservation, as the other colonies are doing' or hare done. Mr Tole m addition to j

the duties of his own department has rendered great .service to other If misters m attending to the duties of their portfolios during their i absence from Wellingf ou m other parts of tho colony. iI c has acted for me m connection with the Insurance Board. ' The Minister of Mi C 9, Mr Larnach, has resolved to make himself thoroughly acquainted with the -wants of the department placed under his charge. The mining industry must ever be an important factor m the interests of the colphy, and must receive proper attention; we believe that the course we have adopted of placing this department under the charge of a separate Minister is one which will commend itself to and meet the approval of the House. I have not been idle myself dur ng the recess, having never had less than 70 hours' work each week since the House adjourned. I have devoted much time and attention m getting into a workable shape the postal arrangements between the colony and Great .Britain, which was much involved owing to various reasons. New South Wales had refused to continue the Californian route ; the Home Government refused to send our letters except by the old line, and large steamers were coming to New Zealand direct and carrying no mails. The matter is now settled, and it must be a source of gratification to this part of the colony to know that the Shipping Company whiuh owes its existence, m a no small measure to Christchurch, should have secured the contract for a long term of years for a direct mail service. In conjunction with my colleague Mr Biehardson, I hare opened up negotiations with the various district railways as to the terms of purchase. Ihe encouragement of local industry is a subject m which we are all deeply interested, and we hope to place before the House next session proposals of a satisfactory nature for their encouragement. It is gratifying that, we are to have an Industrial Exhibition m Wellington this year, as it will show the extent, character and condition of the various industries m the colony. The next Exhibition must be held iR Dunedin or Christchurch, and a3 your representative, I need not say that I shall favor its being held here. Changes are required m the matter of local government, and the question is now m the hands of myself and Mr Stout. The bringing of the districts into homogeneous relations has been entrusted to my colleague, while I ana dealing with the financial aspect and responsibilities of the case. The railways must be managed by non-political Boards as soon as the necessary measures can be prepared. There aro two most important interests m the colony which have hitherto been neglected which require immediate and careful attention. I refer to the fisheries and forests of the colony. In the former I believe there are vast sources of wealth awaiting development, the industry of fish curing and preserving needing only some slight assistance at the start to hecome what it is m other countries — a source of employment to the people and profit to the colony. The manner m which the forests of the colonr are being destroyed without the slightest attempt to replenish them is a Bin, and we shall ask the House next session to deal with tke question. My policy regarding the sale of native lands is well known. I wish to see the lands brought into early use and settlement, and not locked up m the hands of speculators. I desire to see them handed over for hondfide settlement, but due regard must be paid to the rights and interests of the native race as there are pa3t obligations which have to be dealt with. The subject is one beset with difficulties, but it will be dealt with next session. It is m contemplation to inaugurate a system of postal rates and parcels post. In future railway construction a definite plan will have to be observed. It must first be decided which are trunk lines to be made by the colony, and which aro district lines of special interest and benefit to the people of a district and to be constructed at their cost. We must deal with the question of defence. Ihe Upper House needs to be reformed to a certain extent, but I do not propose to take any sensational measures for that object. The Upper House itself should provide the means for its own reform. The appointments to the Chamber should be of a less permanent character, and instead of being for life, should last for a number of years only. I have at times felt hurt when measures upon which I had spent much time and thought have been defeated by the Upper House, and I have come into conflict with it, but, on the whole, it has shown itself disposed to benefit the colony, and I hare no doubt we shall look at any proposal sensibly and be prepared to deal with it m a dignified manner ; at any rate no appointments wade after the House next meets should be for other than a term of years. In the remarks I am about to make on the subject of cheap money, let it be understood that I am m no way pledging the Government. The question is one of vital importance to the colony, and needs to be approached with great care. It is very hard upon small farmers and those who desire to possess a small area of land that they should have to pay such high rates of interest as they do at present. Many plans have been suggested to remedy tho evil, but I think the difficulties with which it is surrounded have not been fully considered. Nothing can be more disastrous to any country than a forced paper currency, and the experience of those who know anything of such a condition goes to prove that the prices of goods go up, and the value of the paper goes down, and the one desire of a country which under pressure has introduced such a currency is to redeem the.paper, and return to gold. It is not at all likely that such a system will be adopted here, and further Government entering into the market would not increaso the volume of money m circulation, but simply reduce tho power of the existing banking institutions to assist their constituents. The land banks of Germany would not appear to suit the requirements of this colony. They were instituted for the purpose of enabling peasant holdings to be converted into fixed freeholds, but no similar conditions exist here. There might be legislation m the direction of obtaining money which could be granted m small sums (but only_ m email amounts) and under certain conditions by which the small former could get the money at 5£ or 6 per cent, but it inuat be borne m mind that this would not clash with tho business of the large and powerful companies which did not care for this class of business. If such companies (which were a great and felt power) opposed th« scheme, kowever, it could not be got through the House. A system of guaranteed and mortgage debentures might be constituted, and if so, I think it would be haileol with pleasure. The subject of Federation is one upon which I am anxious to make myself clearly understood. The position of the question now is as follows : A Convention, at which all the colonies were represented, was held, at which a. draft measure for federation was submitted. This proposed that all • the colonies should send representatives to the Federal Council, and that the measure should be passed by the Home Parliament, but should have no effect until each body joined it ; but -where this was done the Council would hare power over a large number of measures. Some of the colonies had been pressing the matter upon the Home Government, and the-measuro had there been made of a. more drastic character, rendering it possible for the Queen m Council to add any other subjects which might he thought fit, so that it would, bo hardly possible to destroy all legislative independence. In the course of further remarks on the Federal Council scheme, Sir Julius Yogel went on to say that two men, m common with a^numberof strangers from other colonies will legislate finally on certain subject*. "-^lf they knew anything of the parliaments of N<j w Zealand or those of the other colonies, there was no measure of even the humblest description which they would be willing to delegate to the final legislation of any two men assisted by shoala of men from outaide the colony* It a'Government even were to ask for power to legislate finally on a certain subject, even so insignificant a thing us torn-tits or robin redbreasts, would not Parliament say, "No, you may consider the subject as much as you like, but final decision on it must rest' with us."' Was it likely, therefore, that any Parliament would give to two men power to deal, even with the help of outsiders, with subjects of the gravast importance? He believed the people of the colonies did not understand this aspect of the ques'ion. He had recently spoken to a member of tho Victorian Legislature, who had assured him that m that colony it • was not 'so understood, and that if it were the people would not be m favor of it. He was convince^ th,at