THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 825, 18 January 1871, Page 2

THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

♦ MR RICHARDSON AT ST. ALBANS. Mr E. Richardson, a candidate for the representation of Christchurch West, in the General Assembly, addressed a public meeting last evening, at the School House, tit. Albans. On the motion of Mr Cameron Mr C. W. Turner was voted to the Chair. The Chairman having briefly stated the object of the meeting, introduced the candidate. Mr Richardson spoke at some length, giving a resume of his address at the Canterbury Music Hall. He was opposed to reducing the price of land, but was favourable to a system of deferred payments. With regard to Education, he hoped to see the General Assembly before long initiate a scheme of compulsory Education, which might become the law of New Zealand. As to protection, he was of opinion thut so long as the Australian colonies taxed New Zealand grain and produce, they, in New Zealand, ought in self-defence, to tax Australian grain 1 and produce. It had been stated that he was in favour of large contracts ; such was not the case. For instance, in the question of railways he had no objection to small contracts, provided each contract was complete in itself, and not as had been the ctse here — 1 subdivided into a number of different inteiests. (Hear, hear). He intimated his intention of opposing any attempt which might be made to expend the money belonging to the Middle Island in carrying on works in the i North Island. He had been spoken to with reference to the drainage of the city, and with regard to that he was prepared to advocate that the City Council should ohta n large borrowing powers from the General A<sembly, so that a complete system of drainage for the city might be undertaken. In c inclusion, he s 'id that this was the first election under the ballot. Ever since he had been in New Zealand he had been a strenuous advocate of the ballot, having seen its beneficial working in the Australian colonies. If elected, he would endeavour to do his best, not only for this district, but also for the colony at large. Mr Price asked whether the candidate was in favour of manhood suffrage. That was that when a man who had been resident for six or twelve months ia a place he should be entitled to a vote ? Mr Kichardson snid that under certain circumstances he was in favour of manhood suffrage. (Cheers.) In reply to Mr Brown, Mr Richardson paid chat in his opinion deferred payments for land ought to be accompanied by compulsory edu atinn. In reply to Mr Codling, Mr Richardson stated i hat he thought fire years Parliaments were too lone. He also thought that the sum paid to memb.-rs was too small. It scarcely met their expenses in Wei ington. (In the motion of Mr Cvjieron a vote of thanks was passed to Mr Richardson for his attendance. Ihe meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman.