HON E. RICHARDSON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5990, 27 July 1887, Page 3

HON E. RICHARDSON.

At Woodend. On Tuesday evening the Hon the Minis ter for Public Works addressed a meeting of the electors of the Kaiapoi district, at the Woodend Schoolroom. There was a large attendance, the chair being occupied by' Mr Little, who in introducing the hon gentleman, asked those present to give him a fail- and impartial hearing.

Mr Richardson, wlio on rising was well received, commenced hia address by stating that his attention had been called to a statement whch had appeared in the Press, to the eflect that he would not have atattentively. Considerable applause greeted his remarks on education, village settleraont, retrenchment, and railway. At the conclusion Mr Richaudson thanked tho E c present for the very patient hearing afforded him, and stated that he would be happy to answer any questions asked him. questions In reply to Mr Smith, he might state he was surprised to hear that the extra charge of Is per ton was still enforced. He had a telegram from the Manager to Bay that it was a mistake from the first, and he concluded the error had been rectified be-

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fore this, but he would enquire about it. In answer to his question about retrenchment, he was sorry that after his explanation, he had not succeeded in

making the subject clear. The Governor's salary could not be reduced during his term of office by any Colonial Government. In reply to Mr Skevington, he stated that he would not be prepared to advocate the use of the Bible in State schools, as it would entail a complete* alteration of the system. • In reply to the Rev Mr Gfo3set,

Mr Richardson said he did not know how many children attending schools in London were accustomed to bs taught out of that Book. Mr Gossjet said that it had teen proved that the percentage was only equal to 4 in 1000. A voie of thanks was then moved by Mr Skevinoton, and seconded by Mr J. 0. Andrews, which on being put by the Chairman was declared carried unanimously. Mr Richardson acknowledged the com-, pliment paid him, aud said that where a contess was about to take place, he considered thanks were preferable. The result of the ballot "would show their approval or otherwise. The meeting then terminated.