Avon.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6015, 25 August 1887, Page 3

Avon.

Mr Edwin Blake will address the electors of Avon at the Town Hall, Papanui, on Monday next. A meeting of Mr Blake's supporters is convened for 8 o'clock to-morrow (Friday) evening, in Mr Vincent's house, Selwyn Btreet, Addington. There was a large attendance last evening in the Bright'a road schoolroom, to hear Mr E. G. Wright,, one of the candidates for the Ayon electorate, Mr J. G. Ruddenklau in the chair. He advocated " a certain degree " of Protection, but condemned the tariff proposals of the Government. A purely agricultural population, he said, was always a poor one ; New Zealand must strive to the utmost to take her place as a manufacturing nation. With regard to Land Settlement, he advocated freehold tenure, with holdings up to 600 acres. The Village Settlement scheme he derided as a way of raising up an army of State paupers. He advocated economy in Education : the coat of higher education he held to be excessive. He was opposed to any further borrowing, and in retrenching he would begin at the top, pruning down the various departments. He advocated Railway Boards of Advice, the cessation of the 'Frißco mail subsidy, and reciprocity with England. On the motion of Mr Whitelaw, seconded by Mr J. Parry, a. vote of thanks and confidence was declared to be carried almost unanimously.