SIR JOHN HALL AT LEESTON.

West Coast Times, Issue 6569, 1 August 1887, Page 2

SIR JOHN HALL AT LEESTON.

[Per Press Association.]

Chbistchubch, July 31.

Sir John Hall addressed a crowded meeting at the Oddfellow's Hall, Leeston, last night. t He was well received and defended himself and his Government against the charges of lavish expenditure of loan and extravagance, quoting figures to show that in March, 1882, his Government were able to point to a surplus of £200,000, and that they reduced loan expenditure by one half. While determined not to interfere with the efficiency of the education system, he was favorable to making enquiries whether it cannot be admi istered at less coat. He asserted that the present Government had not been so economical as they had promised, as was shown by the fact that they had iucreased expenditure and had spent more than the predecessors on residences and travelling expenses. He believed in thorough retrenchment which should begin at the very top. A coasideraqle saving might be made by paying the Governor actual travelling expenses only instead of the present allowance of £2500; by reducing Ministerial salaries to £1500 for tbe Premier, and £1000 for other ministers; by reducing the honorarium to £100 or to £150. He admitted that a man should pay taxation according to his property, but contended that to tax large properties on a higher ratio than the small ones, was putting a tax on industry and economy. He feared Mr Ballances' land settlement system would prove a failure, and perferred the "mixed" system practised by Mr Eol* leston, under which persons with some little capital were assisted to settle, and poorer persons located where they would be employed by richer neighbors. He did not see the need for the Land Acquisition Bill. He did nofc approve of the tariff proposals of the Govornment because thay wished to tax certain articles which could not bear taxation. He believed in moderation, protecting such industries as could be profitably pursued. He ascribed the depression to the low prices of produce, the want of confidence in the colony prevailing in other countries through our large indebtedness and alarm at the wild theories advanced by tome public men, and to the large sum sent away annually for interest. The last course was due mainly to the abuse of the public works policy. What was needed was to import less and export more ; fo practice economy in the public service and to endeavour to open up new industries, such as the export of dairy produce. Especially must the colony practically stop harrowing. There were, he thought, works in progress now which would be better to stop than to carry on with borrowed money. The address was frequently applauded though there was a slight interruption.' A vote of thanks was passed, moved by one of Hall's supporters who said no doubt tho vote of confidence would be given by a ballot box, A portion of the audience gave cheers for Yogel and Stout.