mo THE ELECTORS OF.WAIRARAPA, Gentlemen— I again present myself beforo you as a candidate for your suffrages. I have now had the honor of representing you in Parliament for nearly three years, during which period I have, I believe, never lost an o»portimity of furthering your interests, end h\ e always endeavored to procure for your important district a fair share of the funds available for expenditure on Public Works, My previously formed opinions relating to Sir George Grey have lately been thoroughly endorsed by large majorities of both branches of the Legislature. The maladministration I of the present Government has seriously affected tho progress and well-being of the Colony. my opinion, received the attention its im ; portance demands. A liberal extension of a defeired payment system is, I consider, the best method to encourage tho settlement of an industrial population. The present circumstances of the colony gralion, but I am prepared to support a liberal system of Nominated Immigration, A Property and Income Tax would, I believe, be the fairest means of cpalisin* the share of the burdens of the Colony. The repeal of the import duty on Timber and Grain was a grave error. In tome dis-
ElcctoialKoform, with a view to the extension of the franchise, would meet with my hearty support, Fencing and Drainage are subjects of great importance to this district. Further le°islaluiportaut modifications in the system of County Government are urgently needed, and many difficulties in connection with this subject must shortly engage the attention of the Legislature. It is especially necessary that local bodies should be relieved from the responsibility of cons! rue ting and maintaining the main arterial lines of road in sparsely settled districts throughout the colony. The Rabbit Nuisance Act also will require careful amendment by the new Parliament. The system of personal Govermneni that lias been established in the Native Department is eminently unsatisfactory, I believe that the time has arrived when the Natives should be treated as reasonable beings, and not in an exceptional and unjust manner. While the colony, as at present, is able to borrow on favorable terms, I am convinced that it is a judicious policy to laise loans for expenditure on reproductive works, I shall endeavor to meet you as soon as possible in the various centres of population, 1 shall then have the honor to address you more fully on all matters of local and general import. I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, Yours faithfully, 225 GEORGE BBETH4M. mO THE ELECTORS OP THE 1 WAIRARAPA. I After sonic years silence I venture once more to solicit your suffrages as a Candidate for a scat in the House of Representatives. _ I hope I shall not be deemed presumptions m expecting (he support of those old settlers who, in early days, twice returned me to the General Assembly, and three times to the Provincial Council, To those new settlers who are gradually talcing the place of the old ones, and to whom I am personally unknown, ties to explain my opinions on the prominent political topics of the day, feeling assured I can do so to their satisfaction.
Should I have the honor of being returned have the effect of setting class against class, For in the present grave political, native, and financial crisis we are passing through, it is of vital importance that all classes should work together for the common good. At the same time, I will he no supporter of measures which I believe to be inimical to full and complete reform, retrenchment, economy, and the equal adjustment of taxation. Tho financial condition of the colony will be the crucial question. Its giant proportions dwarfs all others, Sensible men of all parties must see: the gravity of the situation. To devise its satisfactory solution will tax their minds and energies to the utmost. This accomplished wo need havo no doubts or fears of a great and prosperous future for New Zealand. I am in favor of the continuance of subsidies to Local Boards, and the amendment of the County Councils Act, I believe in the energetic prosecution of public works; but lam of opinion that our energy should mostly be confined to "tho completion of the main lines of railway now in hand. For instance, the lines from Napier, Wanganui, and Masterton should ha quickly carried on, so as to meet at their natural focus, Woodville. I decidedly object to the continuance of Immigration at a time when so many working men are out of employment. though in favor of the payment of members, I consider the present scale of remuneration too high, and when the inevitable reduction of expenditure does occur it will be wise if members begin with themselves,
I think an Income and Property Tax advisable. As regard? the Land Tax, which I view as part of a Property Tax, I desire to see it fairly tried, and if, iu its incidence, it is unjust to some, let the Act he amended, I am an advocate for Manhood Suffrage (with proper safeguards), Triennial Parliaments, and Bcdistribution of Seats; but 1 am opposed to representation based purely on population, for it would tend to throw the balance of political power into' the hands of great towns to the detriment of the country districts Plurality of voting in politics I regard with disfavor. lam still—as you know I have always been~an advocate for the encouragement and establishment of Small Farm Settlements, believing as 1 do that they are essential to the progress and prosperity of the whole colony. In conclusion, I wish the electors of the Wairarapa to clearly understand that in becoming a Candidate, I have no personal object to serve. I desire no paid office from any Government. lam not making a trade of politics (which I deeply regret to see has become the bane of New Zealand), but having much spare time at my disposal I venture to offer my services, and it will he for yon to decide and say if you deem them worthy of acceptance. I remaia, Gentlemen, Yours obediently, C. R. CAETEE. Wairaiapa, August 14th. 1879.
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Bibliographic details
Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 244, 21 August 1879, Page 3
Word Count
1,023Page 3 Advertisements Column 4 Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 244, 21 August 1879, Page 3
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