Page 3 Advertisements Column 4

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 249, 27 August 1879, Page 3

10 THE ELECTORS OP WAIRAEAPA. Gentlemen— I again present myself before 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 opportunity of furthering your interests, and have 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 of the present Government has seriously affected the progress and well-being of the Colony. The question of the settlement of a population on our Waste Lands has not as yet, in my opinion, received the attention its importance demands. A liberal extension of a defeired payment system is, I consider, the best method to encourage the settlement of an industrial population. The present circumstances of the colony do not warrant a continuation of Free Immigration, 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 equalising the burdm of taxation, so as to ensure that all share of the burdens of the Colony. The repeal of the import duty on Timber a nd Grain was a grave error. In some districts of the colony the effect has been most disastrous, ElcctoialPieform, 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 legislation on these cucstions has become a necesImportaiit 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. ]K is especially heccssary that local bodies should bo relieved from the responsibility of constructing 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 Government that has been established iu 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

While the colony, as at present, is able to borrow on favorable terms, I am convinced that it is a judicious policy to laisc loans for expenditure on reproductive works. I shall endeavor to meet yon 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 I have the honor to be, Yours faithfully, GEORGE BEETHiM. 10 THE ELECTORS OF THE WAIRABAPA. After some years silence I venture once more to solicit your suffrages as a Candidate for a seat in the House of Representatives. I hope I shall not be deemed presumpuous in expecting the 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 taking the place of the old ones, and to whom I am personally unknown, I may say, I ask for the favor of opportunitopics of the day, feeling assured I

Should I have the honor of being returned I will bo no party to any policy which may hare the effect of setting class against class, for in the present {{rave political, native, and financial crisis we arc 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 winch I believe to be inimical to full and completoreform, 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 inon of all parties must sec the gravity of the situation. To devise its satisfactory solution will tax their minds and energies to the utmost, This accomplished wo need have 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 Council Act, I believe in the energetic prosecution of public works; but lam of opinion that our energy should mostly be confined to the completion of the main lines of railway now in hand. For instance, the lines from Napier, Wanganni, and Masterton should hs quickly carried on, so as to meet at their natural focus, Woodvillc. I decidedly object to the continuance of Immigration at a time when so many working men are out of employment. hers, 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 regards the .Land Tax, which I view as part of a Property Tax, I desire to see it fairly tried, and if, in its incidence, it is unjust to some, let the Act be amended, I am an advocate for Manhood Suffrage (with proper safeguards), Triennial Parliaments, and Hedistribution of Seats; but 1 am opposed to representation based purdjl 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—f.n advocate for the encouragement and establishment of Small Farm Settlements, be ieving as I do that they are essential to the progress and prosperity, of tho 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 bo for you to decide and say if you deem them worthy ,of acceptance. I remain, Gentlemen, Yours obediently, • C. K. CAETER. Wairarapa, August 14th, 1879.