town.
Speeches of Messrs. Planta and Hollond
It was a sudden thought, undigested that produced the alteration of the postal system in this country. A measure that before worked well and profitably was never considered to be an oppressive tax except by a few bankers and merchants. It was freely paid by the people; but it was one of those schemes of the Government by which they hoped to gain over a few to their fast thinning ranks. The number thus gained I think was eight. The alteration was made against the opinion of the experienced men who were engaged in that department and against the remonstrance of Col .Maberly, secretary to the establishment. The Ministers did it, however, and the consequence was that last year there was a deficiency in the revenue of £1,400,000. That was occasioned by the remission of that which was never regarded as an oppressive tax by anyone; or if it was so considered, it was not by the poor but by the rich. In the face of such deficiency, the Ministers were obliged to lay ten per cent. on the taxes of the country. The only other question is the Poor Law, and in respect to this, I am happy to meet the charge of Mr. Putland and to tell him that when he states that I did not vote on this or that clause, he was right in his statement so far, but wrong in his conclusions. I did not vote against any particular clause, but against the Bill as a whole.
I recorded my conviction that it was bad and voted for it being thrown out. There were, doubtless, some abuses in the old law, but I think they might have been remedied without having recourse to such a grinding law as this. I will yield to no one in affection for Hastings and St. Leonards. For many years their locality has been my residence, and I can justly claim a right to express my sincere affection for the inhabitants. My efforts to support these towns have perhaps been feeble as compared with the kindness with which my friends have spoken of them, but it has always been my object to satisfy the wants and wishes of the inhabitants. I have endeavoured to promote your views on the question of a harbour and the protection of the town. I feel that the time must come when the Government of the day will see the necessity of making some place of refuge between Beachy Head and Dover. The fishery have my warmest interest. When I was informed that the French fishermen were annoying you, I applied to the Admiralty, and in two days I received an answer that a vessel had been despatched, and here I find her. If you should elect me, I can only say that I shall do as I have done before and will now leave my case in your hands. [Applause]
Mr. Hollond, who was also received with cheers, said he had much greater satisfaction in addressing them than he had four years ago, because he was then a stranger, but now surrounded by a number of friends. There had been many salutary measures introduced by the present Ministers, but he was sorry to see that they had not been supported as they deserved to be. He was a firm supporter of the Church, and he thought he supported it best in its religious character by wishing not to make those contribute to its support who conscientiously dissented from it. He much regretted to see people who refused to pay church-rates on conscientious grounds had been put in prison. Such a system was against his feelings as a Christian, and his exertions would be used to remedy so great an evil. He had done all he could to relieve the poor from the harsh provisions of the Poor Law. He voted for going into Committee because he felt that a return to the old system would be the ruin of many small ratepayers. He attended that com-
