THE ESCORT.

Cromwell Argus, Volume IV, Issue 201, 16 September 1873, Page 6

THE ESCORT.

The Southern Escort, which arrived sft Dunedin Uft Tuesday evening, took down the following quantities of gold i

A complimentary dinner was given to Mr R. Stout, M.P.C., by hid CaVersham emu stitueuts on Thursday evening, the 4th inst. I'rom the report of his speech in reply to the toast of his health, we make the following ex* tract 1— “ During last session, one thing waS developed in the Domicil which has never been witnessed in the Council before. 1 refer to a most pernicious system that Cuts at the mot of any deliberative system, namely, government by caucus. Matters even of the most trivial import which were brought before the Council were considered at caucus meetings. The Government, instead of proclaiming boldly their policy, ami saying that its adoption was necessary to the interest of the Province, held meetings of their supporters ; they then came to the Council, and sal-1 in effect, ‘We have, or have hot agreed to this : and if yotl don’t Vote for it, we shall re> sign. That is certainly a most pernicious sys> tem, and, were there time, I could take up various matters, and show clearly hoW Various questions Were by that moans bulked. By such means the Council was not treated fairly, because I hold one of the most Important functions ol a Provincial Council is for the members to let in a flood of light, as it were, even upon the most trivial subjects, so that nothing may pass th* Council Until every member understands what he is Voting for, and not follow blindly the tlida* tions of cither the Opposition or the Executive—(applause)- so that every member may be enabled to give an unbiassed and unprejudiced vote, whether in the interest of party or not; and I say that this Government by means of caucus meetings, those continual threats of resignation) stopped discussion, and absolutely negatived one of the moat important functions of the Council."

ozs. dwts. Lawrence • - ‘ ‘ 1236 9 Walpori • 157 4 WaitahUna «• * • 24!) 3 Switzers • 21)00 0 Tokomairiro » - * 523 10 4109 6 Northern Escort ‘ * 6877 1 Total - . 11,046 7