PUBLIC MEETING.

Dunstan Times, Issue 230, 21 September 1866, Page 3

PUBLIC MEETING.

A public meeting was held at the Dunfitan Hotel, Clyde, on Saturday the 15th current, convened by the, Mayor, Mr J. P. Feraud, in'conSequence of a letter he had received from the Mayor of Dunedin. Mr Feraud stated the object for which the meeting had been called; said, that, at a public meeting held in tne Piincess Theatre, Dunedin, he had been appointed one of the Committee of the Otago Association, and in compliance with a resolution passed at the said meeting, he had been requested to form a local Committee, with a view to assist in carrying out the objects of the Association. The Town-clerk, Mr W. L. Bailey liere read the first resolution, which was moved by Mr Hazlett, viz. That this meeting, considering the large proportion of the Public Revenue drawn from this Province, and that of late a centralising tendency "has been exhibited by the General Government, whereby the Revenue'of this Province is abstracted, as well-as increased burdens created for the purpose of expenditure elsewhere, desires to express a strong opinion against every measure having tbeeffeet of diminishing the •amo int of the proportion of the Revenue at present locally appropriated, on the faith of which large obligations have been undertaken, and the belief that financial reform, whereby the expenditure of the Government be ourtai'ed and more •equitably distributed amongst the Provinces, is imperatively required. Seconded by Mr Ryan and carried. Mr Cambridge moved: — That this meeting is of opinion, that by -repealing the 41st clause of the Municipal Kmpowering A-ct, the usefulness of Mtffti--cipal Institutions will be greatly diminished, without any corresponding benefit to the General Government. Seconded by Mr Cox, and carried. The next resolution was moved by Mr Ziele, and seconded by Mr Paterson:— That in order to give effect to the views of this meeting, a committee be formed to act in co-operation with ' The Otago Association' for watching over and promoting the prosperity of the various interests of the Province, and to take such steps as they may deem necessary, to se•cure that attention to the wishes of the in--habitants of the Province to which, looking at their position, wealth, and resources, they are legitimately entitled, and that •the following gentlemen do form the committee, namely :—Messrs Feraud, Fache, Hazlett, Shaw, and Patterson, with power to add to their number. The Mayor, Mt Feraud, said the business of the meeting had terminated, and that he would read a letter he had received from Mr M'Pherson, M.P.<"\ Clyde, 15th Sept., 1866\ 'To J. D. Ferauu, Esq., Dear ir, —f have to-day written to the Superintendent, tendering my resignation as a member of the Provincial Council, •owing to business arrangements preventing my attendance in the Council next session, 'and as there will be a public meeting held this evening, may T request if not out of order, the favor of your announcing the same to those gentlemen present at the •meeting. Will you also please, in my name, to thank my constituents for the honor conferred on me on my return as a member, and for the kind and courteous consideration which I have always received at their hands since my election. I would have been personally present, ■but cannot leave my business this evening. I remain, dear sir, Yours very faithfully, D. M'PHERSON. Dr Shaw said, that considering the short time that was to elapse before a general election, and the confidence this meeting feel in Mr M'Pherson's ability and his good •will towards the district, he would move—- " That a deputation consisting of Messrs Morice, Feraud, Hazlett, Cambridge, and the mover, do waitdn Mr M'Pherson, and •lay before him the feelings of this meeting; also, to show the great expence the country would be put in the event of his resigning before the session terminated. Seconded by Mr Hull, and carried. The usual vote of thanks to the chair terminated the proceedings.