PUBLIC MEETING.

Dunstan Times, Issue 736, 26 May 1876, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING.

On Monday evening last, the 22nd inst., a public meeting, convened by advertisement, was held in the Town Hall, Clyde, to consider the suggestion of Vincent Pyke, M.H. R. for the Dunstan district, of forming a Protection League to watch over the interests of the district, and to communicate with representative in Parliament, and to be communicated with during the coming session. Mr B. Naylor, who occupied the chair, briefly explained the object of the meeting, and remarked on the desirability of forming such an association, as he thought their member’s hands would not only be materially strengthened by having such a body at his back, but the district itself would be benefited. It would shew th“y were alive to their interests, and were desirous of being heard. Mr Pyke, who was present, came forward and said—his only apology for again meeting them was to discuss with them the desirability or otherwise of forming a League which he considered would be for their mutual benefit. The critical state of affairs at the present time, he might say, demanded it. From the mass of correspondence that had passed between the Premier and the , Superintendents of Otago and Auckland he had not derived much knowledge ; indeed, things were more dim than ever, and he was at a loss to guess what would be the outcome. The action he wished his constituency to take should have been taken long since ; it was not as if the House of Assembly was but a few miles off, it must be remembered that it was the other side of Cook’s Strait. He held that the only way the people have of getting their interests properly and thoroughly looked after was by the formation of associations such as he had suggested, and if it were not acted upon the fault would not be his. Disunion was weakness, and weak, indeed, were the people that would not work together. These were his views, and to impress upon the people that unity is strength was his sole reason of being there that night. He did not wish to raise any party cry, or open up any political discussion, but he desired to give it as his opinion that the matter of paramount importance was the land question, involving the distribution of the land fund and the administration of the laud laws. He had ma le up his mind that the land revenue should be locally expended, and the administration of the lands in the hands of the people, and on that question would depend his vote. He would not support any Government or party that would attempt to perpetrate such a swindle as had been attempted lately to sell the large blocks land. The first measure of the Session of would be the Local Government Bill, which ho looked upon as good in the abstract, but bad in the concrete. He had taken some trouble to ascertain the position, each party, Provincialists and Abolitionists, would occupy on the opening of Parliament, and had come to the conclusion that of the eightyfour Members there was a majority of twelve in favor of Abolition, probably there would be fifteen, and possibly twenty, consequently Provincialism was doomed. Providing that Provincial Institutions are maintained there would be a speedy end of the Session, but look on the other side, and presuming that Abolition was carried, as it is always well to provide for contingencies. Has anyone thought of the form of government to be substituted ? that form will, almost certainly be the County system, and it is on the question of detail he sought the advice and assistance of his constituents. No politician asks his constituents for political principles, but for assistance of detail. He (Mr Pyke) was in favor of large Counties, and the junction of the Wakatip and Dunstan Electoral Districts, which would make a rich and powerful Countv, and with a revenue of probably LIOO.OOO per annum would do well, at any rate, better than at present. The miners, who would form no inconsiderable part of the suggested County, should have a voice, and it would bo for them to say whether the Gold-export Duty should be repealed, or regarded as rates upon which a subsidy of L2 to LI would be given—-he had in previous Sessions objected to the duty, but from the revenue point of view, which meant the expenditure of the amount, together with the subsidy in the district, he thought it was worthy of consideration whether it should bo retained that alone would give L 22,000 per annum, for the Dunstan alone. Miner’s rights and other fees added would total up at least L 30.000. Miring property should not be taxed ; but with the tax on runs and freehold property the revenue from the Dunstan District, irrespective of Wakatip, would be L 50.000. After referring to many other subjects Mr Pyke said, it is for you to say if you think it is desirable that such an association should be formed. At Cromwell they had done so, and Messrs Jolly, Starkey, and Grant had been duly elected, and he had every reason to believe that I similar branches would bo formed at Bannockburn. Nevis, Bendigo, and other ccn--1 tres, each electing one or more members. At the Cromwell meeting it was suggested that a league should be formed m the

southern portion of the district, to combine Clyde, Alexandra, Blacks, &c., and An earnest desire was expressed that the two leagues should work in unison. Such a combination ho most sincerely wished, as ho believed it would have tho effect of breaking down local jealousies that at present exist. With such an association tho Dunstan district would have more power in Parliament than any other. What he wanted was some acknowledged person' to communicate with, if the people were satisfied it is required so, well and good, if not, ho would nut bo hurt or feel annoyed. Mr Pyke now sat down amid applause. Mr T. Sims said—After hearing Mr Pyke’s explanation he had pleasure in proposing : “ That this meeting fully endorse the views expressed by Mr Pyke, and consider it desirable that a Political Protection League be formed to watch the interests of the district, such League to consist of three members from Clyde j and that Alexandra, Speargrass Plat-, Blacks, Tinkers, and Drybread be asked to co-operate.” Mr J. Hazlett seconded tho proposition saying, that the formation of suoh an association could not but be of benefit to tho district. The Association would be able to look after their representative, as well as the interests of the district. Mr Webb asked, if in the event of Abolition being maintained, would it have the effect of excluding the liberal party from power, or prevent them from obtaining a hearing in Parliament. Mr Pyke did not know which party was the liberal party, in fact, in New Zealand there was neither party or side. Mr Webb—By the liberal party I mean the Provincial party. What 1 wish to know is, if Abolition is maintained, will it have tho effect of throwing the lands of Otago into the hands of monopolists and capitalists at the same rate as in former years, in comparison with what has been done in Canterbury and other Provinces ’ Mr Pyke—You must he laboring under a wrong impression, as there is more lands in Otago in the hands of monopolists than in Canterbury, as in Canterbury under their liberal land law of Free selection, though there is a large area sold it is in the hands of small holders— bona fide settlers. With the Abolition of the Provinces there was a prospect of a more liberal land measure than that which now existed. Mr Webb suggested that two members of the League for each centre would be sufficient. Mr Samson, Mayor of Alexandra, explained that at the meetings held at Alexandra and Speargrass, it was arranged that each place should elect one member. Mr Hazlett thought it was immaterial how many members composed the League so long as one was established. Mr Grant (of Cromwell) said he Was elected one of the raemheis of the Cromwell League, and was likely to bo interested in the matter under consideration. It appeared to him that the district, one and all, were on the right track, and he hoped that the leagues representing each portion of the district would work together for the common good. The motion that the Clyde branch of the league comprise three members was then put and carried. The following gentlemen were then elected : Messrs Hazlett, Sims, and Naylor. Mr G. Fache was appointed interim Secretary, and instructed to communicate to tho other districts the result of this meeting. Mr Welsford asked Mr Pyke if, in the event of him being communicated with during the session by one individual or party, would he take any notice of it. Mr Pyke said—That would all depend on the purport of the communication, but he did not anticipate he would with other than by the League. He desired now to express his satisfaction at the result, not only of this meeting, but of the others that had been held in various parts of the district. They were approaching a most important political era, and it was incumbent on one and all to do their duty. A vote of thanks to Mr Pyke, and to the Chairman, terminated a most successful and satisfactory meeting.