DUNSTAN DISTRICT PROTECTION TEAGUE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 739, 16 June 1876, Page 2

DUNSTAN DISTRICT PROTECTION TEAGUE.

A meeting of delegates convened by circular, was held in the Library Hall, Clyde, on Wednesday afternoon last, the 14th inst., at 2 p.m. Delegates present—Messrs J. Hazlett, B. Naylor, T. Sims (Clyde), J. .Samson, W. Theyers, J, Coleman (Alexandra), J. M. McGinnis (Butcher’s Gully), R. J. Webb (Bald Hill Flat), A. Iversen (Conroy’s Gully). Mr B. Naylor was voted to the Chair.

Mr G. Pache, interim Secretary, stated that he had convened the meeting on a conversation he had had with several of the delegates, and that he had notified by circular the various gentlemen whom he was informed had been elected to represent the various centres of population, viz., Cromwell, Blacks, Drybread, Alexandra, and West Bank of Molyneux, of the meeting The Secretary then read a letter from the Cromwell Protection League, to the effect that at a meeting of the League held on the 10th instant, a resolution was adopted—- “ That, in the event of abolition of the Provinces becoming a fact, the electoral districts of Dunstan and Wakatip should, in the opinion of the League, be formed into a county, and that a memorial to that effect be circulated for signature." That the next meeting of delegates be held on Saturday, the 17th, in the 'lown Hall, Cromwell, and soliciting the attendance and co-operation of the Clyde branch.

The report of the Cromwell meeting, as published in the Cromwell Argus, was read. Mr Sims thought some expression of opinion.should be given on the action of the Cromwell delegates. He understood, and he believed it was generally understood, that the League was a district one, but from the report of the meeting just read Cromwell was arrogating to itself powers it was never thought it should have. Mr M’Ginniss thought the Cromwell delegates, not only by meeting without giving some notice, but by adopting resolutions and ordering memorials to be circulated for signature, representing their particular views, had treated the other portions of the district with but scant courtesy ; the fact in itself of expressing an opinion was as nothing, but asking the co-operation of the Clyde branch was a direct insult.

Mr Samson and Mr Theyers agreed with what had fallen from previous speakers, but considered it better to at once enter upon what this meetirig had to do and not what had been done at Cromwell.

Mr M'Ginnis said he would propose the appointment of a permanent Chairman, under whose hand all communications between the Leagues the district representative should he sent, and would nominate Mr B. Naylor. Seconded by Mr Sims and carried. Mr G. Fache was appointed permanent Secretary. On reference to expenses, the delegates present agreed to pay same. Resolved, That letter from the Cromwell League he received, and that the Secretary in reply to state that some members from this League would, if possible, attend the meeting to he held on the 17th instant; Proposed by Mr M'Ginnis That the Dunstan District Political League having watched with interest the correspondence between Sir Julius Vogel. Sir George Grey, and his Honor the Superintendent, believes that no good would accrue to the people of Otago through abolition.

Mr Coleman and Mr Sims would most decidedly protest against such a proposition, each considering that the meeting would be outstepping its duty by dealing with such a question. Mr Webb supported the proposition, and said Abolition meant the taking from Otago its land revenve, whereas Provincialism meant securing it. He quoted from a return of the unsold lands in the various Provinces, which shewed that Otago yet bad 13,000,000 acres, which was more than all the other Provinces put together. He also quoted from His Honor the Superintendent’s Address to the Members of the Provincial Council, as follows One of the most prominent provisions of the Abolition Bill, which ‘he who runs may read,’ is that the 1,00,000 a year interest on the Provincial debt, which has hitherto been met chiefly out of the Otago share of the consolidated revenue, is henceforth to he charged against its land fund. When to this is added the expenses of survey, administration, compensation to leaseholders, and payment of interest on unproductive railways in other Provinces, it would he interesting to know how much will remain with which to fulfil those glittering promises of the Colonial Government as to permanent endowments—promises which, we may rest assured, will prove as evanescent as all those of a similar nature which have emanated from the same source.”

Mr Hazlett supported the proposition,

Mr Coleman proposed, as an amendment “That this meeting desires to express no opinion on the question of Abolition or Separation, but desires to exnress its opinion that suoh measures should be adopted ns will secure to the people of Otaco the land revenue m such a manner as to secure to each district the expenditure of its fair share of the same.”

Mr M’Ginnis was quite in accord with the latter part of the amendment, and would do everything in his power to assist in carrying out such a measure. With regard to abolition, however, he had decided views; the whole scheme, so far as he understood it, and so far as it effected the goldfields, was a delusion and a snare. Counties in the settled districts would do well, but on the goldfields they were not required, the miners in ail conscience were heavily enough taxed without having counties to support, and towards which they would have to pay heavily.

Mr Sims seconded the amendment and Mr Samson supported it. Upon the motion and amendment being put to the meeting the voting was—for the proposition, 5 ; for the amendment, 3. The proposition was declared carried. Resolved—“ That the resolutions, as carried, be forwarded to V. Pyke, Esq., M.H.R for the Dnnstan District. Mr Webb said a matter for consideration by the League was the payment of members. Mr Sims proposed—” That the Secretary commu' icate with the Cromwell League, expressing the disapproval of this League of any district being the centre of the league, and desires to see the whole electoral district work in unanimity for the benefit of the district generally. —Seconded by Mr Theyers and carried. Mr Coleman tabled a notice of motion—- “ That at the next meeting ha would bring forward the Land Question.” Resolved - “That the next meeting he held at Alexandra, on Wednesday nest, the 21st inst., at 3 p.m.” The meeting adjourned accordingly.

The bluntest men make the most cutting remarks.

What are you doing with my miscroscope, Fred ? ” “ I’ve been shaving, father, and I want to see if there are any hairs in the lather.” If a man won't act on the square, the best thing is to deal roundly with him. Old gentleman (affectionately) : “My son, why do you chew that filthy tobacco ?” —Precocious youth (stifllv) To get the juice out of it, old codger !’’ The freezing Point—An icicle.