DUNEDIN.

Dunstan Times, Issue 750, 1 September 1876, Page 2

DUNEDIN.

— o — our correspondent.) August 28. Since the rejection of the separation reso lutions there has been quite a flatness as regards the political situation until the last few days. A deputation waited on the Mayor, requesting him to preside at a meeting to he held in the Drill Shed. As time goes on it becomes more apparent that we are drifting into quite a chaotic state, hence the meeting held to-night to consider what is best to be done by our representatives under the circumstances. About 1000 persons were assembled, the Mayor in the chair. A number of resolutions were proposed, and enthusiastically carried unanimously, the purport of them being that the thanks of the community are due to the majority of the Otago members for the stand they have taken against the abolition of the provinces. The meeting pledged itself to resist by all constitution means the spoliation of the land fund and the other resources of Otago, and rather than accept the Government proposals, to go in for a separate colony. Mr Pish wished to propose an amendment to the first resolution, but could not find any other seconder but the celebrated Mr Lloyd, the fishman. This caused great merriment, and cries of : it is a fishy affair. Mr Garrick severely castigated Mr Pish, saying they did not abolish the City Council for the errors they made, more especially the notorious swindle the Princesstreet widening case. Your member, Mr Pyke. came in for a share anenthis hustings pledges and reasons for voting with the Government after his memorable words that he hailed abolition as the first step to separation.

The Rating Bill which hag passed the Assembly was justly designated as a bill for property ; in fact, it was all property from beginning to end, and robbed the people of their rightful privileges. This is done in a most insidious way ; the plurality of votes will give the whole voice into the hands of holders of property, and small holders will be swamped by the large ones with their plural votes, virtually disfranchising them, but I suppose the people will not jib till they find the shoe pinches. Trade in all branches is still dull, and a great many men unemployed. The Government have put a lot on, at 6s a day, to make a road to Blueskin. This will be a temporary relief. They intimate that 5s per day will only bo paid next month.

■Wo hear that the Aucklanders have had a scare. It was reported that the Commander of H.M.S. Nymph had received a telegram that war had been declared with Russia. In several of the churches the blessing on the British arms was invoked by the clergy. The whole turned out to bo a hoax.

You will be surprised to hear that C. E, Haughton was to-day arrested, cherged with an attempt to commit an unnatural offence at Wellington. He was on his way to Melbourne, having resigned his office as UnderGoldfialda Secretary.