MR PYKE, M.H.R., AT OPHIR.

Dunstan Times, Issue 846, 5 July 1878, Page 3

MR PYKE, M.H.R., AT OPHIR.

(By Oor Own.) Mr Pyke addressed his constituents in the School-house, Blacks, (Ophir), on Tuesday, July 2nd, Mr M. Fitzgerald occupying the chair. Mr Pyke addressed the meeting on the Political Past, Present and Future j explaining his reasou for assisting in throwing over the Atkinson Ministry and promising to give the present Ministry a general support so long as their course of action continued favorable to the interests of the country. He said he was opposed to triennial parliaments, which be believed would have the effect of throwing the representation into the hands of the wealthy classes, and Strongly advocated a resort to the constitutional practice of ministers seeking roelection on taking office. He spoke strongly on the gradual remission of customs duties on the necessaries of life, which he said not only included tea and sugar, but also clothing, hardware, china, and all kinds of tools of trade, or husbandry. In the matter of the franchise he expressed himself favoring the ministerial programme as set forth by Mr Ballance ; the inequalities of representation required to be remedied, but the cast-iron rule of population basis was not a desirable one. In the matter of education he was of opinion that the old Otago system was even preferablo to that established under the New Act; he had voted for what was known as the “ Curtis” clause, by which it was endeavoured to do justice to those who conscientiously objected to sending their children to the state schools; this clause was thrown out by the small majority of 13 in a house of members. Since then public opinion has been growing in its favor, and he had hope of yet seeing it passed into law. Ho explained bis action with regard to the Strath Taieri railway, and Mr Donald Reid’s opposition thereto; and quoted largely from facts and figures in favor of the County system. Mr Pyke sat down in the midst of great applause. After a number of questions had beenasked and answered, Mr Burren proposed— “ That this meeting thanks Mr Pyke for his address, and has entire confidence in him as the representative of the district." Several electors rose simultaneously to second the proposition, eventual! it was seconded by Mr Gavan and carried unanimously. The customary vote to the chair brought a moat satisfactory and successful meeting to a close.