MR. REED’S SPEECH.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2461, 5 January 1871, Page 3

MR. REED’S SPEECH.

To the Editor of the Eceniwj Star. Sir, —Mr Reid’s speech is a ra-e specimen of force and eloquence of its kind, which v.'ill win its w’ay in converting some to the belief that his plausib litics arc tniibs, even many who ought to know better. After his chicling the Colonial Treasurer for saying the Government scheme was hailed throughout the country—there being no need for him to have told the people that, as if Mr Reid had expected Mr Vogel should have consulted him about what he should te.l the people—he then admitted that to certain gentlemen he had acknowledged the scheme was an admirable one ; and to them that, on certain conditions being complied with by the country, it would have the support of himsel and Mends. To have been honest he should have told the means proposed to be gone into by him and said friends to bring about those conditions. That they had agreed time must be gained, to gain which every plausible opposition, fair and foul, must be offered to the scheme. The one that would take best -would be to insist for the sanction of the electors, which there was no fear in getting ; at the same time they had reason to hope the country will be freed of the pre sent chief and some others in their way. It is curious how these secret proposals came out; the first hint of which was blabbed by the half Rev. Mr Thompson, member for the Clutha, when in tiie Council he told the Speaker of his own and his parties personal hate to Messrs Vogel and Macaiulrew, and that it W'as not their measures they opposed, but the men, &c. lam not at liberty to give in fu 1 certain prospects of Messrs Hutchison, Roil, Henderson, and Co., in eonnee i>n with place and public works, by which they expect the country and prosecutors of which, will be enriched. Considering their stake in the country, their position, educa’ion, and superior business talents as admitted by all their admirers and some others, they look forward to a disc iminating public selecting them as very fit men to be at the helm of affairs, w hen they will share the profits of the said public works with the toils of the State. (Correspondence on such matters should be iii cypher.) Mr Reid made ca italfuseof sundry letters, explaining as much in connection with them only as gave the appearance of truth to his excuses for non-action with public works, while in all his sayings and doings, he ignored the presence cf his superior the Superintendent or his acts, yet is mean enough to take shelter under bis name, and where he can, claim pareuta e to his every act that would add to Donald’s greatness. Mr J. B. Gillies gave one story about railways, Mr Vogel gave another, Mr Reid a third, which Mr M‘ludoe says is not true. 'The reliable truth will anpear in Mr Maoandrew’s statement. Mr Reid’s wdiole version niay be relied on as equally true as is his account of the Province of Wellington, which fye describes as a desert of clayhills. In my poxt I will show that his complaints of reserved land being sold at 10s an acre is without foundation, and if there has been any loss by the sale of lands, that loss is to he charged directly against Mr Donald Reid’s acting, in shutting up all other available sources of revenue with the view of tluva'tjng the progressive movements of the Superintendent. Citizen.