LECTURE.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2621, 12 July 1871, Page 3

LECTURE.

MrC. fi. Haughton, M.G.A., delivered a lecture last evening, at the Mechanic*’ Institute, Port Chalmers ; the subject being—- “ flow wo are governed,” with illustrations from the elections. Mr Dench, {.resident of the institution, took the chair, and introduced tho lecturer, who was most warmly received by the numerous audience present. Although in the main the lecture was identical with the one delivered here, many new points in the wayof illustration were introduced—especially wc may note an im-

aginary address to the electors of a seaport town : “ To the Electors of Port Molyneux. “ Gentlemen,—-The retirement of your late representative upon a securer basis as regards finance than is afforded by the precarious occupation of a legislator, affords me an opportun ty of soliciting your suffrages at the ensuing general election. “ My principles are identical with tho-e of the present Superintendent. lam in favor of ‘the wilderness blossoming as a rose,’ and of overcoming all practical difficulties by theoretical solutions satisfactory in themselves, and never likely to be tested by experiment. The more money we can borrow the better, provided we spend it on ourselves ; and the generations which follow us, while paying the interest, are at liberty to bless or curse us as may suit their humor. “ If elected, I shall hope to prove in every way worthy of your confidence. I shall bo prepared to state —upon oath, if necessary—that there is 56 feet upon the bar at low water, and that the dock will accommodate vessels of every possible length, breadth, and dimensions. The statement that it leaks I shall repel with indignation. “ I am iu favor of progress in every direction, except so far as regards your trade going to Dunedin. The Port is the natural capital of the Province, ami indeed of the Southern Island ; and I shall be prepared to support a resolution for the removal of the seat of government, and the tilling up of the various mud channels which now occasionally allow of the passage of barges to the City piers. The dredge I consider ought to be at onca scuttled, and any attempt to raise it made a misdemeanor by statute. “ I am, Gentlemen, “ Your obedient servant, “ Josh. Billings.” At the conclusion the Mayor (Mr M‘Dermid), in a most complimentary speech, proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Haughton, which was seconded by Mr Rolfk, and carried with acclamation.