THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Evening Star, Issue 4221, 6 September 1876, Page 2

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

MEETING AT BALCL'THA. The meeting held at Barr's hotel here last night was not bo well attended as it would have been had the weather not been bo unpropitious. The hall was pretty well filled, there being about 15Q to 200 present. Mr Vztvr Masos, the Mayor, who wac called to the chair, stated, that tho3o assembled had been called together to consider the political measures which had been proposed to be carried out by tho <>en<;ral Government, and that those who had watched the manner by which these changes had been sought to "be carried out and who studied their nature and the effeet they would likely have upon the future progress of the Province would agree that the present political situation was one which demanded the immediate and serious consideration of every elector. Although the question was not placed before the electors at the general election in the shape of a distinct issue, virtually they unanimously decided against the Government measures. The Government and supporters wero thus driven from the position they foimerly took up, viz... that they had then the people of this Province' with them. They row take up this position that notwithstanding the voice of the people of Otago to tho contrary, they will abolish the political constitution bestowed upon us by

the Queen, and in ite room give anything they think proper; thus* the gentlemen who now occupy the Ministerial benches arrogate to themselves those rights and privileges which were Vested in the people, only they also claim the: right to. deprive the people of their revenues which their own prudence and industry had secured for them, and to apply them towards the purchase of political support, with a view-to their own (the Government's) aggrandisement and the people's humiliation and ruin. The political situation involved the question as to whether the people of Otago were to perpetuate the character of their forefathers or to be content to degenerate into a lace of slaves. The time for mere words seemed to be-past, and he much mistook the character-of the people of the Clutha if they were not now prepared to take such step? as would be necessary for the maintenance of their rights. He called on

Mr John Inolis, who proposed the following series of resolutions : That thiß meeting fully approves of the coarse the member fur the Clutha has pursued in connection with the proposed constitutional changes, and thanks him and those members with whom he has acted for the stand they have taken on behalf of the Province.

That no change in the present constitution should bo agreed to uutil a distinct issue upon the subject shall have been submitted to the several constituencies of Otaxo. and until they shall, by a substantial majority, have declared that a change is wanted. and have also pointed out the nature of that change. That, under any circumstances, no change of the original constitution should be agreed to _which does not provide for the inhabitants of this Province having full and unfettered control Of their own land, railway, and other revenues—an equitable proportion of such revenues being paid towards the liquidation of Colonial liabilities, and towards the maintenance of a general legislature to have to deal with federal matters only. That should the members of Assembly from Otago find they will be uuable to secure and maintain these right* for their constituents, it will become their duty to leave the Assembly, that the electors may be free to take such other measures as may he necessary for the protection of their constitutional rights. That a copy of the foregoing resolutions be forwarded to the Speaker of the House of Eepreaentatives.

In his opinion it was evident that the new Ministry intended to get hold of the land and railway revenues of < tago, which the people of Otego should oppose. If that policy were adopted, the result would be, that when the people down here wished to have any public works carried out, they would be told to put their bauds in their pockets if they wanted such works. They were willing to pay a fair amount for federal purposes, but they could not consent to the whole of their revenue being taken from them. Previously a disbeliever in Separation, he was now in favor of it as preferable to the Government scheme It would be better for the Otago members to withdraw from the Assembly than that, the Counties Bill—an unworkable measure, which 'would result in our present taxation being doubled —should be read a third time. :• •'■' Mr Dallas seconded the resolutions. , Mr Mosely would do his best to assist in keeping within the Province its land revenue. He did not agree with the resolution regarding the withdrawal of the members from the Assembly, as he thought they might do more good by remaining. There were only two courses open to the Assembly: either to leave things as they were, or appeal to the country. The latter coarse would be the best solution of present difficulties. There had beea a good deal to complain of in regard to Provincialism in the past, as it bad neglected outlying districts and given Dunedin the lion's share, and therefore required modification. Retrenchment and careful management were now necessary. Every promise Sir Julius Vogel had made was falsified, and now, when he found his game was at an end, lie was leaving the Colony.—(Applause.) I Mr Henderson, M.P.C., considered Otago had reason to be proud of her representatives in the General Assembly. The reasons put forward by the General Government for abolishing the Provinces did not cwry conviction to his mind. The County system would be thirty timeß more expensive than the Provincial system. It should be left to the discretion of their members whether or not they should retire from the House.'. Mr John M'Neil, M.P.C., was very well pleased with the enthusiasm and unanimity of the meeting, which showed, that though there might be little differences among themselves yet they were ready to unite against a common enemy. They were now beginning to appreciate the value of Provincialism, when it was about to be swept away. The County system would be more'expensive. It was not to benefit them, or to simplify the government of the country, but to get possession of the Province's revenue. The result of that would be to check settlement, as they would not have the necessary funds for carrying out public works and making roads for the purpose of opening up the country.

Mr John Dunne, who strongly supported the resolutions, also expressed doubts as to the wisdom of the Otagomemberß withdrawing from the Assembly, and in concluding his remarks said the people of the Province should remember Mr Macandrew in their prayers for the noble way he had acted on behalf of the Province.

The resolutions were put as a whole and carried with cheers.