MR PEARCE AT WELLINGTON.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1234, 16 February 1878, Page 2

MR PEARCE AT WELLINGTON.

[By Teleobaph.] Wellington, February 15.

Mr Edward Pearce, for several years member for the City, addressed the electors in the Athenaium this evening. The Mayor was in the chair, and there was a good attendance of citizens. He was very well received. In referring to the downfall of the late Ministry, Mr Pearce attributed their defeat to the fact that, instead of leading the House, they began to follow it, by abandoning their own measures and accepting those of their opponents. Still it should be remembered that they achieved a great deal while in office, such as introducing the ballot, the land transfer system, extension of telegraphs, and more important than all—abolition of provincialism. But their time having come, they had to be replaced. Notwithstanding the support he afforded the Atkinson party for so long, he still considered that the present Government should be allowed fair play in bringing forward their measures, and while subjected to keen scrutiny and healthy opposition nothing of ; a factious kind should bo offered. [Applause.] While saying this he failed to see what the Atkinson Ministry had done to forfeit his allegiance. He considered Sir G. Grey an autocrat, and instanced his conduct regarding the Land Bill simply, as he said, becauses he objected to certain clauses. But who was he to set himself up against both houses of the legislature. He quite agreed with Sir G. Grey’s proposal to adjust representation, but be objected to the extension of the present franchise, which was already very liberal. He applauded the present Government for colonialising the land fund, which was a great reform. He did not think the proposed change in the incidence of taxation would be beneficial to working men, as it would have a deterrent effect on the introduction of capital. Work would be scarcer and wages lower. He did not deem an income or land tax necessary, but if the Colonial Treasurer next session showed that a greater revenue was required, he would support an income tax. There was some confusion at the end of the meeting, created by Mr Duncan, a supporter of the present Ministry, whose attempt to address the meeting evoked a terrible noise. He was put down by the chairman once when referring to the Government. A vote of thanks to the chairman was proposed and seconded, but, apparently owing to the uproar, was not formally put. A good deal of confusion followed, owing to tiie gas being partially turned off, and being re-lighted, anew chairman was appointed. Objection was taken by n Grey supporter to the fact that tho nomination was fixed for Saturday, and the polling for the following Mondaybut tho meeting broke up without any decision being arrived at. It is considered almost certain there will be wore than ope uosuoation to» qjojffow.