THE REPRESENTATION BILL.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2310, 30 August 1881, Page 3

THE REPRESENTATION BILL.

[By Teleokaph.l [PEB PBESS ASSOCIATION.] NELSON, August 30. A crowded meeting was held lost night regarding the Representation Bill and sloture proposals. The Mayor presided. Mr Solandcrs moved—“ That apart from the Representation Bill, concerning which the opinion of the district had already been expressed, this meeting in the strongest pos Bible manner and on broad principles entirely disapproves and utterly condemns the action of the Premier in meeting the opposition of a section of the House by proposing to introduce a violent change in the Standing Orders in the direction of something to prevent all discussion, and of placing the freedom of debate at the mercy of the majority of the day, such change being justified only after unreasonable opposition bordering on the revolutionary, or under circumstances of the gravest and most exceptional character.” The resolution was carried with throe dissentient voices, Mr Everett moved—“ That this meeting tender Mr Pitt and MrLevestum its most grateful thanks for the determined and manly stand that they are making against the scandalous injustice designed for Nelson by the action of the present Government, and to assure them they may rely on our assistance and support to the very last extremity.” This was carried unanimously. The third resolution expressed thanks to all who aided the Nelson members in their struggle against the tyrannical majority, and called upon all friends of constitutional liberty in the House to resist by every lawful means the arbitrary measure proposed by the Premier for the purpose of gaging and depriving the people, through their representation of sacred and inviolable right, of freedom of speech. The fourth resolution was—“ That this meeting is of opinion that the population|baaia is misleading as a guide in determining the electoral districts, and that the present Representation Bill is marked by the absence of Ministerial tact, which should have foreseen the present deadlock, and that the present action of the Government in attempting to disfranchise this place is unconstitutional; and further, it is repugnant to the laws of England, by which no place can be disfranchised unless by special legislation, and by way of punishment for bribery or infamous crime ; that in the history of New Zealand no place has been disfranchised, nor in the laws at present is there any provision made for that operation except for bribery. We, therefore, feel wo are being exceptionally treated, and counsel the Government to desist from further persecution, which may convert the most law abiding community to opposite extremes.” Both these resolutions were carried without dissent. Votes of thanks to the Press and the Mayor were also carried.