THE ELECTIONS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2368, 4 November 1881, Page 3

THE ELECTIONS.

THE HON. MAJOR ATKINSON AT PATE A.

[PEESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.J PATEA, November 3. The Hon. Major Atkinson addressed a large and enthusiastic meeting this evening. He commenced by saying that the Government had been compelled to call upon the volunteers for active service to aid in enforcing law and order throughout this coast. Their call had been most nobly responded to, and they were both grateful and proud. In view of the noble way that the volunteers everywhere had come forward, he begged to tender the sincere thanks of the district and Crown to thoso volunteers. [Cheers.] Now to oome to the Native policy. He had been accused of not supporting the Government's Native policy, and of treachery to his late and present colleague Mr Bryce. The aim of every Government had been to bring into the pale of the English law the Native race. In doing so they had desired to temper justice with meroy. When he first became their representative there was a state of anarchy on the Waimate Plains, and there were no roads behind tho mountain. But in 1877, when he went out of office, the Government were prepared to commence the survey of the plains. The next Government permitted tho surveyors to be carted off the plains, and generally lost the confidence of the settlers in their conduct of Native affairs. Now, if he had said two years ago that a road from Waiwera to Opunake would be formed and metalled, and a bridle track from Stratford to Opunake available, they would not have believed him, but this bad beanj done. With regard to treachery to Mr Bryce, how else could he have acted. Supposing he had resigned the Government would have broken up or somebody else have taken his place. He did not see as their representative any other man who could have dealt with the difficulty as himself. He would now justify tho present position. Parliament appointed a Commission of Enquiry who sent iu a report. Parliament adopted their recommendation, and authorised tho Commissioners to give effeot to their report. The Government tried every means to induce the Natives to accept the very liberal terms offered by the Commission. [Hear, hear.J Having now exhausted every means at their disposal, the Government now moan to enforce law and order. He would now touch lightly on the general policy of the Government. The expenditure on public works would be prosecuted as quiokly as the finances of the colony would permit. The railway to Auckland should bo pushed forward. The Natives may, of course, obstruct for a considerable time. With regard to loeal industries he hoped working men would carefully preserve tho eight hours' Dystem of work. Free trade and protection are now simply theoretical questions, but in the meantime the Government endeavored to shape the Customs duties to relieve and encourage local manufactures, which were absolutely necessary for a great country. With regard to local government no fresh forms were wanted, but more funds to carry out present functions. More freedom should be given to the public to say which kind of local government they would have sinco local government was money. In conclusion, he would sincerely thank them as their representative and as a Minister of tho Crown for their forbearanoo with the Maori subjacts and for their indomitable perseverance. Ho believed that no serious oonßequencca would now follow the Native difficulty, and peace and prosperity would now dawn upon the colony for Maori and European alike. In answer to questions, Major Atkinson said that the back country in the immediate vicinity of Patea would be surveyod with a view to occupation as soon as the weather was fit. As the leases in Canterbury fall in tho land will bo cut into small blocks and sold on deferred payments. He was in favor of a national system of education, but he would assist such denominations as are prepared to build their own schools. Tho property tax would continue as reduced by half for this year. Looal topics were extensively touched on, and immodiato surveys for the district railways were promised. He said that the engineers had orders to push on the Waverley-Patea Bection of railway. The route of the Manu-watu-Hawera line was not yet decided on. The reason for an inland route was that the extra expenditure in perpetuity would have been £15,000, and general travellers had to go three and a half miles further eaßt. The inland route would oost £53,000 and the coast line, £35,000. A vote of confidence and thanks was proposed by Mr Dale, who said that as Mr Hutchison had retired in favor of Mr Bryce, thus endorsing his policy, and as Major Atkinson had the same policy, therefore Mr Hutchison should rotire in his favor. Mr Coutts seconded, saying there were too many lawyers in Mr Hutchinson's speeob, and it was very shallow and unsatisfactory. The vote was carried on the voices, about 150 for 1 against.