STOKE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 206, 30 August 1881, Page 3

STOKE.

The public meeting at Stoke last nipht was very earnest and unanimous in the condemnation of the Representation B:H. Bnd approval of the action takfn by the Nelson members in opposing it. Great dissatisfaction was expressed at the lukewarm cuppnrt, given by Mr Collins to the brave little banri flabting to prevent injustice to Nelson. Mr Marsden was vo'ed to Ihe chair, and the first resolution was proposed by Mr Rout wbo pointed out the possibility of separation, which the North Island would demand if Otago and Canterbury succeeded in obtaining the number of representative? the Bill proposed to give them, also the consequent monopoly of government and finance the Suth would then command. Mr E. CressweU seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously, The Sfcond resolution was proposed by Mr Alfred Harley, who apologised for tbe apparent fault-finding with one who was his political opponent, bnt the feeMng was so general that (he support given by Mr Collins to tbe Nelson members in opposing the Bill was not co active and hearty as it should be, that it took away from bis propoßition every appearance of gpitefulness. Mr B. Condell heartily seconded the resolution in a few words, and it was carried unanimously. Tbe third resolution was proposed by Mr John P^ynter, who said words failed to convey his indienation at the Government who brought forward such resolutions. Because they could not get their own way in everything they therefore attempted to zag tbe representatives of a free people. This was seconded by Mr Jatne3 Chine, who entirely agreed with the proposer, and it was carried unanimously. Tbe fonrth resolution was proposed by Mr Hammond Hyde, who ■aid unless a strong rull altogether was male by enr members at f bis crisis we should soon be left unrepresented, and thought that the taking away of part of onr membpr3 should be resisted fo the utmost. This was seconded by Mr C Mansen, and was carried unanimously. After a vote of thanks to the chairman the meeting separated. The following are the resolution* referred to ;—

1. That in the opinion of this meeting the Representation Bill now before Parliament is calculated, if passed, to destroy the unity of the Colnny,as giving und':e representation to the southern portion of the Middle Island, and virtually allowing Canterbury and Otago the full government of New Zealand.

2. That in ord'r to prevent the injury which may arise if the Representation BUI becomes law, this meeting requests the Member for this district to actively co operate with the other Nelson Members in blocking the progress of the Bill by every constitutional means available.

3. That this meeting views with the utmost indignation and alarm, the unworthy attempt by the preFent Government to introduce coercive measures into the House of Representatives as tending- to destroy the right of free speech and to encourage the tyranny of the majority for the time heinji.

4. That copies of the pr vious resolutions be forwarded to rur Member (A S. Collins Esq.,) with a request that he will use all his influence to obtain support in frustrating the unjust attempt to disfranchise a great number of the inhabitants of the Nelson Provincial District, and to prevent the Government resolutions, (to resist the freedom of speech) from-paaslng.