CAPTAIN RUSSELL BEFORE HIS CONSTITUENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5087, 13 July 1877, Page 2

CAPTAIN RUSSELL BEFORE HIS CONSTITUENTS.

BY TELEGRAPH. Names, Thursday. Captain Russell, member for Napier, addressed a large meeting of his constituents last evening. He explained that his reason in going Home was that his wife was ill in England, and he went to fetch her out. Before going he consulted the late Sir Donald McLean, Mr. Ormond, the Premier, and the Government whips, and all said he was perfectly safe in going if he paired. He did, as he then thought, get a pair with Mr. Lusk. Bzzt as it afterwards turned out, there was a bungle, and for a part of the session he was not paired. That was the fault of the Government whips. He (Captain Russel!) thought the session had nearly closed, particularly as the House was sitting on Monday. His explanation concluded with some happy and well-chosen references to domestic ties, which evoked very enthusiastic applause. The meeting was altogether with the speaker, and he was continually applauded. He avowed that he would support the Ministry, and expressed himself in favor of compulsory education. But while advocating the establishment of Board schools, such must not involve the destruction of those in existence. In connection with the latter point, he spoke in favor of Government subsidising denominational schools, hut to exclude teaching religion during certain hours and such schools to be under inspection and subject to the same regulations as Board schools. He referred at considerable length to native representation, and to the unfairness of natives being doubly represented, having their own members in the House, and being placed besides on the roll of voters for European constituenoies. What was the result? Napier and Clive had a large number of Maoris on the rolls, and now a certain man goes about boasting he holds the seat for Clive in his hands. The injustice was all the more apparent when they considered that the Maoris were exempted from paying rates. If they are to have the privileges, let them be subject to the same taxation as Europeans. He pointed out that what was being done was tantamount to the disenfranchisement of the Europeans, The directors of this Maori movement would,, however, find that they were playing with a two-edged sword, which sooner or later would wound themselves. Using Maoris as a tool would turn out something like Aaron’s rod ; turn into a serpant, which might perhaps turn round upon the sorcerer using it. A vote of confidence was unanimously passed.