DUNEDIN.

Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 643, 25 May 1878, Page 2

DUNEDIN.

May 25. The Government- have decided upon removing the Lunatic Asylum f>- n> irs present site in consequence of tii i>ni <iing beinj? deficient in accoaiiun -f: ioii. The new Asylum will be erected at the Upper Hutt. As some of the curves on the Hutt railway are found to be exceedingly sharp, estimates have been asked for with a view of ascertaining tlie cost of reducing the curves. j

May 24. Mr. Reid addressed his Outrara constituents last night. Having summarised his previous speech, he said that the liberality of the present movement inland laws was like that of a man attending a charity sermon, and who was so roused by it that when the plate came round he put his hand into his neighbor's pocket, and placed every farthing he possessed in the plate. He then referred to the education question, and said that he hoped no direct tax would be imposed for that object. If fui-ther m r.! "nx'ition were necessary it should tak' l the form of a property rate. He thought that a laud tax would be a most unequal and unfair way of meeting the liabilities of the Colony. Agricultural laborers and farmers were quite as intelligent and as well qualified to exercise the franchise as Ministers. His opinion in regard to the Legislative Council was that if it were made elective they might get half-a-dozen worse before they could get one better than the present. He then concluded by referring to the question of capital and labor, and warned his hearers of the injury which would result from attempting to treat capitalists unfairly. The following resolution was carried, there being onty two dissentients'' That this meeting expresses its deep regret that Mr. Reid should have seen fit to retire from politics ; that he has the full confidence of his constituency, and especially of West Taieri, and while thanking him for his speech they hope that if it be possible he may still continue to represent this district in the Assembly." The Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association last night resolved to adopt the suggestion of the Oamaru Society that a National Association for the Middle Island be formed. Mr. Wright's bakery in King-street was destroyed by fire to-day. It was insured in the Standard office for L 250. The ceremonies of laying the foundation stone of the. new Town Hall and Volunteer Hall were performed to-day by the Mayor. Great interest was taken in the proceedings.