MAJOR ATKINSON’S ADDRESS TO HIS CONSTITUENTS.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 300, 2 March 1878, Page 4

MAJOR ATKINSON’S ADDRESS TO HIS CONSTITUENTS.

(per press agency.)

Major Atkinson addressed a largely attended meeting on Wednesday, 20th instant, in the Odd Fellows’ Hall, New Plymouth, a number of his constituents coming in from the Egmont District to hear him, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather. The Mayor (Mr A. Standish) was in the chair. Major Atkinson spoke for about two hours, his remarks consisting of a review of the late session and the part he took in it. At the beginning of the session, he said, the Ministry had a majority. Through the action of interested parties, who were epposed to the abolition of the provinces, a determined opposition had been raised against this Ministry, and although the Financial .Statement and other parts cf their policy were introduced early in the session, yet no work was got through, owing to the interminable discussions of the Opposition. To make matters still more difficult, a large majority of the House utterly distrusted Sir George Grey, and a Middle Party was formed to oust the Ministry, but at the same time that party wished to keep out Sir George Grey. The party, however, seemed to forget that there were only two lobbies, and consequently got into great difficulties ; but with the assistance of Sir George Grey and his section of the House the Middle Parly succeeded in displacing tiie Ministry, and then, very - much to their astonishment, they found Sir George Grey master of the situation, and ho formed a Government. The Middle Party then broke up, some coming to the ranks of the Opposition, and some going with Sir Go go Grey. Tne Opposition numbered a majority «f from four to six, of winch ho was chosen as leader. That party had several meetings, and they deckled to wait till the Financial Statemem. was brought down before any attack was made. They waited some time for that statement, but finding it was not made, lie moved a vote of want of confidence. That vote was discussed, the debate lasting over several days, and was nt last lost on the casting vote of the .Speaker, through two or three of the Opposition being absent. The Opposition wen; then determined to give tin- Ministry another chance ; but finding that they could get no satisfaction, he gave the second notice of want oi confidence, which the Government treated with contempt. Major Atkinson said the new Government adopted the late Ministry's Estimates, their Laud Bill, the Inscription of Stock Bill, and other measures. Hu said Sir George Grey had declared 1m could make deductions to tne extent of £ 100,000, but he hud baled to do so. Ho referred to the incidence of taxation, and showed that if a. property tux was introduced the amount would not be large. In speaking of flic new Laud Bill, Major Atkinson said the present Colonial Treasurer voted against his own Government on that occasion, and what confidence, lie asked, could they nave in a Premier when he u-T nilt- d ids own Treasurer to walk inn., ihu Opposition lobby against him. That Bid, when the majority of members left Wellington, tliey considered was to become law, ami little expected that the Government would recommend his Excellency to disallow it. He considered it was a most unconstitutional course for a Minister to take, after a Bill had passed iSio House, to recommend the Governor to disallow such an important mtas’irc as that. Referring to the con.MiUuhm of ’Waste Lands Boards, he s-i.i.l iio was opposed to the members being elective, and considered that the duties cou.d bo bdter performed solely by a commissioner. With regard to the Native Policy, he said the late (rovcinnu-nt were very much abased for what they had done, but ifiir George Grey and Mr Sheehan, he found, were doing exactly what Sir Donald McLean had previously done,' He believed in the view Mr Sheehan took of Native matters, and was glad to hear of the firm sren 1 he had taken with regard to •me con (Exited lands, although he blamed him for slopping the surveys when he did. Major Atkinson then proceeded to c.p.-ak of the Public Works scheme, Whig a history of its development since -.oi-!, and showing, in similar words to 11k>si‘ reported in Hansard, his opinion of,the financial position of the colony* 11-,: said that the statement laid on the tabic l.v ttir George Grey showed that lie would have a deficiency on 3l)th June next of £ Bid,doo. After that the supplementary estimates for some £130,000 were passed, but not provided for; so that tin; deficiency was about a quarter of a midion, ior which the Government had made no provision. The übmiilon of the provinces, he said, had Mb: ecu the objects which its promoters h-M M view. It had created a national fin’me, and entirely altered the position ■j. g. cm. Ny, for now the people looked ;ij -v. Gcicnd Assembly with a greater a. He- referred to a table he had .mu n-\ retrod, showing the indebtedness ■ ' ii moire, and its actual revenue and x>»i.adduce, and pointed out that under ■he provincial form of government they w . spending far more than their ■■ .iconic. With regard to what he had about the deficiency there would bo t. the end of the financial year, he cogkl not neip thinhiug that additional taxation .. .übl be required; and judging from ■pasr,years, lie felt certain the Government cei’.i.i not carry rei as tlic-y were doing, • .I mom'rry rex would be-proposed in to ,te: pr is-eiit taxation. Ho Slud tne rmaso had passed a resolution last session directing the Government

to introduce a property tax next year. He thought it was a very reasonable tax, and it was desirable to have it, - It would not bring in a very large amount, and would not relieve the Customs to any great extent. With regard to the electoral franchise, he said the present Government proposed to introduce next session a system of universal suffrage. He thought the present qualification quite liberal enough, and considered if there was a change it should bo in the manner of registration. He thought that a twelve months’ residence in a place before being entitled to vote was necessary, and that an officer should be appointed who would have the power at any time to register persons who had the proper qualifications, and who should also have authority to strike names oft the roll when necessary. The Government, ho said, intended to disfranchise New Plymouth. They intended to abolish the Egmont District by throwing the Patea end of it into the Wanganui District and, he supposed, this end into that of New Plymouth. They would time' take one member from Taranaki. Major Atkinson then referred to matters of local interest. With regard to the Mokan, he said the late Government were always most anxious to get it opened but found that it could not be done except through the King country, and in that opinion Mr. Sheehan concurred. Major Atkinson said but for his influence the Harbor Bill would not have been passed, and he denied that his moving the vote of want of confidence in tl o Government in any way jeopardised it. He then referred to the railway, saying that he was always in favour of it going by the back of the mountain. He did not desire to push on the work by bringing contractors from other districts, but rather to let it be done by employing the surplus labour in the place. Ho concluded by thanking those present for their attention, and saying lie believed in members meeting their constituents yearly, when they could discuss matters, and come to a better understanding with each other.

Several questions were asked of Major Atkinson, and at the conclusion of the meeting a vote of confidence was proposed and carried.