MANUTAHI

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 304, 16 March 1878, Page 2

MANUTAHI

(fr'Om a correspondent.)

March 15. MXjor Atkinson addressed the of Manutahi in the Blockhouse last night. There was a good meeting, including all the leading men in the district. Mr H. S'. Peacock in the chair.

Major Atkinson began by explaining , reasons which prevented him from addressing them sooner. He then pro- < ceeded to give an account of own and , party’s action in the House during last session. In doing so,, he went over a great deal with which the reading public are already familiar. Referring to charges made by Sir G. Grey and party with 'regard to public accounts of colony, he said Sir G. Grey had professed himself thoroughly master of financial blatters ’ yet his Treasurer had to bring down his (Major Atkinson’s) figures when r statement was ,at last made by new Government. With reference to Inscription of Stock Bill, Sir George had designated it “ the most impißientmeasure ever brought before a Legislative Assembly,” and a short time afterwards brought on the same Bill, word for word, under his own (Sir George’s) name, and thus furthered “ the most impudent measure over brought before a Legislative Assembly:” In the division on the Land Bill, Sir George Grey’s Treasurer voted against him, and still retained office. Major Atkinson showed that the measures of the late Government were adopted and passed by the present Government through fear of the powerful opposition, of which, he (Major Atkinson) had the honor to be leader. Referring to the charge of having issued Treasury Bills too extensively, lie showed that the amount (£200,000) was some £IOO,OOO less than amount advanced to the comparatively bankrupt districts of Auckland, Wellington, and Westland. Speaking of the franchise, he declared himself against manhood suffrage—£t> qualification he considered low enough. He objected to a floating population in ■ flucnciiig elections. Twelve months’ residence should bo necessary, and Registration should be improved, so that persons having necessary qualifications might register at any time 'of the year. Revising officers should have power to strike off names df persons unqualified to vote. He also objected to the idea 'rtf equal electoral districts. They should be formed by grouping communities having identical interests, and who were in the habit of working together to attain objects of mutual benefit—otherwise a thickly populated community coiild carry things its own way, to the possible injury of othef parts of the district; With regard to taxation, the colony being in a transition state, the late Government bad declined, to deal with the subject until some certain knowledge had been gained of what would be required; The speaker then proceeded to state the amount expended each year of borrowed money since 1870, and what the colony had gained in return, in the shape of railways, roads, increased population, etc., and also referred to the public debt of the colony. At the conclusion of the address, Major Atkinson invited any present to question liim, and he would be happy trt answer iri a friendly spirit. Mr J. Christie wished to know what had become of Educational Reserves in this district. It seemed as if the people had been treated like children—prdraised a great deal, and when it was found they were going to be good, tlie good things promised were withdrawn. Major Atkinson explained that by generalisation of these reserves with immense reserves in South Island, actual benefit accued. The required amount for education would have to bo made up whether reserves would have produced it or not. Farther than that, one fourth of the revenue from generalised reserves would be devoted to secondary education, and 5 per cent, from all land sales would also be devoted to education. Mr Guthrie wished for information about the 25 per cent, of land revenue of district going to making harbor at New Plymouth instead of part going to help harbor at Patea:

Major Atkinsoii explained that tlie harbor at New Plymouth was a colonial undertaking, and now that the land fund had been generalised, 25 per cent, would come from the consolidated rbvenue, after a first charge of 20 per cent, to counties, &c. He had been accused of not doing anything for Pa tea; but he had been obliged not to ask too much at once, or he would have got nothing, like many other places.

Mr Guthrie also desired to knowone man being as good as another, and perhaps better,— why a floating population of railway men or diggers should not exercise the franchise ?

Major Atkinson explained that such, though possibly as good of better than others, yet having no stake in a district, could influence elections prejudicially,and might be easily led for a consideration;

Mr Guthrie said the speaker seemed tb have very little faith in human nature.

Major Atkinson said he had great faith in it; and hoped to be removed before he lost the said faith. The address received repeated applause during delivery and at the conclusion.-

No further questions being asked, Mr John Ginger proposed a combined vote of thanks and confidence, which was carried unanimously; A vote of thanks to the chair concluded the meeting at half- p&st nine.