SIR GEORGE GREY AT DUNEDIN.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2243, 26 May 1880, Page 2

SIR GEORGE GREY AT DUNEDIN.

SECOND EDITION

Sir George Grey addressed the citizens of Dunedin last evening in the Princess Theatre on “ The political outlook.” The Mayor of Dunedin presided, and the theatre was crowded. The address delivered was to a great extent a repetition of that delivered at Christchurch and Invercargill. Sir George reiterated tho assertions he had made respecting the telegram enquiry business, and he was not surprised at the warmth of the Premier as he must be ashamed of that, transaction. He contended that the electoral reform measures passed by the Government went by default at the instance of men who were opposed to them, but who saw that further resistance would be useless. Tho 70,000 acres of land which the Premier boasted as open for selection on deferred payment were quite inadequate for the supply of the vast population that desired to cultivate the soil, but whose limited means was their chief obstacle. The Premier had failed to approach the great political questions that the Colony was called upon to solve, and he sketched out no policy for the future. Manhood sufferago had been neutralised' by the enormous powers conferred on the propertied classes. The Government had revenged the laud tax, and this was done without consulting the people. He denounced the Property Tax as unfair and oppressive, and offering a premium to dishonesty. After alluding at length to the land question Sir George concluded with a brilliant peroration, in which he maintained that the ownership of land meant the ownership of men; that landlords and tenants meant wealth and beggary—slaves and slaveowners ; and that not lie, but his present opponents were endeavoring to create pernicious class distinctions in New Zealand. Mr R. Stout then entered into an explanation of the circumstances in connection with the cable message sent Home for 6000-more emmigrants. He was then Minister of Immigration, and took all the responsibility on himself. A number of deputations waited on tho Government, complaining of the scarcity of labour, and all the New Zealand Government could do was to. suggest to the Homo Government that the surplus labour in England should be sent here. If this had been done £120,000 would have been saved. (Applause.) He thought it would be well for the meeting to express an opinion on at least one of the matters dealt with by Sir George Grey, and he would therefore move —“ That this meeting is of opinion that the property tax is impolitic, inquisitorial, and unnecessary.” (Applause.) Mr Stout then spoke for half an hour against tho property tax, his remarks being well received. Mr Brown seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously. Mr Thomas Bracken moved a hearty vote of thanks to Sir George for his able address.

The motion was seconded by Mr D. Ross and carried unanimously. Sir George briefly returned thanks, and was loudly cheered.