POST-SESSIONAL ADDRESS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2337, 13 September 1880, Page 2

POST-SESSIONAL ADDRESS.

SECOND EDITION

mr McDonald at gisborne. [By Telegraph.] Gisborne, Sept. 13. Mr Allan McDonald addressed his constituents on Friday night, in the Masonic Hall. The Mayor presided. Mr McDonald reviewed the work of the session at considerable length. He regretted the Government had dropped all their native measures. He spoke in high terms of praise of his Honor Judge Ponton, for the paius he had taken and assiduity he had shewn in endeavoring to have really good measures passed for dealing with the native lauds. Had .fudge Fenton’s views been carried out, lie (Mr McDonald) had no doubt but in a little while all the land troubles aucl disputes along the East Coast would have ceased. He severely condemned the Land Hales Bid as introduced, and ho described tlic native policy of the Government as the worst yet enunciated. On the education question he was opposed to the present extravagant outlay' incurred by the country. Ho believed that persons who were able to pay' for the education of their children should be compelled to do so. He would support an income and property tax, but was against taxing local industries. He condemned the Government, and especially the AttorneyGeneral (Mr Whitaker) for the proposed Representation Bill, and said lie believed the question of redistribution of seats would have to be decided by commissioners appointed for the purpose The financial proposals of MajorAtkinsbn were the best that could possibly' bo brought forward, as it was well known that local subsidies were to ha abolished. After referring in lettering terms to the Premier and one or two other members of the Government, and dwelling on local matters, a unanimous vote of confidence was passed.