LONG BUSH.

Southland Times, Issue 1729, 18 April 1873, Page 3

LONG BUSH.

(FROil A CORRESPONDENT ) Sir F. Dillon Bell addressed hia constituents here on Wednesday evening, -and met with a most enthusiastic reception. Tbe place of assembly was Mr M'Phee'i barn, a large and commodious buildiag, which was fitted up in first-class style for the purpose, and which, shortly after the hour appointed, was filled to overflowing. Eobert Hamilton, Esq., of J?ozell«, having been called to tbe chair, introduced tbe honorable member in a few appropriate remarks. The address, which lasted nearly an hour, embraced several points of interest not mentioned in the speech at Invercargill, and was listened to witb great attention by the large audience, who frequently testified their approval of the political views enunciated by their hearty applause. At its conclusion an opportunity was given to anyone present to elicit information, by proposing questions, when, after a pause, Mr Boss, of Eoslin Bush, enquired if Sir F. D. Bell thought tbat there was any chance of a coalition Ministry, or as he termed it, v a mixed lot," being formed, of which event, in the honorable member's opinion, there was not the least chance. The East road grievance was also introduced by the same gentleman, who received as a reply a detailed account of the deputation who waited on Sir Francis at Invercargill, and also of the information which he had received from them, and a promise that he would take the earliest opportunity of bringing the subject before the Provincial Council, in order to get a grant for the purpose of repairs before winter. Mr Kinross then rose aud asked if Sir F. D. Bell, after attending to his duties in the Assembly, &c, could find time to look after our local wants. The honorable member replied that as he devoted nearly his whole time to his public duties, he thought he could find ample opportunities to attend to the local wants of his Oteramika constituency. Mr Kinross further enquired whether it was true that Sir F. D. Bell had gone away to "Wellington when the estimates were being voted in the Provincial Council. The answer was, " No ; certainly not." Mr Kinross then asked whether Sir F. D. Bell would wait on the Superintendent at once about the East road without waiting for tbe session of Council, and was informed in reply that he intended to see His Honor in Dunedin on the subject on his arrival there. This querist was apparently provided with a long list of questions, but the replies to those put proved so evidently satisfactory to the meeting that he sat down without going through the remainder of his list. Mr Andrew Christie moved and Mr Dawson seconded the following rote of confidence : — ■" That this meeting thanks Sir F. Dillon Bell for his able address, and begs to express its full confidence in him as a representative, both in the Assembly and Provincial Council," which was carried unanimously by acclamation. The usual vote of thanks to tbe chairman brought a most pleasant and harmonious meeting to a close, and shortly afterwards Sir F. D. Bell drove off towards Dunedin amid the loud acclamations of those who remained to witness his departure. i