WAIUKU. MAJOR HAMLIN BEFORE HIS CONSTITUENTS.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 361, 20 April 1889, Page 5

WAIUKU. MAJOR HAMLIN BEFORE HIS CONSTITUENTS.

Auckland, April 18. On Saturday evening last Major Hamlin addressed abouo 100 of his constituents in the Waiuku Public and Temperance Hall. Mr John Hood was voted to the chair, and, ( after making a few brief remarks, called on Major Hamlin to address those present. Upon rising, Major Hamlin explained his reason for not calling the electois together before, after which he said he intended to review some of the measuros passed during last session. In speaking of retrenchment, he illustrated the unpleasant task it was, bat anyhow he would attempt to show that they had done something by commencing at the top of the tree and reducing the cost of the Premier's and Ministei-s' salaries. Tiie honorarium of members was also reduced from £210 to £150, showing a saving of £60 each member of the House ; also, the Governor's salary and expenses had been reduced by £1.500. Speaking of the Chinese question, he said indignation meetings had been held in all quarters cf the colony with a view of stopping the Chinamen from coming here, but it was clearly pointed out that they could not be prohibited altogether. The measure they had passed had met with Her Majesty's con&ei>t, but had they carried out the measure wanted by some members of | the House, we should have been held up to ridicule. In speaking of the Native Land Rating Bill, he wished that Bill repealed, aiid hoped no money would be taken out of the exchequer for roads in other parbs than where it was due. Major Hamlin dwelt on the Fair Rents Bill, and said it had passed the House, but was thrown out by the Legislative Council. He also said it would be bi ought forward again, and hoped ifc would pass. If nob, we should lose a lot of good settlers. Referring to the Native Lands Act, he said people could now acquire land from the natives for cash or otherwise, butnotto imagine foramoment he would advise the purchase of land from the natives instead of the Government, as they would find it very tedious "work purchasing from the former. The Hospital and Charitable Aid Bill he voted against, but as the measure was coming on again next session he would be in favour of some of the propositions shadowed forth by the Government. In speaking of the Railway Commissioners Bill, he was under the impression that the six months' leave of absence granted to a certain gentleman meant his walking ticket, but he found that this gentleman was as near Chief Commissioner as could be, hence his dissatisfaction with the Boaid of Commissioners. Major Hamlin also spoke on the Representation Act, Customs and Excise Duty Bill, and Land Act. He was in favour of the Bible being read in schools, as by its being kept out children «ere nob growing up as they ought. Referring to the property v. land tax he said he was an opponent to the property tax, but before he could vote for its repeal it must be shown that ibs subsbibube would not shift the burden from the shoulders of one class on to the other. The Public Works Amendment Bill he could never support. Several questions were asked, and answered satisfactorily by Major Hamlin. Mr Hookins said it was unjust of the Government Savings Bank not taking companies' moneys as deposits. Major Hamlin said he was not aware of that fact, bub would inquire into bhe matter. The address lasted about two hours, after which a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence was'carried in favour of Major Hamlin, who proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman, after which the meeting terminabed. — (Correspondent. )

The chief characteristic of a girl should be truth. Of all the duties, the love of truth, with faith and constancy in it, ranks first and highest. Some old dinner customs still prevail The Romans used to recline at their ban quets, and the habit of lying at public dinners still prevails.