BANQUET TO THE HON. W. ROLLESTON.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2279, 14 November 1891, Page 3

BANQUET TO THE HON. W. ROLLESTON.

The banquet to Mr Eolleston given on the 11th hist, in Christchurch was one of the most brilliant ever held there. The Tuam-Street Hall was filled with farmers, runholders, and visitors from all parts of the colony, and there was a large attendance of ladies in the gallery. The chair was occupied by Mr John Grigg, of Longbeach. Among those present were Mr John Bryce, Captain Bussell, Sir John Hall, Messrs C. C. Bowen, E. Mitchelson, Scobie Mackenzie, D.. H. McArthur, J. Miller, A. E. G. Rhodes, and E. C. J. Stevens. The Hon. Mr Stevens, replying for the Legislature, explained the action of the Council in rejecting the Labor and other Bills, appealing to the audience if they had not done right under the circumstances, He contended that the importance of freehold tenure was the main factor in the success of the colony, and the council had acted conscientiously in rejecting them. Mr Scobie Mackenzie, replying for the Lower Chamber, referred to the Opposition as the submerged tenth of New Zealand at the present time. He made a lengthy speech, chiefly taking Mr Balia ace t 6 task on his fad of putting people on the land in view of relieving distress, and said that no one acquainted with land and the troubles attending farming operations would advocate such a policy. Having shown that Mr Ballance’s power had arisen by an accident, owing to the excited state of parties at the general election, he remarked that the time was fast coming, and only organisation was required, to bring about a change in the Government and a restoration of a reasonable form of taxation. . Mr Eolleston spoke for forty minutes, 'touching on the various measures proposed by the Government, and after satirically denouncing their actions and professions, urged the farmers and settlers not to be disheartened, but to organise and form a party which would inspire confidence in the country, and cause the working men and others to see that they were being hoodwinked by the so-called great Liberal party. The Hon. John Bryce dilated on his own grievance. He said the Government intended to go in for a fresh system of borrowing. This might have the effect of making a boom or flush, but there would be a positive increase of taxation which they would have a difficulty in getting rid of. When the colony was just recovering from a debauchery of debt, to speak of another loan was cruel to the settlers who ■ had borne the heat and burden of the day, cruel to the rising generation, cruel to the class which they pretended to favor, for they would be the chief sufferers. He spoke at some length regarding the future of the colony, in which he had great faith if the rising generation entered the political arena, qjxd if. young men came forward the oldes politicians would gladly make room for them. Mr Bryce concluded a capital speech by giving advice to young men to take for their guiding star integrity and truth; in that case they would do well for themselves and deserve well of their country..