THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1878.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2843, 26 March 1878, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1878.

The success of the meeting at the Academy of Muiio last night may be fairly attributed to the interest which the peopla of this district feel in the land question. On that, the first item in the night's business, there was a thorough unanimity of feeling and sentiment, and the resolution submitted was passed without dissent. The action of the Auckland Lands Board in selling (he Aroha block to Mr Broomhall was condemned as a gross piece of injustice to the, people of this district, and the subsequent action of the Government in confirming the transaction, and providing for it» completion by the act of an Order in Council, was discussed in scarcely less complimentary terms. We hare previously discussed this question pretty fully, and, indeed, some time- ago urged that steps similar to those agreed upon at last night's meeting should be taken to test the legality of the Broomhall sale and have it set aside. The transaction was decidedly shady, and should be inquired into, as much in the interests of this community as to expose the unsatisfactory administration of the Waste Lands Board. The first step towards bringing the matter once more under the notice of the Government will probably be taken to-morrow morning, when the committee appointed at the meeting will wait upon the Hon. J. Sheehan with the resolutions, and represent the views of the meeting.

As we anticipated, the proposed Abolition of the gold duty was prodactire of great differences of opinion, and a very animated discussion, It must be said, however, that the arguments were all in favor of the abolitionists. Some of the opponents of the measure showed a lamentable ignorance of the law on the matter! or the rights of the goldmining interest to a fair share of revenue. One was under the impression that the gold duty is a tax levied only on the Thames, and gave reasons why it is not collected in " Canterbury;" while another, with equal lucidity, denied that a goldfields community had any right to be provided with roadl; magistrates, end other requirements out of ■ the ordinary revenue of the country. It is no wonder the meeting laughed at such absurdities and derided the speakers. Again, the speakers seemed not to remember that there are other mining districts besides the Thames; that about four-fifths of the miners of New Zealand belong to the Middle Island, and carry on their industry in parties rather than by companies; What we would urge upon all is to cast about for some revenue to replace the gold duty, when that has been abolished either by gradual reduction or summary repeal. In this there should be as much unanimity and as vigorous an effort made as i that regarding the question of lands for | the people.

The " illegality of recent Borough and County expenditure " question fell fiat on an audience that bad listened, for two hours and a half, to speakers good, bad and indifferent, with more or less of patience. A nolle prosequi was entered in so far as the Borough expenditure is concerned ; whih the points on which the County authorities were assailed were not supported with proof. It seemed that the appointment of some to offices of emolument had given offence in some directions, while non*success in tendering had cauacd disappointment in another. The Chairman of the County Council denied the statements, and generally informed the meeting that the County books could always be inspected by ratepayers. With such facilities, the auditor's report, and the power which the ratepayers possess to reject candidates for County honors whose previous administration may not hare been satisfactory, ratepayers should hare little cause for complaint.