AUCKLAND.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2862, 17 April 1878, Page 2

AUCKLAND.

This day.

Messrs Lusk and Hamlin addressed their constituents last erening. Mr Hamlin sketched the action of himself and colleagues in the Assembly. He dissented from Sir George Grey regarding the extension of the franchise, and compulsory operation of the Counties Act. Mr Lusk also opposed the extension of the franchise, and said at the present time if a man had anything else except a carpet bag he had a rote, but Sir George Grey proposed to

give it to a man who possessed nothing else but a carpet bag. He was strongly opposed to a tax ou laud. He approved of a tax on income, or income derived from land. An acreage tax was unfair. He believed if Sir George Grey persisted in advocating these measures he would sap the foundation of his popularity. Those holding large blocks of land not cultivating, Sir George Grey proposed to compel them either to cultivate or Hell. But it would not be right to punish large land monopolists because they had acquired land by improper facilities placed in their hands by the Government. However popular Sir George Grey was now, it would be no long time before such vindictive legislation would be found a mistake. He urged the people to continued vigilance in political matters, and hoped Sir George Grey would propose some real means of local self-government. After careful consideration he had decided to resign his seat. He could not afford the time. He attacked Mr J. S. Macfarlane on the privilege question. He would sooner vote for a carpet-bagger than see such a man as Macfarlane succeed. Totes of confidence in Messrs Hamlin and Lusk were passed: The resolution expressed the hope tiiat in the course of eight years (sic) Mr Lusk's circumstances would enable him again to stand for Franklin.