DUNEDIN.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2894, 25 May 1878, Page 2

DUNEDIN.

Friday

Mr Donald .Reid addressed his Outram constituents last night. Having summarised his previous speech, he said the liberality of the present Government in the matter of lands was like that Of the man who attended the chanty sermon, and was so aroused by it that when the plate came round he put his hand into his neighbour's pocket and placed every farthing he found (here on the plate. He then referred to the education question, and said that he hoped a direct tax would be imposed for the object. If further general taxation were necessary, ifc should take the form of police rates. He thought that a land t_ix would be a most unequal and unfair way of meeting tho liabilities of the colony. In reference to representation in the County Council, he thought that the people should have voLijg powers in accordance with the taxes paid by them. Agricultural labourers and farmers were quite as intelligent and as well qualified to exercise the franchise as miners. His experience of the Legislative Council was that if it were made elective they might get half-a-dozen worse before they would get one better than the present. He-then concluded by referring to the question of capital and labor, and warned his hearers of what would result from attempting to treat capitalists unfairly. The following resolution was carried, there being only two dissentients : — " That this meeting expresses its deep regret that Mr Eeid should have seen fit to retire from political life; that he has the full confidence of his constituency, and especially that of the West Taieri, and while thanking him for his speech, it is hoped that if it be possible lie may still continue to represent this constituency in the Assembly."

The Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association last night resolved to adopt the suggestion of the Oarnaru Society, that a national association for the Middle Island should be formed.

Wright's bakery, in King-street, was destroyed by fire to-day., It was insured in the Standard for £150.

The ceremonies of laying the foundation stones of the new Town Hall and the Volunteers' Hall were performed to-day by the Mayor, and great interest was taken in the proceedings.

(from our own,correspondent.)