GISBORNE.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3655, 13 September 1880, Page 2

GISBORNE.

This day.

Allan McDonald addressed his constituents on Friday night in the Masonic Hall, when the Mayor presided. Mr McDonald reviewed the work of the session at considerable length; he re* gretted Government had dropped all their Native measures, lie spoke in high terms of praise of His Honor Judge Fenton for the pains he had taken and the assiduity he had shown in endeavoring to have really good measures passed for dealing with native lands. Had Judge Fenton's views been carried out, Mr Mac* Donald had no doubt but in a little while all land trouble aud disputes along the East Coast would have ceased. He severely condemned the Land Sales Bill as introduced, and described the native policy of the Government as the worst yet enunciated. On the education question he was opposed to the present extravagant outlay incurred by the country. He believed that persons who were able to pay for the education of their children should be compelled to do so. He would support an Innome and Property Tax, but was against taxing local industries. He condemned Government —especially the Attorney • General, Whitaker—for the proposed Representation Bill, and believed the question of re-distribution of seats would have to be decided by a commission appointed for that purpose. The financial proposals of Major Atkinson were the best that could possibly be brought forward, as it was well known that local subsidies were to be abolished. After referring in flattering terms to the Premier and one or two other members of Government, and dwelling on local matters for a while, an unanimous vote of confidence was passed to Mr McDonald as the representative for the East Coast.