WELLINGTON.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3881, 7 June 1881, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

„, This day. Mr DeLautour addressed his constituents at Naseby last nignt. He thought the present opposition was a reflex on the Liberal opinions of the people, and was sufficiently united to combine on any occasion when the welfare of the colony required it, but they desired to avoid any rigid party organisation. He regarded with fear the indiscriminate local borrowing, fearing the burden will ultimately fall on the general taxpayer. There were too many irresponsible boards, and what was wanted was decentralisation of administrative organisation, and the independence of local bodies of an elective character, careful social administration by administrative boards and encouragement of local industries, stopping short only of protection. He condemned the proposed change in the constituion of the Council, and the fusion of the two Chambers would almost always convert the representative minority into a joint majority. The Government, last session, opposed the Chinese Bill, but hoped now to deal with the question. He condemned the system of members having to look to Government for money for local works. He .condemned, also, the cessation of Government purchase of Native land and throwing them open to speculators. He referred at some length, to the question of dealing with the Utago runs. He woufd be prepared to assist Government in any honest attempt to deal with the matter. He considered the Otago Central Railway one of importance, and better for the Government to do it than to haud it over to a company. Although a non-resident, he should offer himself for re-election. A vote of thanks and confidence were passed unanimously.