Major Atkinson at Patea.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 4011, 5 November 1881, Page 3

Major Atkinson at Patea.

Major Atkinson addressed a largo and enthusiastic meeting on Thursday evening last. He commenced by saying that the Government had been compelled to call upon the Volunteers for aid in enforcing law and order throughout this coast. The call had been most nobly responded to. The occasion was one which will make us both grateful and proud in view of the noble way in which the Volunteers everywhere have come

forward. He beeged to tender the sincers thanks of the district and the Crown to those Volunteers. (Cheers.) He now came to the native policy. He had been acoused of not supporting the Government's native policy, and of treachery to his late and present colleague, Mr Bryce. The aim of every Government has been to bring into the pale of English law the native race. In doing so, they had desired to temper justice with mercy. He would go back to the year when he first became their representative. There was then a state of arnachy on the Waimate Plains. There was no road behind the mountain, but in 1877 when they went out of office, he was prepared to commence the surrey of the Plains. The next Government permitted the surveyors to be carted off the Plains, and generally lost the confidence of the the settlers in the conduct of native affairs. Now, if he had said two years

ago that the road from Hawera to Opunako would be formed and metalled, v^and a bridle track from Straftord to Opunake available, they would not have believed him, but this has been done, with regard to treachery to Mr Bryce, '■" how else could he have acted? Supposing he had resigned, the Government would hare broken up, or somebody elsa would have taken his place. He did not see as their representative, any other man who could have dealt with the diffi-

cultyas himself. He would now justify the present position. Parliament appointed a commissison so inquire, who sent in a report. Parliament adopted the recommendations, and authorised the commissioners to give effect to them. Goverment tried every means to induce the Natives to accept the verj liberal term 9 offered by the commission. ' (Hear hear.) Haying now exhausted every means at their disposal, the Government meant to enforce law and order. He would now

touch lightly on the general policy of the Government expenditure. Tile public workß would be proceeded with as quickly as the finances of the colony permitted. A railway to Auckland should be pushed forward. -The natives might, of course,, obstruct for a considerable time. He hoped the working men would carefully preserve the eight hours' system of wprk. Free trade and protection were now simply theoretical questions, but in the meantime' the Government would endeavour to shape the Customs duties to relieve and encourage local manufactures, which were absolutely necessary for a great country. In regard to local government no fresh forms were wanted, but more funds to carry out. the present functions. More freedom should be given to the public to say what kind of local govenment they would have. He believed no serious consequence would arise from the native difficulty, and peace and prosperity would.now dawn upon the colony for the natives and Europeans alike. applause). In answer to questions, Major Atkinson said the back country in the immediate vicinity of Patea would be surveyed with the view to occupation as soon aB the weather was fit. As the leases in Canterbury fell in, they would be cut up in small blocks and sold on deferred payments He was in favour of a national system of education, but should modify it to assist such denominations as were prepared to build their own schools. The property tax would continue, as reduced by half,

for this year. A vote of {confidence and thanks was proposed by Mr Dale, who said that Mr Hutchison had wired in favour of Mr Bryce, thus endorsing his policy. Major Atkinson advocated the same policy, therefore Mr Hutchison should retire in his favour.

Mr Ooutts seconded, saying there were too many lawyers in the House. ; The vote was carried on the voice, about 150 for, 1 against.