ADDISON'S FLAT.

Westport Times, Volume 2, Issue 150, 23 January 1868, Page 2

ADDISON'S FLAT.

(from our own correspondent.) 21st January, 1868. A monster meeting of electors interested in the return of Mr William Ferris as representative of this district in the Provincial Council of Nelson was held this evening, in the large room of the Dan O'Connell Hotel, which was crowded to excess. Mr Burke being voted to the chair, made a masterly speech, in which he complimented the electors on being successful in bringing the candidate forward who was to address them that night, introduced Mr Ferris to the meeting.

Mr Eerais spoke at great length on sundry matters, a few of which were as follows: —He expressed himself strongly in favor of local Mining Boards, pointing out the good such had done elsewhere, and thought that much more good would be done by their adoption here, where our Wardens are so few, and their time taken up largely as Magistrates, that they do not inspect the work going on, so as to remedy some of the grievances of the miners.. He was in favor of free selection before survey agricultural lands. With regard to to roads and tracks, he would support and advocate the cutting and making of such, where advisable, by G-overnment, say ten miles from the beach, on the following plan :—Suppose the country was surveyed in square blocks intersected by tracks at rightangles, and in the event of private parties opening or making such, he would recommend a fair compensation. He was strongly impressed with the importance of ferries being placed under Government control at a fixed scale of charges; such ferries being open to

public competition, annually. With regard to Wardens' and Magistrates' local courts, he would advocate them being" held weekly at Addison's Flat, Caledonian Terrace, and Mokihinui. The candidate was asked several questions, all of which he answered to the entire satisfaction of those present. Proposed by Mr E. Ryan, and seconded by Mr Heimey—That in the opinion of the meeting, William Perris, Esq., is a fit and proper person to represent this district in the Provincial Council, Nelson, which was carried without a dissenting voice amid applause and great cheering. A committee having been formed for the purpose of securing Mr Perris's return. Mr Perris proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, which was carried by acclamation. The meeting then separated, highly'pleased with the views set forward.