HARAPEPE.

Waikato Times, Volume XII, Issue 949, 23 July 1878, Page 2

HARAPEPE.

A. public meeting was held m the school-house on Wednesday evening the 17th, to hear an address from Mr McMinn, on his political opinions and ideas of public matters. The meeting gave the speaker a veiy pitieiifc hearing. The speech was merely a recapitulation of his former speech, and the subject ranged from furze hedges to land and property taxes. Mr R. Neil askecl the .candidate how it was that he had quite altered almost all Uis opinJQnfci; to judgy

from his speeches, and was now going m on quite a different side to his last candidature. He, Mr Neil, was not a believer m sudden con-, versions. Mr McMinn said that he iound out that he must nicer his plans, as unless he joined one side or tho other he should not have a, chance to be returned, and as Sir George Grey had told him that it never was the intention of the Government to give back to the Kingnatives the Harapepe lands, none at least above Karakaraki, he then decided to support him., as he had always sympathised with him. Mr Neil said that the principle of the thing was the same, the only difference was that it was m another parish, and how would the settlers below like the arrangement, as he understood that there was as many settlers from Karakaraki to the heads, Churchill, Ngaruawahia as above it. Mr McMinn said that he knew nothing about it. From what I coald make out the candidate is m favour of manhood or universal suffrage, or the next thing to it, that is, a six months residence m one place, single women to have a vote and women holding property ; also the Maoris if they behave themselves, and are gooi boys. Mr James Sherret proposed a vote of thanks to Mr McMiun for his address. — Mr J. Morrison seconded. Mr Eosborough proposed a vote of confidence, and Mr Hodgson seconded. The latter was carried. A vote of thanks was passed for the Chairman, and the meeting dispersed. The ball that was to have come off here last week had to be given up on account of the bad weather. We ai c now getting some sharp frosty weather. -Own Correspondent.