THE MARSDEN ELECTORATE.

Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 2926, 30 August 1879, Page 2

THE MARSDEN ELECTORATE.

REV. B. BRC/CE AT WAIPU.

Tun Rev. D. Bruce (announced for the representation of Marsden in the House of Kepresentatives) addressed the electors of Waipu on Monday last, Mr H. Matthews being in the chair. After a reference to the peculiar importance of the present crisis, and the consequent importance of selecting trustworthy members to Parliament, the rev. gentleman went on to dwell upon the danger that menaced the existing system of education,for which he professed a great liking. lie voluntarily promised to do all in his power, if returned, to defeat any attempt to secure a denominational system in its place. The speaker then went on to deal somewhat trenchantly with our management of native affairs, and in doing so made a short but eulogistic reference to the late Sir Donald McLean. The present land purchase sys'.ern met with his thorough disapproval, for, in his opinion, the best course would bo for the Government to act merely as agents for the native owner in the disposal of his landed property, which should be sold in such lots to the highest bidder as would enable a man of moderate means to compete on even terms with the large capitalist. The speaker in this connection asserted that the Maoris, no matter where they dwelt, should be held amenahle to British law, and at all hazards should be punished for such outrages as they committed. Mr Bruce then proceeded to descant upon the unjust apportionment of the public works expenditure in the past, so far as Auckland and the North Island were concerned. He said that their representative should be one who would cordially unite with the Northern party iv securing that measure of justice which had been denied us in the past. The gentleman also declared himself in favour of the general policy disclosed in the Governor's speech, the only item to which he took exception being the Maori dual vote. After a number of questions had beeuput and answered, Mr A. P. Campbell proposed and Mr K. McDonald seconded a vote of confidence in the rev. gentleman.

Mr M. VV. McKenzie proposed as an amendment, and it was seconded, " That this meeting tenders its hearty thanks to the Rev. D. Bruce for his very able address, but does not pledge itself to any candidate." —The resolution was passed by a large majority, but three hands being held up for the amendment.