MAJOR ATKINSON AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

Press, Volume XXII, Issue 2855, 2 October 1874, Page 2

MAJOR ATKINSON AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

New Plymouth, Oct 1

Major Atkinson addressed his constituents on Saturday. He was greeted with loud cheers. After referring to local subjects, he said that he had voted for the honorarium to members, because no man could afford to leave his business for a less sum.' He thought the colony would get the worth of its money in public works ; notwithstanding the number of immigrants pouring in. the cry was for more. As Mr Reeves had said that the Taranaki members did not represent the feeling of the people of tbat province, he wished them to psvss a resolution expressing their opinion upon the point. [Continued cheering ] He compared the positions of Auckland, Otago, and Canterbury, and pointed out why the latter provinces should not be abolished. He said the public works scheme meant ultimately the extinguishing of the provinces. As long as the provinces had money to take part in the settlement of tho land, they would exist, but n-.> longer.

In answer to a question, Major Atkinson snid that the Ministry's scheme was a central Government.

The following resolutions were then carried unanimously, only one hand being held up against, the first one :— " That, this meeting is of opinion that Mr Vogel's resolution proposing the abolition of the provinces in the North Island, and to substitute iv their place a form of Government really iocal in nature, is a wise and statesmanlike measure, deserving of hearty support."

" That thrj land fund of the several provinces should continue to be, as far as practicable, localised."

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the land fund'of the Southern provinces taken for expenditure in the North Island, but on the contrary wishes to see it applied locally to its legitimate purpose of opening up and peopling the country." . Mr Standish, a member of the Provincial Executive, moved an amendment to the first resolution to the effect that—" Tbat this meeting reserves to itself its expression of opinion as to Major Atkinson's action in the provincial changes until it was in a better position to judge on the question." The amendment did not find a seconder. A vote of confidence in Major Atkinßon concluded the proceedings.