OLIVER'S ADDRESS. Wellington, June 3.

Grey River Argus, Volume XXIV, Issue 3983, 4 June 1881, Page 2

OLIVER'S ADDRESS. Wellington, June 3.

Oliver addressed the Dunedin electors. He claimed for himself and party the title of true Liberals, and pointed out how they had carried through the Liberal measures of which others only insincerly talked. He advocated Hare's system of representation, and expressed his approval of Hall's Upper House Reform scheme. He gave Bryce credit for native reforms, and averting the war which at one time appeared imminent. Had the mode of retrenchment been left to the Government they would hare saved as much with less injury to the service, as the indiscriminate ten per cent which the House had insisted on. He referred to the reform he had effected in railways, he having diminished unprofitable train mileage by 170,000 miles a year, and substituted one efficient commissioner and accountant of the department for two inefficient ones. He introduced a system of promotion. He reduced the number of men employed, and revised the tariff. When he left he was considering the questions of revenue, a general railway benefit society, a system of colonial parcels delivery, and was mak» ing inquiries about the American Bystem of checking luggage, reducing passenger rateß.and establishing anight train between Dunedin and Chriatchurch. His successors had now to deal with these matters. His retirement was entirely in consequence of the death of his business manager, rendering his personal attention to his private affairs necessary. A vote of confidence was carried.