MR. SHEEHAN'S ADDRESS TO HIS CONSTITUENTS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 126, 29 June 1881, Page 2

MR. SHEEHAN'S ADDRESS TO HIS CONSTITUENTS.

[per united press association.]

GRAHAMSTOWN, Last Night. Mr. Sheeban addressed a large meeting of his constituents last night. Referring to Patetcre, he maintained that he had been consistent throughout. He had wished to acquire the block for tbe Government, but when Mr. Bryce informed him that the Government did not intend to complete the purchase, he felt at liberty to act for others, thinking it better that the land should be settled than remain waste. One-quarter of the block bad actually been secured to the Government to repay their advances. He denied having deserted bis party, avowing himself still a warm admirer and follower of Sir George Grey's, notwithstanding their difference about Patetere. He warmly maintained the claims of the Thames railway to be proceeded with, and denied that it was in any sense a job. He regretted th© abolition of the Provincial system, and would do his best to bring about a reform in local government. Illhealth prevented his going to the session earlier, but he was now on his way there, and was in a better position to attend to the wants of his constituents than ever before.

A vote of confidence was proposed. An amendment of no-confidence was proposed, bnt only half-a-dozen hands were held up for the latter, and the motion of entire confidence wsa carried amidst load cheers.