MR. McGuire at Manaia.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XX, Issue 2433, 22 May 1893, Page 2

MR. McGuire at Manaia.

(FROM OUR QSfrfo CORRESPONDENT.) Mr F. McGaire, M.HJR., addressed his constituents on Satueday evening in the Drill Hall. There were about 100 electors, including a number of ladies, in tbe ball. Mr J. Milroy, chairman of the Town Board, presided. "* The address was similar to that already published fully in the Star, and was well received. He olaimed that more had been done during the past year for the district than bad been done for it during tbe previous ten years, and in proof pointed to the money voted lor purchase of lands, steps taken to open native reserves for lease, thereby making it rateable, and numerous other works. He had worked hard for the district, and thanked the press of the provincial district for its liberal treatment of bim in reporting bis speeches both in and out of Parliament so fully, thereby placing his views before his coDstitneats. He bad to admit that there had not been muoh apparent progress made in (he matter of relief from the harbor rate, but he bad succeeded in getting a committee- set up, which had reported favorably, and proved that the district; bad a claim on the 'Government. , Wbeo they rememhered how bard it was, 1 and how long it took him, to make tbe people who were paying the rate to realise that they had a claim, they must not be surprised if it took a little time to impress that claim on the members of the House, who had no direct interest in the district. History was sure to repeat itself, and tbe time would surely come when the Government woold not have such an independent and large majority at its back, and be would not neglect to avail himself of his opportunity wben it arrived. Mr Elliott said Mr McGuire had stated that the Minister of Lands was pushing settlement, and he would like to know why steps had not been taken by tbe Minister to make a road to bid section, which he bad selected on 16th March last, and on which be had paid a deposit ? Mr MoGnire said he was not there to defend departmental details, but if Mr Elliott put bis complaint in writing be would forward it, to the proper quarter, and have it enquired into. He might say, however, that there were harder cases than Mr Elliott'?, where people bad bought lands years' ago, instead of only two months since, and had no roads yet. Mr D. Hughes asked which of the two parties in the House was most in favor of giving relief from the harbor rate ? Mr McGuire — The Opposition. Mr Hagbes— Then as the abolition of tbe harbor rate is tbe most vital question affecting this constituency we would like to see you support tbe party tbat would be most in favor of its abolition. Mr McGoire said his opportunity had not yet come, bat when it did be would take advantage of it. Mr M. Franklin asked why the horse and cattle stealing cases were being tried at Hawera instead of Manaia where most of the witnesses lived. Mr McGuire said be did not know. It was tbe duty of tbe Justice Department to have tbe oases heard where it would be most convenient aqd economical. Mr Hughes proposed, and Mr T. Green seconded, a hearty yote of thanks to Mr McGuire for his address and continued confidence in bim as their representative, which was carried unanimously. Vote of thanks to tbe chair terminated the proceedings.