MEMBERS AND THEIR CONSTITUENTS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1283, 18 May 1880, Page 2

MEMBERS AND THEIR CONSTITUENTS.

Punedin, May 17. Mr. W. Barron, M. H.R. for Caversham, addressed his constituents -to-night. There were 50 present. He condemned the present Government for; their tactics in assuming and retaining office, accqsing them of treachery. He would, howeverj be in favor of the Government having a chance to administer the affairs of the but was strongly opposed to the property tax. If they \7ould "repeal this, they should not be mpt by faptious opposition, He considered the land tax preferable, and also an ingrease in the customs duties and beer .. tax. He was opposed to a school rate or the re-imposi-tiofl of school fees, but of the two he preferred the rste. He a free-trader. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried.

Invercaechlx, May 17. Mr.'M f Caughan, M.H.R. for River ton, addressed a large meeting' of electors at Winton to-night, and received a unanimous vote of confidence.

Hokitika, May 17. Mr, Reid, M.H.R., addressed a large meeting of electors at the Town Hall on Saturday night, The Maypr occupied the chair. He reviewed the history of the fall of the Grey Government to the advent of the Hall Ministry, explained the measures passed last session, and condemned the Property Tax as expensive to collect, and otherwise objectionable. He said the fatal mistake the Opposition made was in deposing gir George Qrey from the leadership, He reviewed the proposed Ministerial measures so far as known, and would - support the new Licensing Bill if the principle of Local Option was intended to be applied to new licenses only. The new Representation. Bill should include the redistribution of seats, Mr. Reid condemned the stoppage of subsidies as a breach of faith, ridiculed the system of Government by Qommission, described the recent experience of the West Coast with the Railway Commission arriving under a flourish of trumpets incidental to the approach of special coaches and Hansard reporters, staying two hours in each of the chief towns, and departing ..with, lightning speed. He thought if the work of the Commission was measured by the greatest distance accomplished in the shortest space of time, the Government earned the fullest commendation. He that the Opposition was disjointed, but hoped there would be an early organisation. At the conclusion of an address of two hours, a vote of confidence was given.