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Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1303, 10 June 1880, Page 2

We are compelled to omit our report of yesterday's sitting of Parliament. We have, however, the satisfaction of knowing that the business was not of very great importance. Two matters in connection with the property tax are of interest to our readers. Replying to Mr. Bain, Major Atkinson said there was no difference between building .societies and other companies as to the basis ; upon which the former are to pay the tax : under the Property Assessment Act, 1879. Mr. Barron asked whether, in view of the repeal or modification of the Property

Assessment Act, 1879, Government will, in accordance with the 92nd clause, grant an extension of time for furnishing statements required by that Act. Major Atkinson replied that the Government would make no modification whatever as to anticipating the repeal of the Act. He had the question of an extension of time, however, under consideration. If they thought the circumstances of the case required it, they would exere : se the authority given them by the section of the Act.

, A meeting of Mr. Jones' supporters will I lj> held this evening. The meeting of the Excelsior Cricket Club called for last evening was postponed until Saturday week.

The meeting of the Municipal Council called for this evening has been postponed until Monday evening, at the usual hour. Captain Edwin telegraphs :—Bad weather approaching from any direction between east and north and aorth-west. Glass will farther fall. Expect much pain.

The pressure upon our space caused by | the publication of the Financial Statement compels us to hold over a number of letters nrirl a quantity of other matter. Wo shall endeavor to work up arrears to-morrow. Mails for the Australian Colonies, per Arawata, close »t the Bluff to-morrow, at 11.30 a.m. Telegrams will be accepted at the Telegraph Office accordingly,

A lecture on "Things not generally known abont Life Assurance " was delivered last evening at the New Tees-street Hall, by Mr. J. M. Templeton, F.1.A., Actuary and: Secretary to the National Mutual Life Association of Australasia, Limited. The chair was occupied by the Mayor, and there was a fair attendance. The lecturer was listened to with great attention, and at the close received a hearty vote of thanks. Our space only permits us to mention one of the "things, not generally known," of which the audience were treated to a goodly number j it is, that Id invested in our Saviour's time at 5 per cent, would now be represented by pounds sterling occupying a line of 64 figures.

Our Livingstone correspondent writes : ■ Mr. Reid addressed the electors last evening. The chair was taken by Mr. T. Smith, wlio introduced the candidate as an old acquaintance. The address was very fairly delivered, and was listened to attentively throughout. Numerous questions were asked and answered generally to the satisfaction of the meeting. The honorarium question was explained away, and made, by a few judicious qualifications, to appear much less objectionable than when it was first broached at his meeting in Oamaru. Which is the correct thingit would, as Mr. Reid does not " wear his heart upon his sleeve," be very difficult to deoide. Mr. Reid is a thorough liberal in his views, and, after hearing Mr. Roberts as well, I am not surprised that so many more hands were held up at the nomination for him than for the latter. It is a perfect puzzle to many, including "your own," to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion as to which is the Liberal candidate ; for he who is called the Conservative is very Liberal, and if men and things were always called by their proper naijjea, would be so known. But what of Mr. Roberts, who is again so much more Liberal? The fact is, they have both been very much mis-called. Mr. Reid should be the Liberal, and Mr. Roberts the ultra-Liberal, or Radical. After all this verbiage, it is just a matter of "as yon were" over again that Mr. Roberts is more Liberal than Mr. Reid. I suppose when Mr. Jones comes he will out-Herod Herod. I cannot' divest my mind of the fact that such an incident as a wolf appear? ing in sheep's clothing has been known, and I fear such may be the case in this instance, for I cannot understand such spontaneous liberalism. A vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Frater, and afterwards altered to a vote of confidence in Mr. Reid as a fit and proper person to represent tjj.e .district, with the saving clause that the meeting were not thereby pledged to vote for the candidate, and in this form was seconded by Messrs. Cook and Oliver together, and carried unanimously.