MR HODGKINSQN AT RIVERTON. [By Telegraph.]

Otago Witness, Issue 1325, 21 April 1877, Page 9

MR HODGKINSQN AT RIVERTON. [By Telegraph.]

_ „ Rivebton, April 17th. Dr Hodgkmson, M.H.R., addressed the electors here last night. After reviewing the proceedings of last session at considerable length, and giving an account of the part he took in supporting the Opposition on the principal questions brought forward, notably constitutional changes, in the course of which he denounced the Government as being corrupt dishonest, and tyrannical, he stated that he still considered the Abolition of Provinces to be illegal, and would still use his influence to get the matter fairly tested in a court of law He referred to the -tppointment of Sir J. Vogel to the Agent-Generalship as disgraceful, and said that, although he and the Hon. D. ReiJ had been personal friends, he did not hesitate to characterise his recent action in joining the Ministry as that of a traitor, a turncoat, and a trimmer. He would support separation of the two Islands, with a Federal Government for both at Wellington, if brought on next session, as bemg the only substitute for Provincialism, by which the people would regain the rights and privileges they had lost by Abolition. At the conclusion of his address a unanimous vote of confidence was passed in him as their representative by the meeting, at which there were between 40 and 50 persons present.