LIBERAL ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 1449, 30 August 1879, Page 11

LIBERAL ASSOCIATION.

A meeting was held in the Provincial Hotel on the 15th, for the purpose of forming a Political Association upon Liberal principles. About 40 gentlemen were present amongst whom were Messrs Rossbotham, J. Sibbald, H. S. Fish, M'Leod, J. Mackay, James Brown, A. Smith, Walker, Carrick, and Bolt. On tho motion of Mr Rossbotham, Mr James Brown, J.P., took the chair. Mr Walker moved, and Mr Gray seconded, the first of the resolutions submitted to the maetißg by Mr Roßsbotham, viz. : — " That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable that a Liberal Association should be formed in Dunedin— (l) for the purpose of securing the return of Liberal candidates at the forthcoming election; and (2) to promote afterwards the eanse of reform and progress." The following resolutions embodying a portion ef the political platform of the Society were, after discussion, adopted :— (1) Triennial Parliaments ; (2) manhood suffrage, with six months' residential qualification, and registration at any time ; (3) redistribution of electorates, with a view to making the representation as nearly as practicable proportionate to population ; and (4) rearrangement of taxation upon a fair and equitable principle, and economy in the administration of public funds Mr Wbias proposed—" That with regard to the admroibtration of Native lands, that, if possible, all Native lands shall be disposed of by public auction or tender, under Government control. " Mr Oamuok moved as an amendment— " Tbat no land be cold, but that it btcome -nationalised and kept for the benefit of the Mr Wxlia accepted the amendment, which was carried nem. dig, Mr Wblls moved, as an addition to the political platform of the Association, " steular education." After further discussion, the motion — " That this Association pladg«s itself to support the present system of education," was carried by a large majority J only four hands bling held up against it. The consideration of a motion "That a greater amount of protection be allowed to native industries," was adjourned, and the meeting then resolved itself into committee. When i|i Committee about 20 gentlemen gave in their names as members of the Association, and Mr Brown was elected chairman ; Mr Bossbotkam, vies chairman ; and Mr W«ll*, ■eowtarj.