POLITICAL.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 4, Issue 39, 23 May 1893, Page 2

POLITICAL.

Mr 0. H. Mills, M.H.R., addressed a large meeting of his constituents in the school-room, at Deep Creek, on Saturday night. Mr R. Alexander was voted to the Chair. Mr Mills was received with loud applause, and after paying a fitting tribute to the memory of the late Sir Harry Atkinson and John Ballance, and explaining the formation of the new Ministry, he referred to the new Land Bill, as the bed-rock for fostering and encouraging settlement in outlying districts. He advocated longer duration of Parliament, and praised the Government for taking over the Cheviot estate to subdivide in the interests of the people. In this connection he was glad to hear the Hon. Mr. Rolleston had expressed the opinion in Auckland that land should carry men instead of sheep. The Native Land Question was one of the most important questions to deal with this next Session, and it was quite time the large Native land-owners accepted some of the responsibilities attached to their ownership. Among local matters, the most important to the district was to have the present Rai tramway purchased by the Government, and made a public line, so as to develop the large timder interests, and get the land settled afterwards. It was not probable the tariff would be revised until the.new Parliament assembled, as they must retain their sources of revenue to assist and carry on public works. He dealt at some length with the mining industry, pointing out its great importance as a factor in our national prosperity, and hoped the Government would have more funds placed at their disposal to aid prospecting by opening out new tracks. There was a sura of £IOO now at the command of the Road Board directly the miners decided in what direction it could be most effectually spent. The people had practical faith in the colony’s resources by keeping clear of the London money market, and it was intended to follow the same line of policy. He concluded a telling speech by saying that in a short time the general elections would take place, when he intended to offer his services again, and trusted his past-actions had met their approval. Daring the address Mr Mills was frequently applaused, and after some questions had been asked and answered, Mr Johnson propos'd, and Mr Mayo seconded, That a h .arty vote of thanks be accorded to Mr Mills for his interesting and able address, and this meeting desires to express its continued confidence in him as their representative. This being carried unanimously, a vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the meeting. Mr Erskine, Secretary of the Pelorus Road Board, then asked the miners to decide, on which direction the new track should be made, and .after some discussion, it was agreed the best route would be to start from the lefthand side of Deep Greek, ascending the range over to Doom Creek, and thence to Long Valley in the Kaituna.