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Southland Times, Issue 2244, 24 December 1875, Page 2

Speaking at the bauquet given to Mr Bryce, M.tf.B.,at Wauganui, the Hon. Major Atkinson said : — <; Hie progress of the Colony was enirtiv dependent on the care of the people If they were thrifty so would be the Assembly, for one is bouud to be guided by the other. It' they were tbnfcy without misconceiving what is conducive to their future good, they uiigiu. rest assured that the Assembly would iie the same. If the money borrowed for Public Works was not enough they would have to borrow more to complete them. Tnere would be no difficulty in obtaining it at a moderate rate of interest. Some people thought they could have large Public Works without paying for them ; but if they had works they would have to pay for them in the way of higher taxation. Bat although they had to pay taxes to carry them ouD, they would not fool them more heavily than now. But they could uot carry ■ these works to a siiL'i.-or.s.'ul issue if Provincialism was maintained, or if the proposal of separation were carried. They would thereto! o haw* to return members who would net .* > as to avoid separation and support t ie G-overn-ment in the policy of ab.iiition. The public should be prepare 1 to do local works and leave the Government ouly large colonial works, -m i doubtless they were real iy capable of duin^ this. Both JNorth and South were prepared to see the Provinces abolished and see the public works carried out. and both, would lend a hand to make it a success."