MR BASSTUN AT OREPUKI.

Southland Times, Issue 2249, 29 December 1875, Page 2

MR BASSTUN AT OREPUKI.

(FROM A CORRESPONDENT.) Mr O. B-tsstian, late M.H.R. for Wai lace, addressed a large meeting of electors at the Courthouse, Orepuki, yesterday evening — Mr J. Watson in the chair. Having been introduced, Mr Basstian laid befure the meeting a very clear and concise statement of the political state ol tbe cuuntiy, and pointed out in a very satisfactory manner the many advantages that woulu accrue to the country from the abolition of the i rovinces nnd s vigorous prosecution of tbe Public Works scheme. He successfully combated severa. absurd ideas that had taken hold of men's minds in Orepuki, and showed us thai our true interests lay in supporting th« Abolition movement, and throwing th< lauds open to the people at once. A.t the close of his address, after several purely local questions had been aakec and answered, the Joyce parly went ir for making a hot time of it for Mi Basstian, by asking many questions or tbe abstract principles of political eco nomy, but which, could have no interesi for any one beyond showing the vasi amount of erudition and jawing powei we have at our command. The meeting thinned very much during the cross examination, but neither the cries ol '•Shut up," "Joe," &c, nor the disgusi plainly shown by the meeting, could pul a period to the questioning until oui friend subsided through sheer exhaus tion. Mr Basstian came out of the ordea! with flying colors, and by his good sound sense and his gentlemanly demeanor secured the support of most, and th< esteem of all who heard him. After a vote of thanks and confidence had been passed, and the usual compliment paid to the chair, the meeting dispersed, highly satisfied. 24th December, 1875.