BLENHEIM.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5107, 30 May 1885, Page 2

BLENHEIM.

This day.

Mr Dodson, M.H.T?.., addressed a meeting of his constituents last night. He avowed himself a supporter of Major AtkinsOD, but would give the measures of the present Ministry careful consideration, not intending to be a blind follower of any man; he considered the position of an independent, member the best for a constituency like Wairau. He strongly condemned Sir Julius Vogel's financial policy, but approved of Mr Ballance's land and native schemes. He considered a land tax not desirable in a young country, where half of the adult males were owners of land ; but if, after carefully watching the discussion next session, he found a land tax for local purposes could be im« posed without injustice, he might re-con-sider his opinion, but at present he preferred a property tax. He advocated the Catholic claims to a share of the education vote, and severely criticised the present system of education ; he thought that the growth of larrikinism and prostitution might be traced to the fact that State education had lessened parental control. Mr Dodson was catechised at considerable length, but ultimately a vote of confidence in him was passed almost unanimously.