PUBLIC MEETING AT THE ODDFELLOWS' HALL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5562, 9 March 1886, Page 4

PUBLIC MEETING AT THE ODDFELLOWS' HALL.

Last night the Oddfellows' Hall was crowded in response to the following appeal, which had been carried round the city, sandwich fashion, during the day: — Depression ! Citizens' meeting at Oddfellows' Hall, at 8 o'clock this evening. Be sure and attend." The platform was occupied by some members of the Protection Association, whose appearance was hailed with applause. Mr D. Eeese, M.H.E. for Stanmore, was voted to the chair, his taking of which was loudly applauded. The Chairman regretted the necessity for such a meeting. The problem of providing regular and profitable employment was one that exercised the minds of people at Home. In a young country like this settlement on the land was the solution of tho difficulty. (Applause.) As ho had been called upon at short notice, he was not prepared with a speech, but was glad to see that Sir George Grey had left Auckland to address the people down South, and hoped that that gentleman would be welcomed by such a meeting as was then present, and he trusted that Sir George's views on the land question would find acceptance. (Applause.) He would now call tipon the first speaker. Mr Biltcliff considered the meeting one

— I— WW«I»"M..«MCTnWIIJIU,U,MII— — — ■ of the citizens of Christchurch, and not of the unemployed. He wished to address the citizens of Christchurch, and through them the people of New Zealand. The resolution he intended to move was— " That in the opinion of this meeting no man can maintain himself and family on less than 5s per day; and further, that this meeting desires the Government to pay as much to the men on public works in Canterbury as in other parts of the Colony." (Applause.) In Auckland and Dunedin they were getting Gs a-day, and why should those of Canterbury have less than 5s a-day? On less than that the butcher, baker, tailor, &c, could not be paid, so it was to the interest of the tradesmen of Christchurch to see that the wages were not reduced to a lesß amount. (Applause.) The present reduction to 3s 6d was only a prelude to the general reduction of wages in the various factories. Instead of being reduced, the working-man's wage ought to be higher, so that at 50 years of age he might retire to his arm chair with a little competency, leaving. hiß place to be filled by his children. (Applause.) He could tell his friends of the Press that it was no use a political pop-gun like the Star to fire at his hide. It would take an Enfield rifle to penetrate his tough political hide. (Applause.) The working man should spend nothing in drink or tobacco till his children and wife were provided for. Then and then only would a. pipe be justified. The man who spent his money in drink and then went home and abused his wife was worse than the beast of the forest. (Applause.) If wealth were properly distributed there would be enough for all, and the working man could enjoy his holiday on Saturdays with his wife and children. It had been said that the earth was the Lord's, bukhe said "the earth was the landlord's, and the fulness thereof." (Laughter.) The good land was the landlord's, but the shingle was to be given to the working men. (Hear.) If they took the Bhingle now offered, they would spend what little money they had upon it, and again become unemployed, when the landlords would absorb the fruits of their toil and money. He hoped all would vote for the resolution. (Applause.) The Chairman, inputting the resolution, referred to his having protested, when at Wellington, against only 4s 6d a day being given in Canterbury, when 8s a day was being paid on the works at Masterton. Mr Cairns seconded the resolution, and in doing so advocated the claims oi the Working Men's Political Association for support from the people. The time for such an Association to work was not simply at election times, or times of depression, but all through the year. (Applause.) He suggested that all who were willing should come on to the stage at the clo&e of the meeting and sign the resolution. (Applause.) The resolution was carried unanimously, amid great cheering. » The Chairman suggested that a deputation should be appointed to present the resolution to the Premier to-day. (Loud applause.) Mr Biltcliff moved — " That a deputation of seven citizens of Christchurch be appointed to meet the Premier to-morrow, with our Chairman as one." (Applause.) Mr Powell seconded the resolution. He> had a very great idea of Mr Stout. (Applause.) At this stage Mr Crewes took a seat on the platform, his appearance being enthusiastically cheered. The following were nominated as the Committee : — Messrs S. P. Andrews, J. Crewes, Biltcliff, Fraser, Hulbert, Pozzi and Howland. Mr Crewes, in response to loud cries, addressed the meeting. He argued that for 3s 6d no one could expect the working man to do more than a half day's work. He did not think 59 a day. was enough. (Applause.) He would have very much pleasure in forming one of the deputation. (Applause.) The deputation was then unanimously elected as nominated. Mr Fraser moved — "That we deem 'it absolutely necessary, in view of the approaching winter season, that permanent employment should be provided for the labouring classes; to this end the establishment of a State Bank entirely unconnected with any British or foreign institution, for the issue of New Zealand currency as a circulating medium, is imperative and pressing; and that Parliament should be immediately assembled for the purpose of authorising such permanent work and the establishment of such Bank of Issue." Mr Wheeler seconded the resolution. By the establishment of a State Bank of Issue, the East and West Coast Eailway could be formed without any borrowing, and would provide employment for all now needing it. (Applause.) The speaker held out America as an example of the benefits to be derived from a State Bank of Issue. The Chairman, while agreeing with the first part of the resolution, thought the second part scarcely consistent with the object the meeting had in view. Mr Biltcliff supported at some length the establishment of a national currency. Mr Crewes was about to address the meeting, when Mr Biltcliff rose, and endeavoured to make an explanation. He was greeted with groans and hisses, and cries of " Let Mr Crewes speak first." The Chairman at length obtained a hearing for Mr Biltcliff, after a gentleman had unsuccessfully appealed for " one who had done so much for the working man during the past week." Mr Crewes suggested the division of the resolution. (Applause.) After some further discussion the resolution was spoken to by Messrs Pozzi, Howland, M'Ginaty, Powell and others^ one of whom expressed himself as very much in favour of a State Bank of Issue, for he would be " one of the first jokers to rush in and cop what he could." The resolution was put as a whole, and carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the Chairman was enthusiastically carried. Mr S. P. Andrews, in response to loud calls, expressed his sympathy with the objects of the meeting. The business came to a close after the Chairman assuring the meeting that ho had done nothing in his place in Parliament of which he repented, and that he intended to continue acting as he had hitherto done.