THE DOMINION'S DREADNOUGHT

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 12747, 19 April 1909, Page 5

THE DOMINION'S DREADNOUGHT

Patriotic Meeting: at Lyttelton

(Per United Fife* Association}

CHRISTCHURCH, April 18.

A meeting convened by Mr Laurenson, M.P., and others, was held at Lyttelton on Saturday night to discuss the Dreadnought offer. Between three and four hunured were present. The proceedings were orderly, though dissentients were present. The Mayor of Lyttelton (Mr C. Cook) presided. **' '

Mr Olaude Fcrrier, in a forceful and convincing speech, proposed that this representative meeting of Lyttelton electors desires to express its hearty approval of the offer of the New Zealand Government to supply a battleship to the British navy, and it desires to leave discussion of the constitutional aspect of this offer to the representatives of the people in Parliament to consider, being convinced that they will settle that question in a manner which will uphold the absolute rieht of Parliament to the. control of public expenditure, and will at the same time be in consonance with the upholding- of the dignity and supremacy of the British people. Mrs Newell, wife of Dr. Newell, seconded the motion in an eloquent address and was supported by Mr Laurcnson. who dealt with various pha«es of the sublet. Referring to the question of how tho expenditure would be met, he suggested that loan and taxes to meet the interest and sinking fund be par-marked; that taxes be in the direction of reducing the income tax exemption from J3300 to ,£250, and increasing 1 the probate duties. His speech was logical, convincing, and .well received. Speeches were also made by the Rev. E. Elliott, Messrs Chambers, W. Radcliffe, and others.

The motion was agreed to almost unanimously, only four or five hands being held up against it.

The meeting- closed with the National Anthem and cheers..