LOSS OF THE MARIA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume I, Issue 33, 23 August 1851, Page 5

LOSS OF THE MARIA.

The arrivals this week bring us the sad news of the loss of the barque " Maria," 470 tons, Captain Plank, on the sunken rocks, off the Karori Stream, near Cape Terawiti.

It will be remembered that she left this harbour, with a fair wind for Wellington, on Sunday, July 20th, in company with live other vessels, including the brig "Raven." The catastrophe that happened the "Wednesday following may be best described by extracts from the evidence of Stewart, one of the seamen, who, with a Malay, are the only survivors. '-We had twenty-two hands on board, including the Captain and officers. There were ■also two-cabin-passengeTS7-aire~stg^r^ge^ass^nger7' who was working his passage, and three stockmen. On Monday night a light breeze sprung up from the north-east/which lasted until about four o'clock

on Tuesday morning, when it shifted round to the south-east: it remained from that quarter a steady breeze until night, when it came on to blow heavily from the same quarter : we were steering NN W. We shortened sail at 8 o'clock at night; we were under two double-reefed topsails and a fore topmast staysail during the night: the night was very thick and hazy. At 10 o'clock at night I was on the look-out, and I reported to the Captain, who was then on deck, that I thought I saw land ahead ; he replied he thought it could not be, for we could not have ran across in the time. We then wore ship, and stood towards the shore of the Middle Island :

we made the land of the Middle Island about four bells, (2 o'clock a.m.); we then wore ship again, and stood towards Port Nicholson. At about half past four o'clock T could see land on our lee-bow ; I was at the wheel: we were on the starboard tack. The Captain told me to keep as close to the wind as I could : our course was at that time ESJB. About an hour after this we crossed a reef, but we did not ground: we were sailing then along the line of shore. About five minutes after we crossed the reef we grounded; but the vessel still had way on her. The second mate then took the wheel from me and ordered me to call up all hands. I heard the Captain ask the second mate if the vessel still had way on her ; he replied he thought she had : this was after I had called all hands. The Captain said he thought the vesssel would be hard and fast directly ; a few minutes afterwards we struck on a rock, which appeared to me to go quite through the bottom of the vessel. The Captain then gave orders to cut away the masts; before that could be done the foremast went over by the side, carrying with it the main-royal and main top-gallant mast; the main-mast went shortly afterwards; the vessel then broke right across the waist, and separated in two halves. All hands then gathered aft to cut away the quarter-boat: they all got into the boat with the exception of the second mate and myself: we remained to lower the boat: the Captain was in her ; before she could be lowered the davits gave way, and the boat fell upon the quarter, and smashed to pieces : all that were in her contrived to scramble upon deck again : after that the second mate was washed overboard by a sea. I then took off my oilskins and boots, and jumped overboard : I swam to the shore: three of the seamen also reached the shore on a part of the wreck ; but at that moment they were overturned on the wreck, and I saw no more of them. The Captain was standing on the rail of the quarter deck, when I jumped overboard: I saw no more of him. I should think wj were about half a mile from the shore when the vessel struck: it was just getting daylight. The vessel broke across the waist about a quarter of an hour after she had struck; I should think it was about three quarters of an hour after she had struck that the stern part of the vessel broke to pieces, it broke in pieces before I reached the shore."

Twelve bodies had been washed ashore when the " Perseverance" left, identified as those of Captain Plank, the third mate, nine seamen, a stockman, named Henry Saul, formerly in the employ of G, Clifford, Esq. Eleven of them were baried near the scene of the awful occurrence.

The bodies of the two cabin passsngers had not been found—until the arrival of the " Ely " it was entirely unknown whose loss to deplore. It is only too true that one of them was a gentleman respected amongst ourselves in no small degree for his kindness, usefulness, and sterling worth, —Mr. William Deans, of Riccarton. The other was Mr. G. P. Wallace, of Wellington. He is the second of his family who has perished on the voyage from this place to Wellington. He also bore the highest character for integrity and respectability, and is much regretted in his own community. Captain PJank, whose abilities as a seaman, and kind and gendemauly manners were undoubted, has, we regret to learn, left a wife and threeychildren residing in England. He was interred'-'in the Cemetery at Wellington, on July 28th—the pall being supported by Captains Ginder, Dambrill, Hyde, and Pilford; a large number of settlers followed as mourners, headed by Mr. Levin and Mr, Clifford. It is proposed to erect a cenotaph over his grave.

The losses of the "Elbe," the " Winwick," and the "Tyne," moved the Wellington settlers to petition a dilatory Government for the erection of lighthouses on Pencarrow Head and the Brothers. The wreck of the " Maria" lias had the same effect—but it is only fair to state that this time the Government was more alive to the importance of this public work, and had, before the deputation of the townspeople waited on Sir George Grey, voted the appropriation of the revenue during the next eighteen months from the increased duty on spirits to the purpose, on the motion of Captain Smith. Sir G. Grey accordingly stated that the site for one lighthouse should be fixed, and the erection proceeded with without any unnecessary delay,—andthat he would endeavour to induce the Home Government to erect a secoml_on tlie_Bipthers,..iL_ "deerffeU'reqhisTFer " " "

Friday Afteiinooi*.—The papers brought by the "Return."-inform us that the body of Mr Wallace had been found, and interred.

forth all their energies, as that of seeking wJiat all our countrymen must so clearly prize, I mean a voice in the expenditure of those funds, which have been raised through their own energies and enterprise, which have in fact come out of their own pockets. The resolution which I now hold in my hand, and which I expect will be unanimously adopted, does not call upon me to advert to the justice of our demand for the erection of this settlement into a separate province; a matter which his Excellency Sir George Grey's intimation fully admits. What I would now call upon this meeting for is, a declaration of their opinion tbat no colony can become great, while its interests are confused with a variety of others, perhaps, diametrically opposed to its own, and while its business is carried on at a distance, and by strangers. Although, as we may be tiild, the object we have now before us, will not realise one half of the expectations we have justly formed of self-government, yet let us remember that if we let slip any opportunity of improvement in, or of drawing a more direct attention to our political condition, we may be less in a position again to claim what we have a right to hope for.

As I can confidently leave the subject of this resolution in the hands of one who can, far better than myself, enter upon their merits, I will not trespass on your time any longer. The resolution I have the honour to propose, is as follows.

[For resolutions see report of Lyttelton meeting.]

Mr. Brittan.—l rise, Sir, for the purpose of seconding the resolution which has just been proposed by my friend, Mr. Bowen, and I have great pleasure in doing so for two reasons, first because I fully agree with every word in it, and secondly because the truth of the proposition it contains is so self-evident, so complete in itself that it will require no words or argument from me to induce you to adopt it, as I am sure you will do unanimously. For what, Sir, summed up in a word, is the proposition before us ? Is it not simply that we shall have the management of our own affairs, the control over, and direction of matters that only concern ourselves? And what man, I would ask, is there among us, claiming to be an Englishman, who possesses so little of the pride, the self-reliant energy of the race from which he springs as not to assert his right to this ? Nay, who is so destitute of self respect and of every proper spirit, as to l-efuse to take this power when offered to him ? Surely -whether high or low, rich or poor, there is no such man among us ? Sir, it has been to the assertion, of this principle, the exercise of this right, to some form in fact of representative and constitutional government, (which is what we ask for, and what we mean to have) the great heirloom of our ancestors of 1688, that the British Empire owes her high position in the world, in spite of the many obvious defects in her constitution. And, Sir, it was the same principle, the same power that first formed, and gave such rapid development to the greatest of the early colonies of America; and to which, mainly, if not entirely, that flourishing and powerful country owes all her prosperity and her power. And feir, though we are, it 'is true, the last and youngest of England's offshoots, and our day may be as yet the day of small things, yet have we high encouragement and. sufficient hopes to follow in the same path— impari passu it may be—yet not despairing but that by the same principles, and under similar auspices, it may be ours too to achieve for ourselves and our children a glory and a name not altogether unworthy of the great country from which we have come forth. But, Sir. it is not only on these general grounds—claiming it as the heirloom of our ancestors, the inalienable birthright of Englishmen—that I say we have a right to demand this power of self-government, but on the further grounds of special promise and engagement, made to us, and in faith of which the greater number of us, if not all, embarked in this enterprise. Sir, we have not by emigrating lost our rights to the feelings and aspirations, the habits and institutions of Englishmen, We were encouraged, when leaving onr native land, in the belief that we should not be deprived of them, and we claim that the engagements then entered into with us, the promises implied, if not actually given, both on the parts of the Canterbury Association and the Government, shall be made good ; and that they shall be something more than a sham, something more than a delusion and a snare.—Sir, I do say that if those promises and -engagements are not fulfilled, a

great delusion will have been practised on all those who have come out here, mainly induced, as I was myself, on the faith of the realization of those engagements. That I have warrant for what I say, I need only refer yon to the printed instructions given by the ManagingCommittee of the Association to Mr. Godley on his leaving England, and to the printed correspondence between Lord Lyttelton and Earl Grey, both of which you will find in the first number of the Canterbury papers. Now, Sir, I have thought it proper to say thus much respecting the grounds on which I think we have a right to demand what we are now assembled to petition for, but I will not further enlarge on this part of the subject, because it may seem uncalled for, if not ungracious, on an occa-

sion like the present, when we are met not to discharge the invidious task of protesting and appealing for rights withheld from us, but rather for the purpose of declaring whether we are ready to accept the offer made us by Sir George Grey—made by his Excellency, we are bound to believe, in all sincerity and good faith—and made with the view of fulfilling the promises, and realizing the engagements that have been entered into with us. Sir, it does not devolve on me, speaking- as I wish to do, strictly to the resolution before me, to enter upon various details which necessarily spring out of the general question before us, and respecting some of which there may, and doubtless will be, diversity of opinion. I have no doubt they will be touched on in the course of this meeting, and that you will have the benefit of hearing the opinions of those who are more competent to speak respecting them than lam myself. My task is rather, and I desire strictly to confine myself to it, to endeavour to convince you of the truth of the resolution before us, namely that our becoming a separate province will materially promote the welfare of this settlement. And, as I have already observed, I consider the proposition so. clear and self-evident that it hardly requires to be argued. Can any one doubt, who has only been in this settlement the last six months, that the securing attention to our local interests would be most advantageous to us, and an object especially to be desired? The whole subject indeed has already been worn out, and made a truism of, that people at a distance cannot possibly know what we want so well as we do ourselves, or know so well how to do it. Can there be any doubt that it is to our interest to confine the expenditure of our local revenue, as far as possible to local objects: such for instance as the making of roads, bridges, and other public works in Christchurch or Lyttelton, instead of having it spent at Auckland, Wellington, or elsewhere? Above all (and this Ihope we shall take good care to insist on), is it not our interest to appoint and pay our own officers, from men chosen from among our own body, and not to allow the patronage of our settlement to be made the receptacle into which shall be cast hungry adventurers, the importunate applicants for public employment from other settlements in the colony, however incompetent they may be, or in respect of character perhaps objectionable? Lastly, and I again quote the words of the resolution before me, can there be a doubt that by givingl to our own people a direct participation in political affairs, we are thereby elevating their character,and supplying them with worthy objects of ambition, interest, and action ? Sir, it will be only necessary to appeal to the page of history, in confirmation of this truth. In vain will you look for any example on record of a community that has been altogether deprived of the power of managing its own affairs, —that has been governed from a distance—governed by an arbitrary and irresponsible power —which has not thereby become degraded, deteriorated in character, as well as disaffected in loyalty. It robs the people of their natural rights and political privileges, and lowers their character; while it benumbs enterprise, and forbids creative legislation in societies whose natural business is adventure and creation. It robs the Englishman of what used to be deemed his birthright, deprives the emigrant, whatever may be his talents for public business, of all opportunity of exerting himself for the public good, of all the motives of a laudable ambition, and of all pursuits except the making of money. Sir, let us not by our own apathy°and indifference allow this to be said of us. Let us hope that such may not be the character hereafter recorded against the people of this settlement ; but that with the power of self-govern-ment we shall have higher aims and nobler aspirations. On these grounds, Sir, and for the

reasons which I have endeavoured feebly and inadequately to express, I beg to second the resolution before you.

The resolution being put to the meeting, was adopted unanimously.

Mr. Gundry. then came forward and said, In proposing the second resolution, Sir, I need not trespass long upon your time and patience, in advocating a-principle which should guide a new colony, especially in its public expenditure. Tlie principle I allude to is economy, and it behoves us strictly to exercise it, both by the avoidance of needless displays, which, as you are aware, are attended with no practical benefit, and by the provisional combination of offices, wherever it may be practicable, so that there - may be no more public establishments than are actually required for the transaction of public business. But, Sir, this principle may be carried to too great an extent, and the business of the colony may become neglected, through the insufficiency of the number of the staff, or performed in a slovenly and careless manner, through the inefficiency of the hands employed. These evils should be guarded against with as much care as having a superabundance of officers to lounge about in them. The expence in maintaining such establishments invariably dip largely into the treasury, without, as too often occurs, the country deriving an equivalent value. If we obtain that which we now seek, the erection of this colony into a separate province, it will be in our power to avoid both these extremes. It will rest with ourselves to appoint a sufficient number of efficient men for the due performance of all the business of the province, and no more, and such a proposition you will find embodied in the resolution I hold in ray hand, and which, with your permission, I will read to the meeting.

Mr. Pollard briefly seconded the resolution. Before the resolution was put to the meeting from the Chair, Mr. M. B. Hart rose and stated that having heard many suspicions expressed by different parties respecting the objects of this present meeting, and doubts whether it might not leave us in a worse state than it found us, saddled with many officers paid high salaries for doing nothing, he thought the meeting ought not to be a one-sided one, with no opposition, and he hoped that those gentlemen who had expressed their doubts elsewhere, would now boldly come forward to seek such explanation as might clear the matter up.

Mr. Littlejohn rose and said that he had come out from England to avoid the weight of taxation which pressed so. intolerably on the poorer classes, and to enjoy here a liberty he could not find in England. He doubted not all had come out with similar views. But if the government were to be placed in the hands oi an inexperienced body of men, we might fare worse by the change. It behoved us first to consider whether the revenue of the colony would suffice for the expence of a local government, for if the labourers and agriculturists were to be burthened with new taxes to pay new officers, we had better pause before taking the present step, and let the colony grow to maturer years, when it could stand alone without the leading strings (purse strings) of the other colonies. He wished to know by whom the officers would be appointed ?

The Chairman explained that some officers would be appointed by the imperial government, while others would be nominated by the local authorities, or by public election.

Mr. LixxtEJOHN continued that in that case, we might fear a repetition of the scenes he had recently witnessed at the Cape, where the officers were nominated part by the erown^and part by the people. Orders having been issued by the crown authories which were opposed bytiiose elected by the people, the former had it all their own way, and the people could only despatch an envoy to England, to seek redress.

After some further remarks the resolution was put to the meeting, and adopted unanimously. Mr. Bkay.—Sir, it affords me great pleasure to meet on this important occasion so many of my fellow-colonists who have left their native shores to adopt this distant land for their homeland their country, where they hope thejOf children may flourish to many generations, f.n this undertaking they have to endure many hardships and privations ; but Sir, I think, that after the statements published, and expectations held out to us in England, all will have been unprepared for the sacrifice of that political freedom which was obtained by our ancestors at Runnymede, and which has ever since been

cherished by Eug-lishmen as their birthright. But we should be unworthy of the imxie if we could -willingly abandon the rights of the British Constitution, together with a due control over taxation, and the application, of the public money in the way most conducive to the public good. Here, in a new colony, we need ample funds for public purposes ; the lamentable losses by shipwrecks in our port and at the Sum- !■; ncr bar, sufficiently prove the necessity of pro's viding- for the safety of the shipping, and a road ' from the Port to the plain. The time that would "be required in sending evidence to a government at Auckland, as well as the vast expense that it would occasion, renders it quite impossible for such local measures to be duly attended to at a town at one or two month's postage from us. But Sir, while we thus seek to provide for our own wants, we disclaim all desire or intention of interfering with any of the colonies which have preceded us, or of encroaching on their territories ; but we cannot avoid feeling that other portions of this country similar in character to the tract we occupy, and included in the same natural boundaries,"might with advantage be included in one province with ourselves, so as to avoid too great a subdivision of the territory by multiplied provinces, as well as the repetition of our difficulties, from the public funds being placed under a distant government. At the same time we would avoid any endeavour to enlarge the boundaries of one block so as to interfere in any way with the pledge of Sir George Grey to constitute this block into a distinct province. I therefore move the third resolution.

Mr. Bishop.—Sir, I beg to be afforded the privilege of seconding the resolution proposed by my friend, Mr. Bray, entirely concurring, as I do, with the sentiments expressed by that gentleman. Sir, I do feel with full force this interesting occasion, the occasion of our first political meeting in the Canterbury setttlement —for whatever may be the opinion to the contrary, I, for my part, consider that the time has now arrived when those sacred promises held out to us before our departure from England, may with fairness and safety be fulfilled. I conclude, Sir, by seconding the resolution which has been proposed by Mr. Bray. The resolution was carried unanimously. Mr. Burke rose to move the fourth resolution, and said,

The resolution which I am about to propose, is one of considerable importance, as it points out that it is not merely political privileges which we seek to obtain, but such as are of practical utility. In old countries the mistake has often been made of seeking- for mere political amelioration, apart from more useful objects, and such attempts lead to no good results, and are little better than visionary. The same mistake may be made in forming" the Institutions of a new country. It is therefore our duty to shew that we shall be content with nothing short of obtaining a real control over our local revenues, so as to have them applied to objects of public utility to this settlement, and also of having all appointments of trust and emolument made from among ourselves, instead of having strangers from other settlements sent to fill situations°the existence of which has been produced by the application of our time, fcapital, and exertions, a system which we are aware has already commenced. With these observations, I be°- to move the resolution which I hold in my hand and which is to the following effect. ' Mr. Gaetner made a few remarks in seconding the resolution, which was put to the meeti,ug and adopted unanimously. Mr. Goum> had great pleasure in proposing the fifth resolution. °

Mr. Porter rose to second the resolution, and said, I must say that I think His Excellency has acted in the most courteous manner towards us, and it is due to him to say, that this is not the only occasion of his shewing his desire to promote the welfare of the colony generally ; his not doing more is the result, not of any mofss on his part, but of the control exercised in >wmng Street. The Provincial Councils Bill we ou<>-ht to , k upon, as an earnest of what, when the natvre population of these Islands are in a state of greater civilization, and it becomes manifest that the_ colonists are fully capable of managing all then- own affairs, we may hereafter realonably expect. Doubtless at a future day the provisions m that Bill will be much enlarged, Ld a great deal more power be left in the hands of the colonists themselves. I have much pleasure m seconding this resolution.

Mr. Haeman in rising to move the sixth resolution, said,

Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, —After the explanation which we have received of the advantages likely to result to this settlement, should we succeed in obtaining its formation into a distinct province, I think there can be no one present who will not be ready to lend his hearty support to the measure under our consideration. If any subject could have been desived to call forth a general expression of public feeling, I know of none more calculated to do so than this. It has done so to day, and this large attendance, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, is the best proof that we have not ceased to appreciate the value of those privileges which we enjoyed in our native country, —the privilege of representative institutions. There is much need, Sir, that this general expression of feeling should be called forth when we consider the present constitution of the Legislative Council of this country, and the peculiar plan upon which our settlement has been founded. In matters of purely local importance, we ought certainly to be better able to decide as to the proper course to be pursued, than men who have only a trifling interest in the affairs of this settlement, as one portion of the colony of New Zealand ; and in those matters of more general importance, in which we are concerned equally with the whole of this country, there is no certainty indeed, but a very small chance that our views would be faithfully represented by men, summoned to the Legislative Council "by the Head of the Government, but who are quite as likely as not to hold opinions at variance with those of the majority of the inhabitants of the district. :■ Though so few months have elapsed since our first body landed in this country, we can already congratulate ourselves on a very considerable prosperity, a prosperity far greater than we might have anticipated, and which may reasonably lead us to entertain very sanguine expectations for the future. We have before our eyes the disadvantages under which the older settlements still labour, our success hitherto should stimulate us to further exertions, and to endeavour to secure to ourselves those advantages which as yet they do not enjoy, and I believe that on nothing will our future prosperity more mainly depend, than on the attainment of what we are now seeking, namely, the management of our own affaire. But, Sir, if the formation of this settlement into a separate province, be, as I believe it to be, the general act of the inhabitants, it is necessary that their opinions should be publicly expressed. Itt must not appear to be merely a party movement, every advocate of this measure should lend it his firm support, and give, if possible, a written expression of his approval. In order to give every man an opportunity of recording his assent, I beg to propose the following resolution.' Should we be successful and obtain the accomplishment of our wishes, I believe, Sir, that there is no one here who will not look back with pride and pleasure to his having taken part in this day's proceedings. Mr. M. B. Hart said, Mr. Chairman aud Gentlemen, —It is with much pleasure I rise to second the resolution proposed by Mr. Harman. I consider it an honour to take part in the proceedings of this, the first political meeting held in the settlement of Canterbury, the objects of which are of great importance to every one here, and to others who may follow us from various parts of the globe. It is important in many respects, first, by giving to the settlers of this district a voice in the legislation of their adopted country, and a control over the funds raised by themselves, believing as we do, that it is impossible tor persons at a distance to know the wants and requirements of our colony so well as those livin°among us, and in whom the people can place confidence. Secondly, by the creation of this colony into a separate province, you open a field for honourable ambition and talent, and one likely to attract persons of capital to come and reside amon- us to the great advantage of the tradesmen, citizens oh! Ureri S' lam happy t0 saythat some of this class have already arrived, but still more are required, to set the plough to work, to grow corn and provisions on these splendid plains, instead of our sending money away to distant ports for it, as we are obliged to do at present. And for my own part, I don't care if there should be a few good berths and we 1 paid officers, the money will at any rate be spent among us, instead of being drawn away, and will do a deal of good in encouraging trade He thought that even if there were any doubt as to c certain y of success in their future appointments bat it-would-be more likely that there should turn KhTer? Tian a PViZe> thaU all blanks <'heM. »nd \vElr f consum Ption would be here, not at Wellington, and men of. capital would naturally be

attracted by a colony where some object of ambition was to be sought. If this enactment were made, there would be no doubt that persons of capital would come here, and if local appointments were made, the expenditure would also be local (hear). If the settlement were to appoint an officer with a few hundreds a year, it would be far better that he should spend it among ourselves! (a voice:" at the White Hart?" and laughter). Sir, I have heard some objections made by parties who are now present, to the adoption of this measure, and I did hope after the wish expressed by you as Chairman, and so cordially assented to by the meeting, that any persons having any remarks to make, or objections to urge, should state them, that they would have come forward. But it appears, Sir, from the very unanimous manner in which all the resolutions have been carried, that their scruples have been removed, and that they have been converted to our side of the question, and I hope they will pull heartily with us till we have accomplished the object of our meeting to day, namely, the erection of Canterbury into a separate province. It is with great pleasure, therefore, that I second the resolution.

Mr. Littlejohn rose to object to any signatures being attached to the proposed memorial, before it was known what amount of new taxation it was intended to impose to meet the expense of this new government. He, (and others he believed as well) had left England because they were ground down by taxation, and he hoped they had not come all this way to find they were to be ground down in the same way they had been at home.

Mr. Brittan thought Mr. Littlejolm's fears respecting some unknown amount of new taxation, as likely to result from adopting the measure before them, at least premature. He (Mr. Brittan) was not aware that it would at all follow as a matter of course that there would be any fresh taxation required. He hid reason to know that the present revenue of the colony amounted to a very considerable sum beyond the expenditure, and he thought it probable that by proper economy and judicious management, the expenses of all the offices required by the new arrangement might be met without subjecting the body of the people to any fresh burdens, which he for one should be sorry to see imposed. Mr. Littlejohn protested against being taxed without his own permission. Why, so did he, and so he had no doubt they all did ; and it was because they did object to it, that they advocated the present measure, by which they hoped to get the power of preventing being taxed, or of their taxes being expended without their own consent had and obtained through their representatives (cheers).

Mr. Gibbs wished to ;know (in case any one present could give him the information) what the present revenue of the colony was, and whether any surplus revenue had been taken away by the Government brig, as some had stated.

Mr. Brittan said that the Council of the Society of Land Purchasers had had their attention directed to the subject to which Mr. Gibbs referred, and had made application to have a return furnished them of the revenue and the expenditure of the settlement; but they had not succeeded in getting it. He had reason, however to believe that the present revenue of the colony was 5001. a month beyond its expenditure. He was not aware that any of the surplus revenue had as yet been taken away from the settlement.

Mr. Gibbs continued.—The report was that the Government brig had that morning come in and might probably intend to remove some of their funds. He would therefore state what he had witnessed in Otago. There the sub-collector and subtreasurer published an account of the revenue and expenditure every quarter in the public papers ; and on a recent occasiou when there was a balance of 900/. in the sub-treasurer's hands, and only one policeman to protect it, he availed himself of the arrival of the Acheron steamer, to send the 900;. to Auckland. The magistrates hearing this, and not having time to assemble the inhabitants in a public meeting, held a meeting of magistrates to protest against this withdrawal of public money from the colony, and the protest was sent off by the steamer The result was that Sir G. Grey" returned the money immediately to the colony with a slight deduction for the expense of sending police down to them. He hoped the magistrates here would act similarly if such an attempt were made here. After some further discussion the resolution was carried unanimously. Mr. Hart then proposed, and Mr. Davie seconded a vote of thanks to the Chair. Mr. Tancred in returning thanks, said, Gentlemen, for the honour you have done me both m calling me to the chair, and in paying me the compliment so kindly proposed by Mr/Hart, 1 will only congratulate yon upon the good order with winch this our first political meeting has been conductedand 1 may perhaps be allowed to add, that the public meeting which was intended to have been held in Lyttelton a day before ours, was by fortuitous circumstances postponed, so that after allthis' City of the Plains" has become the scene of the first political demonstration in the Canterbury settlement (cheers). J The meeting then separated.