THE NIXON MONUMENT MOVEMENT. PUBLIC MEETING.

On Saturday afternoon last a public meeting, convened to consider the desirability of erect ing a monument to tlio memory of the late Colonel Nixon, was held at the Exchange Hotel, Shortland-street. There was a Inrge attendance of gentlemen present, amongst whom wo recognised tlio following : — MajorGeneral Galloway, Mr. Holt, Private Secretary lo his Excellency the Governor ; Licut.-001. Do Quiucoy, Mr. A. Martin, Mr. Wm. Buckland, Captain. Ilardinglon, Mr. E. Maclcau, Lieut. Basßett, Mr. Poirce, Captain Dinnin, Mr. B. J. Croighlon, Dr. Wcelces, Dr. Fischer, Mr. T. Rogers, Mr. 11. Robertson, Mr. IT. P. Stark, Mr. G. M.O'Ttorke, Mr. James Hunciman. On (he motion of Mr. W. Buckianp, Mr. Every Maclean toolc the chair. Tlio CiTATim.vN, in rising to explain the object for which the meeting had been convened, 'remarked upon tlio unexpected call which had been made upon him to occupy tho chair. lie did not think, however, thai anylengthy remarks would bo expected from him, as they must all know the object for which the meeting had been called. It was to decide upou tho steps to be taken to raise a monument to the memory of Colonel Nixon, whose loss was so deeply lamented and deplored by all who knew him. He would read the advertisement calling the meeting, and, alter doing that, would be very happy to hour any gentleman table a resolution w Inch would enable them to carry out the object in view Captain H uiDrxfiTON begged to state that he had received a letter that morning from Captain Walmesley, stating that both ho and other officers and men of the Defence Force would co-operate with the committee in anything that was done. (Rear.) Lieutenant Ihssnrr said he was not aware that, any resolution had been prepared or any decisive step taken as to the proposed intention to erect a monument, or to pay any "other tribute of esteem to the memory of the late Colonel Nixon. That meeting, as far as ho was aware, had been made public for the purpose of getting the opinion of the people present — both Auckland people, the mcmbeis of Cavalry Corps, tho settlors, and any others who might choose to attend He believed there was a difference of opinion as to the site of I lie proposed monument, as also whether the tribute of reboot should bo a monument, or whether it s ould be ombod'ed in the shape of a public school, institute, or asylum 1 1 o had heard seveial different opinions expressed that morning m regaid lo the form fie tribute should take, but" doubtless the}' Mould hear more by getting iho opinion of as many people then present a> possible, and (his course was ncccssarv n 1 order to make the tliintr perfectly clear and open lo tlio public 110 had nothing especially lo propose himself, excopt lie might say one w ord — and pei h.ips he might be thought selfi«h in making such a reinaik , peihapsaJso ho might be speaking the opinion ot some of the Ca\!ihy Corps , and it might be thought a selfish feeling on their part; still ho did not think it was any the less valuable for that: his idcawns that there should be n monument erected to the memory of Colonel Ni\on, and that it should be near Ot ahuli u. (Hear) For his own part, he had not been many yoai*. .1 neighbour of Colonel Nixnn'-»,bul ho had been suflicienllylonglorause himtocntciam (he highest respectforthegallnnt colonel , and other men who had been in Ihe district beiore him, who had had lieavy up-hill work, had been stiugglini in company with Colonel Nixon, who had proved himself the very corner stone of Mangiroi (Hear, hear ) And, therefore he thought a monument of Ins worth should be erected in Mangarei Jlodidnofc mean to say that if a committee wei c formed, and thej^ thought it should be erected in Auckland, he would offer any opposition to it. He had too slrouff a feeling of respei t for tho memory of Colonel Nixon to cause him to so ngamstany monument ; but he \iould prefer its being at tho place he had mentioned. Colonel Ni\on had command of tho C\n airy Corps, though he (Mr. Basset t) could not say llicv had done very much , still Iho colonel was their commander He was commander also of the Defence Force, and they hid done more, whilst the colonel had given his life to the country. Tho men of that corps w ere raised pi mcipally from the Mangarei, Otaliuhu,i 1 ndOnchunga districts Hehad previously expressed his opinion, when Ihe subject was first brought forward by tho cavalry, that they would be wanting m then 1 duty it they did nob do all ihoy could to express their esteem for the late Colonel Nixon He was sorry he had said so much, but he only wanted to let the meeting know what was the state of feeling amongst the settleis (Applause) Mr. AY. I!ucm,v:;b said, having known Colonel Nixon from his an lval in Ihe countiy, and fully appreciating his mcnts — as they all must have done who were at all acquainted with him — lie thought thoic would he but one feeling as to the desire of the inhabitants of the province at large lo assist in some testimonial w hereby they would perpetuate his virtues. ]To must confess he was at variance with the plan pioposed by his fnend who had just spoken JLo did noi think the monument to Colonel Nn on's name should bo a local one — that it should be placed in a corner of the province. For hinibclf he must admit he was an Oluhuhu man, and had Otahuhu prejudices, as all ot thorn had doubtless more or less ; but ho would certainly be extremely souy to sec that feeling, which Mr. Bassott had candidly told them v, as a selfish one, carried out — lo obliterate the name of Colonel Nixon — to hide under a bushel tho \ irtues of the man. iustcad of placing tho monument where cveiybody could sec it; and the city of Auckland was the only place where tho inhabitants of Auckland could be expected to subscribe for the monument to bo creeled in. Ilis own idea was, that if Colonel Nixon was alive — seeing the manner in which he had devoted his energies at all times to a life of usefulness — that m the determination to carry out something in the May of a tribute of respect, the gallant Colonel would have suggested that there should be somel lung of utility in their rcmcmbianco What shape the pioposecl tribute of respect might take he could not slate. Various ideas had been suggested — that a monument should be erected to his memory to express thoir esteem for the departed , and certainly that was what tho3 r must do. But the cost of that, or anything to commemorate his memory, would depend upon the subscriptions, and these would be influenced greatly by tho manner m which it might be proposed to spend the money. For instance, if they determined lo Imc the monument — to erect something at Otahuhn — then he was very much afiaid the public puiso would bo closed but if something useful w ere proposed, then the effect would bo found directly opposite, and the public would ho liberal. lii a conversation ho had had w llh Dr. Fischer, it had been suggested to him that a large stone fountain would bo useful at the head of Queen-street — being, in fact, both useful and ornamental. Tho design could easily be prepared ; and by this means they would perpetuate the memory of the Colonel as w ell as providing a useful and beautiful piece of work. His (Mr. B.'.s) own idea had been previously touched upon by Mr, Bassett. He would like to see a scholarship secured, as tho time, he hoped, would soon arrive when they would have a University in Auckland; and to a Nixon's Scholarship he felt convinced the people of Auckland would rather subscribe than to a monument. ILo thought a committee should be appointed that day, and they should be requested to bring up their repoit, say in six w eeks or two months ; then tho subscribers would bo able to see what could be done with the funds. He had just jotted down tho names of a i'aw gen llcmcn whom lie intended to propose to serve on the committee, and if the Chairman would permit him, he would propose a resolution to that ejlect. In writing down those names, lie wished to observe, ho had carefully excluded military gentlemen from the hst, as ho felt they were sure of every guppprfc from.

Colonol Nixon's brolliors-in-arms ; still, at the samo tirao, ho thought it should be a purelycivilian affair. His proposition was that a committee, composed of the following gentlemen, bo appointed: — Messrs. McLean, A. Martin, Dr. Fischer, D. Graham, H.J. Creighton, Lieutenant Bassett, and Dr. Woelces,— for the purpose of taking into consideration the best moans of comomorafcing the memory of Colonel Nixon. Ho behoved some resolution of that sort would bo desirablo to bo agreed upon, but ho would not move it in form until ascertaining whether ho had tho feeling of the meeting with him. Mr. Holt said his cxcollcncy tho Governor had desired him to attend tho meeting on his behalf, and to assuro them of hisi hearty sympathy in anything they might decide upon. The Governor also bade him to state that ho had been told that Colonel Nixon had left two sisters who wore m somewhat straitened circumstances — were, in fact, not well off; and his Excellency suggested tli.it a small portion of the money which might bo subscribed should be expended in the erection of a small or plain monument, whilst the bulk of tho subscriptions should be forwarded to the two sisters. When tbo monument was ercclod it might bo stated thereon why such a plain one had been decided upon; and they would thus, perhaps, be acting more in accordance with Colonel Nixon's own feelings, if the money wore devoted principally lo the help of his two sisters. His Excellency had told him to suggest this cour.se being adopted, and possibly it might meet with the approval of the meeting. He might bo as a colonist permitted, whilsb speaking, to give expression lo his tribute of respect to the memory of a fellow-colonist, who had lost his life whilst nobly fighting the battles of Ids adopted country. On this head ]>c spoke for his excellency tho Governor and for himself. (Applause.) Lieutenant Bissett said he should be very sorry, for one, if anything of a private nature Mere introduced into the matter at all by any inscription on tho monument. He would even suggest lo tho reporters that it should not appear in tho public prints , because, if sent home, it might grate very harshly on somebody's feelings. Major-General Gu,:,oway said, he had attended the mooting for the purpose of showing every mark of respect to a good and valiant c oldicr. (Hear, hear.) For himself, he was in f your of a monument, and he trusted it would be carried out successfully. Almost on the last occasion when lie had spoken to Colonel Nixon, he (Colonel Ni\on) had conversed with him as to his intention of furthering the project ol erecting a, monument at the Mauku. And he on]y w ished they had seen the earnest manner in which he had disclosed his intentions ; and if they wore aware also of the interest lie took in the colonial soi'mcc, ho was sure they would all agree with him in saying that a monument nhould be erected to his memory. Ko thought he scat cely need say that lie would do all he could lo piomote the undertaking. As MajorGcneivl at the head of l'io Defence Force, he considered it his duty to express UiG few words he had spoken to them. (Applause ) Lieut. Bassett remarked that he was present w hen the subscription was set on foot by Colonel JNixon for the monument spoken of by the last speaker. Mr. BrcicrAND said, it seemed to be the opinion of tho meeting — as he gathered from the lenicirka which had been made — that a monument should be eicctcd. It would be well howevci, to test that feeling , to decide whether one should be erected or not. Mr A. MvitriN said lie was quite "tiro the opinion would be found in fa\ our of a monument, and a monument would be erected As lo Colonel Nixon's being m want of means, ho \ cry much doubted the fact. With regard to the place of election for tho the monument, that would be very much m the discretion of tho committee, and if a committee were appointed they would be guided very much by the opinions enunciated in that room. Dr Weeki s observed that he had come to tho meeting having had no conversation with gentlemen getting up the project ; but ho must confess he was certainly in favour of a monument. Jlc had felt the loss of Colonel Nixon as a settler and a fellow r soldier in the army : and lie had attended tho meeting lo pay his small tribute of respect. Mr McLroDsaid he did not belong to the military, and be might be intruding if he made any remark*, to the meeting The OirAiitu vn answeicd m the negative. Mi . JUcLroD then continued JTe had thought over the subject and was in favour of si monument The public had been appealed to twice ; fust for a monument to Colonol Nixon, and secondly for a monument to the whole of the officers and men who had fallen in the war, and the latter lie thought would be found moie compatible with the public view. He did not see, however, tho justness of excluding military gentlemen from the geneial management of the monument. Ills own idea was that they had a strong opinion of thenright lo assist ; and he thought the names of military gentlemen should bo entered on the list of the committee. He did not think a double appeal to the public — first on behalf of Colonel Nixon, and subsequently for a general monument for othcra who have fallen — would prove satisfactory. Let the monument be erected for all at the end of the war, or else although a good, brave citi/sen and a noble man might have fallen, he would be left in his grave forgotten Mr CjiriGiriox thought it would not be well to limit the memorial to Colonel Nixon simpty to a monument; but that another object should be aimed at also Tho monument would be creeled as a mailer of eouise, and he thought the meeting ought to be called upon to decide the site of that monument — whether it should be in Mangarci, at Otahuhu, or in Auckland. Jt was his belief that sufficient funds could be raised at once to endow a scholarship in the university which they weie sure to have in time ; and at the samo lime to raise a good monument to Colonel Nixon. (Hear, heir.) Both, these objects ought lo be combined, and they could leave the details to the management of the general committco to hd appointed subsequently. The CiruRMAA said the possibility of founding a scholarship and erecting a monument would of course depend upon tho amount of subscriptions raised. lie would recommend PiTr. Bucklaiul to table his resolution, m order that the sense of the meeting might be taken upon it. When the subscriptions had been collected, and they siw the amount of money raised, then at would be easy to decide what should be done with it. They must know first the amount of money befoie they could tell what sort of a monument to erect. Mr. Cm-TornON said if the project was started for a monument merely, the colonists who were inclined to give in aid of some tribute of respect might think a pound subscription was sufficient ; whereas, if ascholaiship was connected with it, then, in every probability, tho same person might subscribe £10. They could not expect subscriptions to flow in rapidly, if they did not stale for what the public were to subscribe. (Hear, hear.) Mr. O. Lewis rose for the purposo of expressing his opinion that it would be rather prematuie to call upon the meeting to decide as to what course they will take in the future regarding tho present movement. The suggestion which had been mado in reference to the scholarship certainly coincided with the view he had himself taken in the matter : as he thought on all such occasions as tint they were about to initiate, they should endeavour, in every instance, to conibiue the useful with it, especially when thoy remembered that Colouel Nixon's life was enf irely devoted to public purposes. If this were done it would servo to stamp the memory of Colonel Nixon stronger upon the minds of the rising generation than a mere monument would do, and, therefore, the chief feature, he thought, should be to get funds for the purpose of found ing a scholarship. If the opinion of that meeting were arrived at in favour of this project, without absolutely binding tho

future, he thought it would clear the way, and enable the committee to obtain satisfactory subscriptions from the public. If it could be held out to the colonists that the first object would be to erect a monument, and then to carry out the greater portion of the object — the establishing a scholarship— ho belie red much larger funds would come in for the purpose they had in view. (Hear, hear.) There was another suggestion he would like to make in reference to carrying out the resolution with regard to the appointment of a committee. II c would like to see the general community as largely and universally represented as possible, and if a committee were appointed, he should advise that it bo with the addendum, " With- power to add to their number." (Hear.) Captain Haudingl'on begged permission to state that it was the intention of his honor the Superintendent to have been present, but he had been obliged to leave town for Mahurangi. Mr. Buckxand said it was necessary that there should bo unity of purpose : they must all act together or they would get nothing at all. Jle was only anxious to have the opinion of tho meeting taken, and therefore he would move : " That this mooting is desirous of commemorating the memory of Colonel Nixon by the erection of a monument " Lieutenant Bassett seconded the motion, and on being put by the Chairman it was carried. Mr. Buck/jAND said since he had first spoken on the subject he had felt convinced tliat if they wanted to got the people of Auckland to subscribe to the object intended they must have the monument erected in the heart of tho province, lie would propose, " That such monument bo erected in some convenient place in Auckland." Mr. Makes seconded this resolution. Lieutenant Bassett said ho disliked even the appearance of squabbling about such a matter ; and therefore ho would propose, without any remark?, " That it is tho opinion of this meeting that the monument ought to be erected in the neighbourhood of Otahuhu." Seconded by Mr. 11. Eotsertson. Mr. BuckliAnd could only say that he took tho memory of Colonel Nixon to be a colonial affair, and not a meie local one. * And that being the case he thought his monument should be erected in the most conspicuous place of the chief city in the colony. (Applause ) Mr. McLkod thought they should keep in view the place where Colonel Nixon's services were performed and where he died. He consequently considered it should be erected in the place where he fell in the province of Auek" land. (A Voice : "He did not fall at Mangarei.") Dr. Fischer moved an amendment " That the decision of tho silo be left to tho committee." (Hear, hear.) Mr. Mahtin seconded the amendment. Mr Lewis was opposed to the proposal to delegate to the committee the very point which the meeting ought to decide themselves. lie would much rather have tho question decided by tho meeting where the exact locality should be ; it was the duty of the meeting to come to that conclusion , and, m fact, the public demanded it. If, on the contrary, the amendment just proposed were carried, it would close their mouth entirely against an expression of opinion where it should be. Individually he coincided w>th the remarks of Mr. Buckland, as he looked upon the services of Col. Nixon as of anational, certainty of a provincial, character, that they were not confiuedto the locality w here his estate and his house were found, where lus propcity was situated, but that ho had performed services of which they all felt the value, and their steps should be taken accordingly This was the opinion which he entertained in the matter. He thought they should follow in the footsteps — in the character of his (Colonel Nixon's) own mode of proceeding — and this was of a provincial character, [fc did not like supporting the amendment, because it took out of their power the expression of an opinion whore the tablet should be erected ; and therefore he would certainly much rather vote for the original motion, because ho could not consent to give that power to the committee as to choice of position which should be taken by tho meeting. Mr . Creighton remarked that Mr. Lewis seemed altogether to have forgotten that the committee would be chosen from persons nominated bj r the meeting. They were not delegating tho choice to a committee of strangers, but were selecting out of the meeting a numboi of men who would devote their own tune and attention to tho choice of a proper site, thus taking the trouble out of tho hands of the meeting. (Hear.) Dr. FiscnEit said, supposing the committee came to the decision to erect a monument — that a statue or fountain should bo put up — the}' might also make it very useful. The choice of site could be mado at a few eligible spots, and they could select, if they chose, Otahuhu, Auckland, or el so whore ; and for his part, ho thought a goad site would be obtained at the head of Queen-street There might, in Ma opinion, be a great difficulty in getting a good design by a colonial artist for a statue or fountain ; or they might decide to combine the two if they could obtain a useful design. It was not evciywheio good sites were situate, but, at the junction of Queen .and Wakefield-streets there were triangular spots which might be selected ; or they might find another at Newmarket. If tho committee were to find out these sites, and Rs. upon one, then they would bring their report before a meeting of subscribers, and the design would likewise be submil ted to them. It would be ha^t) to come to the lesolutiou at that meeting that tho monument should bo erected at any particular spot. Captain If vidington considered it would be far better to leave it to the subscribers themselves. When the money was collected, they could attend and decide where tho monument should bo placed. They would then have something tangible to work upon. Lieutenant Bvssett enquired if the votes would go according to the amount of money subscribed. Captain II vrdixgton answered in the affirmative. Mr Holt suggested that the committee bring up a recommendation before a meeting of subscribers, and by that time a report of eligible sites could be obtained. Mr. Buckiand said the subscriptions would depend entirely upon the place whore the monument would be erected. If they wanted the public io subscribe liberally, they must have it erected in Auckland. It would bo useless having it at Otahuhu, if they wished to secure the subscriptions of the general public. His resolution did not exactly limit them to Auckland ; ho did not care if they decided upon having it at llcmucra, or Newmarket, and if the chairman would permit, he would alter lus resolution, so a.s to road, '" at some eligiblo sito in Auckland or its neighbourhood." Captain Hakmngtoh" thought a good site could be obtained near the new Government House. Tho Cituhman then put Dr. Fischer's amendment, which was lost on the voices. Mr. Bassatt's amendment was next put, and lost on a show of hands. Tho original motion was carried amidst applause. Mr. BuckLAND begged lo proposo the names of the following gentlemen as a committee to cany out the foregoing resolutions : — Dr. Pollen, Captain Ifutton, Lieutenant Bassetl, Mr. R, J. Creighton, Mr. D. Graham, Dr. Fischer, Mr. A. Martin, and Mr. Holt, with power to add to thoir number. Mr. Folet said, before that resolution was put, he had a few names of country gentlemen to add, namely — Mr. A. Buckland, Mr. R. ■Robertson, J. Unnciman, T. Eogcrs, B.Harris, T. Shippard, jun. Mr. Marks proposed Captain Hardington's name. Lieutenant Bassett snid although ho would prefer seeing the monument erected at Otahuhu, still he would not ofi'er any opposition to its being placed olsewhoro if tho committee so do-

cided. He must say ( however, the people of Auckland could have no appreciation of the great esteem in which the memory of the lamented deceased was felt by all the inhabitants of the district in which Colonel Nixon once resided. Mr. Cbeighton proposed that Mr. Edward King bo added to the list of the committee. Seconded by Mr. Buckland. Capt. Hardington proposed Capt.Walmesley and Lieut.-Colonel de Quincy. Seconded by Mr. Hor/r. Colonel Balneavis was proposed by Mr. H. P. Stark and seconded ; and Mr. A. Bueldaud was also proposed and seconded. The Chairman then read over the list as follows, and the names were agreed to: — Messrs. Maclean, Martin, Bassett, Dr. Fischer, Mr. Creighton, Dr. Weekes, Mr. W. BucklanJ. Dr. Pollen, Captdin Hutton, Messrs. D. Griham, Holt, ITardington, Captain Walmesley, Lieut.-Colonel do Quincey, Messrs. A. Buckland, 11. Robertson, J. Kunciman, T. Eoger-i, B. Harris, T. Shipherd, jun., E. King, and Colonel Balneavi3. Mr. Buckland moved, "That subscription lists be immediately opened under the name of ' The Nixon Memorial Fund.' " Seconded by Mr. Creighton and carried. Subscription lists were then handed round, and about £100 was subscribed in the room. Tho meeting dispersed at about half-past four o'clock, the business having occupied about an hour.