THE Grey River Argus. THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 1868.

Grey River Argus, Volume VI, Issue 409, 27 August 1868, Page 2

THE Grey River Argus. THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 1868.

The Report of the Commissioners appointed to investigate the conduct of Mr Commissioner Kynnersley during the recent disturbances at Westport and Addison's Fla.t, has been made to the General Government, and has completely exonerated that gentleman from the many charges which 'were brought against him by a certain portion of the inhabitants of Westport. This result we have ennfid,ently anticipated from the first, because we knew that when the matter was gone into before an impartial tribunal the action taken by the Commissioner, under most peculiar and trying circumstances, would be proved to be the best for the security of society and the peace of the district, which he oould possibly have adopted in the emergency. When the Commission was sitting, and even when it concluded its investigation, we carefully abstained from commenting upon the conduct of those individuals who- had brought most serious charges against Mr Kynneraley — who had been the principal fomentors of disturbance in the district—and who, when the day of trial came, backed out of the position which they had taken up in. the most unmanly manner. They refused to substantiate the charges they had made, and also refused to withdraw them, alleging that the feeling which had been manifested in the district had subsided, and it would not be safe to have it again aroused by proceeding with the inquiry. They pleaded the imaginary good of the district as their excuse for keeping the most serious charges that cuuld be brought against a Government officer hanging over his head for ever. We do not intend further to characterise such unmanly conduct, or to do anything which might again qpe,n this, vexed subject; bufc we must express our satisfaction that the Commissioners appointed exercised the powers vested in them of compelling the attendance of witnesses, and proceeded with the enquiry, examining witnesses at Westport, Addison's Flo.t, and Charleston, thereby obtaining an accurate knowledge of the true facts of the case. They were thus enabled to form an unbiased opinion of the stops urliioh had been taken by Mr

Kynneraley to secure the peace of the district over which he ruled, of the course of conduct pursued by him at a most trying emergency, and for which he had been bo strongly, and, as it now appears, so unjustly condemned by a section of the people. It is most satisfactory to know that the report which they have made to the Government, has in every detail fully exonerated Mr Kynnersley from the blame which was attempted to be cast upon him, and that that report has been endorsed in the most flattering terms in ths highest possible quarter — by the Premier of New Zealand. We content ourselves with appending the remarks made by Mr Stafford in the House of Representatives, when he was asked by the Superintendent of Nelson if the Commissioners had reported upon the matter intrusted to them. He replied that the Commission had brought up their report which he had that morning perused ; and he was pleased to state that such report entirely exonerated Mr Kynnersley from any blame in the matter ; and the action taken by that gentleman at the time, showed a coolness of decision and good judgment under the circumstances. Mr Mr Stafford complimented Mr Kynnersley at whose desire the Commission was appointed, and agreed with the Commissioners' report, which said that the course taken by that gentleman assisted materially in ihecking what otherwise might hsive proved a serious disturbance, and was the means of establishing a better feeling among all classes in those districts, as well as saving a ]ayge expense to the Government. The report, he added, spoke somewhat rebukingly of the unofficial terms in which Mr Kynnersley's reports to the Government on the subject were couched, and with which opinion the Government also were agreed ; but beyond that, he had to inform the House that the result of the commission showed no blame attachable to Mr Kynnersley, and he had given instructions to communicate with that gentleman in accordance therewith.