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Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume I, Issue 13, 19 December 1857, Page 5

From the views and opinions which have from time to time emanated from this Association, it must be apparent to you, that the necessity of reform has long since been insisted upon by us, and we are therefore disposed to view with satisfaction changes which may lead to an increasing prosperity in the affairs of the inhabitants of these parts.

With regard to the first three resolutions proposed at the public meeting at the Lyceum Theatre on the 22nd ult., we cordially concur in the opinion that the objects proposed will be attended with beneficial results to the community at large. With regard to the 4th, sth, and 6th resolutions, to which our attention has been especially directed, and which relate exclusively to the land question — involving the new principle of sales of land on a system of deferred payments, it would be premature on our part to give any declaration of our views at the present time upon a subject which necessarily opens so wide a field of discussion. While, however, we disclaim any desire that the land question should be treated in any other spirit than that of fairness to all classes, we think it right to state our opinion that the most mature consideration should precede any alteration, involving new principles in the disposal of Crown Lands. We also concur in the desirability of the objects sought to be attained by the 7th, 9th, and 10th resolutions. With reference to the Bth resolution, on the subject of the "establishment of elected local boards having the management of local affairs and the expenditure of a share of the public money in proportion to the contribution of the locality," this Association has already put forth the claims of the Hawke's Bay settlers to the fullest powers of local self government ; so that, while we are not indisposed to accept as a temporary measure the delegation of such powers as seem to be implied by a liberal construction of your Bth resolution, yet we trust that the time is not far distant, when the real remedy against the neglect which has been shown to this district will be provided by the transfer to it of the sole and entire control of its own revenues ; and for the attainment of this object, we contemplate an early application to the General Government. We fully agree with you that it is most -desirable to establish more amicable relations with the General Government, disapproving, as we have always done, of that tone of hostility and defiance, which has, on so many occasions, been displayed by the Wellington Provincial authorities towards the General Government. In conclusion, we beg to assure you that we admire the exertions which the members of your Association have made to effect reforms in many ways, so essential to the good government of the province, and that such exertions will always obtain the good wishes of the members of this Association. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, J. C. Lambton Carter, J.P. Chairman "Ahuriri Settlers' Association." Royal Hotel, Napier. December Bth, 1857. This letter having been read and approved of, — It was moved by Donald Gollan Esq., M.P.C., seconded by Capt. Curling, R.M., and unanimously agreed to, — "that J. B, Ferguson Esq., he appointed vice chairman of the Ahuriri Settlers' Association." It was next moved by T. K. Newton Esq., seconded by Dr. Hitchings, and unanimously carried, — "that it appears highly desirable to this meeting that a general meeting of the settlers of the Hawke's Bay District should take place at the earliest convenient period, to consider the future prospects of these Districts, and the subject of an early application to Jfche General Government for an entire separation from the Province of Wellington. That a convenient day appears to be the 31st day of Jatniary , 1857 ; and that notices be sent by the chairman of the Association to all the electors and inhabitants of the Districts requesting them to attend. That the following gentlemen he appointed a committee, five of whom shall form a quorum, to prepare a draft memorial to the General Assembly, said draft to be submitted for further consideration to the meeting : — Capt. Carter, Capt. Curling, Messrs. T. H. FitzGerald, Donald Gollan, A. Alexander, J. B. Ferguson, Capt. Newman, Messrs. E. S. Curling, G. Worgan, Chas. Nairn, T. K. Newton, Joseph Rhodes, h J. Kelly, H. S. Tiffen, W, Tucker."