PUBLIC MEETING.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 4, Issue 188, 27 April 1861, Page 5

PUBLIC MEETING.

On Thursday evening, in terms of a placard which had been extensively posted throughout the town, a public meeting was held in the Council | Chamber, for the purpose of considering the expression of opinion lately given upon the subject of the Wellington debt, by the recently elected members for the district. At the hour appointed (7 o'clock) the " strangers' gallery" was densely filled. On the motion of Mr. Begg, the chair was taken by Mr. Newton. Mi-. Newton opened the meeting by expressing a hope that the proceedings would be conducted with fairness and impartiality; towards Mr. Stark, to whom. blame in this matter was not so much to be attached as to the electors themselves. His (Mr. Newton's) opinion was that this meeting was ; to some extent unnecessary, seeing that, in his. presence, and on two distinct occasions, Mr Start had pledged himself to resign— the first time, conditionally upon a majority of his own supporters signing a requisition to that effect ; the second, without any condition — Mr. Stark having stated to him that he found public opinion to be so decidedly against him that he would send in his resignation, and authorised him (Mr. Newton^ to state this. on the hustings, which he had done. Much confusion ensued, while a resolution was being prepared ; and we were sorry to observe that persons who ought to know better did their best to make a burlesque of the whole affair. Mr. Begg ultimately moved a resolution to the effect that the meeting was of opinion that Mr. Stark should be called upon to resign. Mr. MrciiEE seconded the motion. After a, pause of some duration and a renewal of the attempts to turn the meeting into a source of amusement, instead of one for the consideration > of a subject of momentous import, — Mr. FitzGtERAM) came forward and spoke to . the motion — at the same time. expressing much disappointment at seeing so serious a subject bo lightly treated. He then gave a sketch of the debt . question generally, shewing how indubitable a claim in equity could be advanced by the prov- . ince ; and concluded by expressing an opinion that Mr. Stark's views were opposed to those held by the large bulk of the electors ; and that, if he did not resign, he would inflict a great injury on the province, not only through his own advocacy being wanting, but because his known opinions would stultify the; efforts of their second member. Mr. Seaiy, after some remarks to a like effect, moved the following resolution," as one which would better express the feelings of, the meeting : — That this meeting is of opinion that Mr. Stark's views on the question of the Wellington Debt are not those of a majority of the electors of this Province, and that that' : gentleman be requested to resign his seat in the General ' Assembly. ' . , v . . - ~ ; Mr. Begg seconded the motion, which, on being, put from the chair, was carriea without dissent.." ,„•<-<' A vote of thanks to the* Chairman, moved Jt>y\ Mr. Wdson, terminated the proceedings. ,-... ..;. [The requisition rererred. to by the Chairman, with the requisite number of signatures, has sincß been presented to Mr. Stark; A copy of it appears in our advertising columns.]] . . . .