PUBLIC MEETING AT KAIKORA.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1027, 2 March 1869, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING AT KAIKORA.

[SROM A CORRESPONDENT.] A public meeting was hold in the schoolroom at Kaikora, on the evening of Thursday, the 25th Feb., for the purpose of presenting a bell, and afterwards to discuss matters relating to the sohool. The first part of the meeting having been presided over by the Rev. Mr. Shepherd, — Mr. J. Steven rose and said he had a very pleasant duty to perform, viz., the presenting a bell (which measures, over 14 inches in diameter,) the gift of his sister-in-law, Mrs. Thomas Steven, Bonnierigg, Scotland, to the Presbyterian congregation at Kaikora, and, with a few suitable remarks, explained the circumstances under which they became indebted to the donor for so handsome a present. Mr. Shepherd then rose, and in a most appropriate manner accepted the bell on behalf of the church and congregation, referring briefly in his remarks to the history of bells and to the associations connected therewith in the old country ; also, the light in whioh they were regarded by Presbyterians, in contradistinction to some other sects. At the conclusion of this part of the proceedings, it was proposed that Mr. Shepherd be deputed to write a letter, to be signed by himself and the trustees, tendering the best thanks of the churoh and congregation to the donor for her liberal present. The other part of the business then commenced; and, on the motion of Mr. N. Campbell, Mr. J. Tod was called to the chair. Some time was consumed in desultory conversation, relative to the unhandsome manner in which they considered the Government had treated the inhabitants of Kaikora, by refusing pecuniary aid to the school. It was then unanimously resolved that a final appeal should be made to the Government, and, failing a favorable reply, all in the meeting expressed their determination to resist the payment of the educational rate about to be levied. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated tho proceedings,