THE PUBLIC MEETING.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5206, 16 October 1878, Page 5

THE PUBLIC MEETING.

g IR I would like to know whether the opinions expressed at tho so-called public meeting on Tuesday night are to be forwarded to tho Government as the sentiments of the public of Napier, or whether the gentlemen Avho had the audacity to call a public meeting on their own account will at least be modest enough to give the requisition its proper heading—" An expression of opinion by some of the wealthiest men in Hawke's Bay." Now, sir, had the meeting been notified in a proper manner, and called by the right person, thero is no doubt tho aristocracy would not have had such comfort and space in the front seats as they had that night. This may be one reason. But I °think I would be nearer the mavk in saying the whole thing was a fraud from beginning to end. A fraud —yea; and perpetrated by political tricksters, and by men who, though they have not brains enough to be that—know full well that tho present Government is one which will exact from them a fair share towards the revenue—one which is making a bold effort to stop such men as these enriching themselves at the expense of the ignorant natives. To these men the name of Grey implies justice—and justice to the people, both Maoris and Europeans. To them the name of Grey sounds like—" No more fraudulent land speculations ; a fair proportion of taxation, and waste lands to benefit the people." Now, sir, with regard to the meeting. I must say if a government chosen by that portion of the public which predominated at it that night exhibits the same spirit of fairness as their constituents, God help the poor man. So long as you stepped on the platform for the purpose of venting your spleen against the present Ministry the most gentlemanly decorum prevailed, and handrf and boots encouraged you; but rise in defence of the Ministry, and these men at once started a chorus such as you hear when passing a frog pond. At that meeting, as at many others, the proceedings were enlivened by two or three funny men, the same old identities—one a car penter, I think. It would be well if their names were published in the directory and in your columns, for they are very useful to suppress opposition, and can always be had for a pint of beer. In conclusion, I would suggest that your contemporary's reporter would place a little more dependence on notes than on memory or on his fertile imagination, as those who did not attend are likely to be misled by such productions. —l am, &c, E.R.