The Lyttelton Times

Lyttelton Times, Volume III, Issue 105, 8 January 1853, Page 6

The Lyttelton Times

January 8, 1853. The Public Meeting to which we called attention last week, came off on Tuesday Evening. The resolutions proposed and the speeches made on the occasion were of so extraordinary a character, that we feel it our duty to make some comment upon them ; for had the resolutions been passed, a stigma would have been cast on the Can- | terbury Settlement, which would require years to eradicate. The following are, we I believe, the facts of the case. | A society has been established at Lyttelton, called the Constitutional Society, which for some weeks has been sitting in solemn conclave, and collecting- evidence of a certain nature for a specific purpose. That purpose | developed itself in the calling a public meeting to consider the evidence collected ; and a series of cut and dry resolutions Avere advanced which, based on one-sided proofs, it was deliberately proposed should go forth \as the opinion of the people of Canterbury, \ and condemn without hearing not only the I officers of the Association, but "others," i charged with "oppressive conduct." The | spicy nature of the placard calling the j meeting produced the effect desired, and a [ very numerous attendance was the result. I Until the resolutions were read to the I meeting, none, save the privileged Constitutionalists, were aware of their nature, and this no doubt helped to increase the interest of the occasion. The first resolution having been proposed and enforced in n a telling ad captandum speech, an amendI merit was suggested of so reasonable a I nature that it is difficult to conceive how

it could be refused. Refused, however, it was ; whereupon higher ground was taken, and the assertions advanced in the resolutions were contradicted, and the fullest enquiry courted. All argument and entreaty, however, were of no avail; for the meeting-, primed with enthusiasm, would have the resolution, the whole resolution, and nothing but the resolution, and so it was carried amidst vociferous cheering. So ended the first act of the drama.

The second act commenced in an atmosphere still charged with combustion. A second resolution was proposed which created even more excitement than the first; and as its object was to condemn the proceedings of individuals who were not advised of its nature, nor present to refute it, it was vehemently protested against, and serious reasons advanced that it was libel, lous. The effect of the word " libel" was magical; the Chairman was the first to feel the unpleasant sensation, and carefully reading the resolution, he expressed an opinion that it was open to the charge, and advised its withdrawal. This was assented to by the mover, and the Canterbury Association, having been hung, drawn, aud quartered, were then allowed the privilege of having their acts impartially investigated. We had intended saying a few words with respect to the doctrine of " repudiation," which, we regretted to observe, was spoken of; but fully believing that such a disgraceful idea is entertained but by few, and that it would be indignantly scouted were it deliberately advanced, we refrain. Nothing, we hope, under any circumstances of excitement, will induce the people of Canterbury to forfeit the fair name which is their inheritance, and which it is their duty to hand down unquestioned and unsullied to their descendants.

There are people who regard public meetings as uncalled for and unnecessary, and would probably adduce Tuesday's proceedings as sustaining that idea. We take a very opposite view, and think that the advantages of free discussion were never more clearly shown than on that occasion. It is true that what was first carried was ultimately rescinded, and, therefore, at first sight an air of ridicule is observable: but it was reason, the result of discussion, Avhich produced that change, and it was not the first occasion that two opposite opinions have been carried by the same meeting. The Imperial Parliament of England has often, in like manner, stultified itself, and is none the less worthy of confidence and respect on that account. We, therefore, heartily rejoice that the meeting was held, and hope that, on all occasions, subjects of interest will be, in the words of Mr. Gibbon Wakefield, " thought of, inquired into, discussed, differed upon, and canvassed."

We call the attention of the public to 1 the Meeting of the Lyttelton Colonists' Society on Wednesday next, when Mr. Fitz- | gerald brings forward a proposition with I respect to the present law of trespass. The | necessity of devising some means to have | this law modified and more clearly defined, | is shown from the unceasing litigation an- | sing, and bad feeling engendered, under it,s | present provisions ; and we trust there will $ be a full attendance to consider a question | which so materially affects all classes. . 1

Considerable excitement and alarm was created in the neighbourhood of St. Davids Street, Lyttelton, on Tuesday afternoon, by the report that a fire was raging in that quarter. On proceeding to the scene of the calamity, we found that the report was but two true, one house being enveloped in flames, and another, in close contiguity, suggesting the probability, but too soon realised, of a similar fate. Indeed, so rapid was the spread of the flames, that but few minutes elapsed ere both houses, owing to a strong wind blowing, were burnt to the ground, without the chance of any effectual aid being rendered. We trust that this calamity will not be overlooked by our fellowtownsmen, and that some decided steps will be taken, by a special survey of all houses in the Town, to at any rate render the chances of fire less likely to occur than under their present construction. No one was in the house at the time it caught fire, and it is supposed that the wind, blowing down the chimney, scattered hot ashes among some shavings on the floor, the house being in the occupation, we hear, of a carpenter. The houses belonged to Mr. Dann, and were, we believe, uninsured. Had the ■fire occurred in the centre of the town, we have no hesitation in saying that the greater part would have fallen a prey to the devouring element, and its inhabitants would now be sitting, like so many Marii, amidst the ruins of their respective domiciles. — Communicated.

On Thursday the New Church was opened for public Service. The day being the feast of the Epipheny, or manifestation uf the Gospel to the Gentiles, was selected as appropriate for the opening of the first permanent building for Divine Worship in our Settlement. It had been hoped that the Bishop of New Zealand would have been present on this interesting occasion, but recent letters having conveyed the information that he probably would not arrive for some months, it was not deemed advisable to delay any longer. The Services did not differ from those in daily use, with the exception of the chanting the whole of the Psalms, and the Choir being strengthened by visitors from Christehurch. The building appears favourably constructed for hearing, and although rude and unfinished within, the effect was generally admired. The roof is remarkably handsome. The sum of £8 2s. 6d. was collected towards the expenses of the building.