NEW PLYMOUTH. [From the New Zealand Colonist.]

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 67, 17 June 1843, Page 267

NEW PLYMOUTH. [From the New Zealand Colonist.]

At a meeting of the inhabitants, held at the King's Arms Hotel, on Saturday evening, April 8, John Douglas, Esq., in the chair, the following resolutions were pro^ posed and unanimously carried :—: — First, That this meeting, viewing with regret the present reduction of wages by the Principal Agent of the New Zealand Company, deem it incumbent on them, in order to obtain redress, to memorialize the Directors of the said Cdrripany, and that the depositions of those parties be taken before the Police Magistrate, who left England by reason of most false and base inducements held out to them by the agents at home, by which reason many families have been seriously injured. Secondly, That a petition be drawn up and forwarded at the earliest possible convenience to the Commons' House of Parliament, praying for the imposition of a tax on all absentee landowners non-resident in this colony, or in the respective settlements where they own laud, so that the labourer may be in the course of time benefited thereby. Thirdly, That, as the best mode to secure to ourselves and others the benefit that may be derived from our proceedings, it is unanimously agreed that William Turner, Esq., solicitor, be communicated with on the subject, and requested to draw up the form of memorial and petition, and that drafts of the same be laid before the committee as soon as possible. Fourthly, That a committee be appointed to take the statements of all persons who had any amount of wages promised them before leaving England, and report the same at the next meeting. Fifthly, That this meeting do pledge themselves to subscribe among themselves, and solicit the aid of all who wisn well to the labourer, to defray the necessary expenses incurred in the preparation of the above petition and memorial, forwarding, &c. Sixthly, That John Douglas be appointed treasurer.

Seventhly, That this meeting be adjourned, so as to give the committee of inquiry sufficient time to arrange the affairs, when they will call a general meeting, when the proceedings will be fully laid before the public. - Lastly, That the thanks of tbfs meeting be given to J. Douglas, Esq., for his able and judicious conduct in the chair, followed by three hearty cheers.