NEW PLYMOUTH.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 136, 12 October 1844, Page 2

NEW PLYMOUTH.

The accounts brought from New Plymouth by the Sir John Franklin are very unsatisfactory. The settlers, in the uncertainty which prevails regarding the final settlement of the land claims, are unwilling to proceed in the work of cultivation ; and many are spending their time in idleness who would otherwise be actively employed. It is said to be the general opinion that unless the Governor speedily arrives and puts the matter finally at rest, a collision between the two races will inevitably take place. Subjoined is a report of two public meetings of the working classes held at New Plymouth, sent to us by the chairman, and inserted at his request, though a long time has now elapsed since the meetings took place : — To the Editob. of the Nelson Examiksb.

Sia — As you have been so kind before now to publish the proceedings of the (labourers' Association at their public meetings, I do, in behalf of the tradesmen and labourers of this settlement, beg that you will be pleased to favour them with publishing the following report in your Nelson Examiner newspaper. I am, yours truly, New Plymouth, Aug. 11. Thomas W. Shots.

At a public meeting of the tradesmen and labourers of New Plymouth, held in the large room at the Devon Hotel, on Friday evening, August 2d, to consider the propriety of presenting an address to his Excellency Captain R. Fitzßoy, and to represent the very depressed state of the settlement, Thomas W. Shute, in the absence of their late chairman, John Douglas, Esq., was unanimously called to the chair. The Chairman, m opening the meeting, read a letter he had received from J. Douglas, Esq., stating his gocd wishes towards the association, and his opinion that a president, chosen from their own body, would have much more weight. He then pointed out the object for which they were met; and expressed a hope that their proceedings I would be such as the people and the law would [ recognize as a pure, honest, and consistent mode of having their grievances redressed. Proposed by William Richards, and seconded by Jamis Williams — That a respectful address be prepared and presented to his Excellency Captain Fitzßoy, to congratulate him on his arrival here ; and also to embody a correct statement of die very depressed state of this settlement, and the treatment of the Resident Agent and

Principal Agent of the New Zealand Company to the emigrants of this place. Carried unanimously. Proposed by William Richards, and seconded by Edward Moyle — That this meeting do adjourn till to-morrow morning nine o'clock, when the deputation may be chosen to wait on the Governor Off his- arrival in the town. -*Carried unanimously. A*vfyte fft thanks having been given to the Chairman, the meeting separated in a very orderly manner. Thomas William Shuts, Chairman. The adjourned meeting of the tradesmen and labourers was held on Saturday, August 3d. Messrs. Lethbridge and Harrison were unanimously appointed to present the address to the Governor, and to give him all the information in their power on behalf of all. His Excellency arrived about half-past ten, and received the address at the Police Office, to which, on the Monday followingffce w&rptessed to send, through his Private Secretary, the following reply : — "Taranaki, August 4, 1844. " Sir — I am desired by the Governor to acknowledge* the receipt t»f your address and statement on behalf of the tradesmen and labourers of New Plymouth, signed by yourself, Messrs. Harrison, Shell, and Sanders. " His Excellency has instructed me to convey to you his thanks for the congratulations expressed, and to assure you that he will pay attention to your statements respecting the arrangements of the New Zealand Company. 11 1 remain, yours, &c, " J. W. Hamilton, 11 Mr. B. Lejthjjrjdge." " Private Secretary. P.S His Excellency has also offered a free passage by the brig Victoria to any parties who N are desirous of leaving this place for any other settlement ; but he will in no case advise any one to leave. He stated that miners might do better than others at Auckland, and that those who were desirous of leaving should leave their names with Captain H. King, Police Magistrate, so as they may be ready to embark whenever the brig came. The Resident Agent here is now paying the labourers in the employ of the Company eight shillings per week, and at this present time great distress is to be' seen in this settlement. T. W. SauTfc.