MONUMENT TO COLONEL NIXON

New Zealander, Volume XX, Issue 2139, 13 June 1864, Page 3

MONUMENT TO COLONEL NIXON

PUBLIC MEETING. On Saturday afternoon a public meeting of the friends and admirers of the late lamented Col. Nixon was held at the Exchange Hotel, Shortland-street, at four o'clock. Amongst the gentlement present we noticed lh- following :— Capt. Holt, Lieut.-General Galloway, Capt. Every Maclean, Esq.-, Win. Buckland, E-q., A Martyn, Esq., Lieutenant-Colonel De Qnincey, Lieut. B issett, Capt. Hut ton, Capt. Didnin, Dr. Weeks, Dr. Fischer, Joseph Crawford, Esq., K. J. Creighton, Esq., F, W. Merriman, Esq. ; Messrs. J. Huncimau, J. Maeleod, T. Vercoa, T. Rogers, <). Lewis, J. Foley, K. Robertson, J. Sheehau, H. P. Stark, G. M, O'Rorke, T. Shipherd, jun., J. F. Rogers, and other gentlemen of the town and district. On the motion of Mr. W. Buckland, Every Maclean, Esq., was voted to the chair. He said, on rising to open the business of the mooting, that they had.done him an -unexpected honor. He need only revert to the object for which the meeting was called, that of erecting a monument to the memory of the late lamented Colonel Nixon, whose metrory they revered and whose loss they deeply deplored. Ho would read the advertisement convening the meeting :—" Colonel Nixon's Monument. —A public meeting will be held at the Exchange Hotel this day (Saturday), the 11th current, at three p.m., for the purpose of making arrangements in order to carry out the intention of erecting a monument, to the late Colonel Nixon. Settlers, members of the Royal Cavalry Volunteers, Colonial Defence Force, and all others who feel in terested in the ma ter, are invited to attend. H. Hardington, Every M'Lean, W. Bassett."—He (the Chairman) would be very happy to receive resolutions calculated to carry out that object. r*apt. Hardington stated that he had spoken to Capt. Walmsley, who had promised to co-operate with the movement, and he had no doubt theDefen-e Corps, would likewise assist in furthering the object. Lieut. Bassett said he was not aware that any decisive steps had been taken to promote the object. That meeting had rather been called with a view to elicit discussion and arrive at public opinion on the subject. Some difference, he apprehended, might arise as to the site to be chosen for the erection of a monument, if that was decided to be done The erection of an institution, a school, or an asylum had been spoken of, and it was to get the opinion ot the people on this point that the meeting had been called. His own of inion was perhaps a selfish one—but it was not less honorable because selfish—that a monument should be erecied to his memory at Otahuhu, or somewhere in the Mangarei district, where he had lived, aad where he was id well known and esteemed. If it were decided, hiwever, to erect it at Auck'and, he should not refuse his assent, or his humble assistance He held his memory in too high regard for that. Bit he thought his memory should be perpetuated where he was the most known and appreciated. Both the of the Defence Foree and C-ivalry, under his command, were raised from the Otahuhu district, and he hud no doubt they would not be wanting in esteem for his memory. Mr. Wm. iJucscland said ha was g'alaa opportunity had presented itself of testifying to the cherished memory of Colonel Nixon. He had known him from his first arrival in the Colony, had appreciate! his merits, and was desirous of assisting in a testimonial to perpetuate his virtues. He mu-t say his ideas were at variance with those of his friend who had just spoken. He did not think his name should b<; a beat one only (hear, hear); he thought it was deserving of more credit. He did not wish the virtues of the man j to be hid under a bushel, as a monument at Otahuhu would be. From what ho knew of the Colonel he was sure that it he could have been interrogated on the subject he would have desired something useful; and he thought the cosr. of a tablet would be nothing compared with what they ought to raise to his memory. Dr. Fischer had suggested to him (Mr. Buckland) that a fountain erected in Queen-sreet would be an appropriate way. of commemorating his His own j suggestion would be that, as the time would come '

wheu they would haive a Unirersitv, a scholarship would be one of the most appropriate-ways 'of doing honor to his memory. A Nixon Scholarship, too. would not only be hononble bat useful. People, he thought, would rather subscribe to a Nixon Scholar-1 ship than a monument. He should like to see a committee appointed to consider the subject, and had therefo e jotted down a few naoei of a committee, but he had carefully omitted the names of military gentlemen, thinking that the matter should be left in the hands of civilians. They were : -Messrs. Maclean, Martyn, Bassett, Creighton, D. Graham, J. Newman, Dm. Pollen, Weeks, and Fischer. Captain Holt, Aide-de-Camp to His Excellency the Governor, hero rose and said he had been deputed by His Excellency to a.tend that meeting to express his approbation of the object, and intention to assist by his purse; aud likewise to say he desired to make a suggestion before the meeting. The late Colonel had left two sisters who were quite unprovided for, and somewhat in want of assistance, and His Excellency had bidden him suggest that a monument of an appropriate kind be erected to tlie memory of the Colonel, but the bulk of the subscription set apart for the use of ten two surviving sisters. He likewise suggested that the monument should be plain and simple, and the circumstances described on the tablet. He came there to suggest this on the part of His Excellency, and likewise to add his own tribute to the worth of Colouel Nixon, and to assist by his contribution.

Lieut. Bassett objected to anything private being introduced, and trusted it would not be entertained : if it were to go home it might grate on the ears of some one. Major-General Galuiwat said he had come there to do honor to his lamented friend. He was in favor of a monument to his memiry. He might say that only on the last occasion h3 spoke with him the Colonel suggested the erection of a monument at the Mauku to the memory of the noble feilows who fell in that encounter. Lieut. Bass stt said he was present when a list was headed by the late Colonel for that purpose. Mr. W. BtiCKLiND suggested that it would be well to test the opinion of the meeting as to whether a monument should be erected. Mr. Albtnt Mart™ said he believed the meeting would be unanimous for a monument—the dirticulty might be as to where it should be placed ; but he thought it would be better' to leave that to be decided by the committee. Dr. Weeks said he had just come in, and was not aware of what had transpired, but he was in favour of a monument being erected to the memory of the late Colonel. He felt his loss as a friend and a fellowcolonist, and had come to pay a tribute jo his memory. Mr. Macleod begged to give his impression, which was that the public should be appealed to for a general monument for those who have fallen in the war, au 1 tao'subscription raised once for all. He did not think a double appeal would be appreciated—although a brave man aud a good settler, thero were others, brave and good, who had fallen daring the war. Mr. Crkiohton said he did not think they should be restricted to a monument only. As to the position, that was an after consideration. He thought the scholarship proposal should be combined, as they were certain to have a university sooner or later. The Chairman requested Mr. Buekland to table his motion. Mr. Creighton explained that if the project of a monument were merely ventilated at that meeting, colonists might think £1 sufficient, whilst if they combined a scholarship it might carry £lO instead of £l. (Hear, hear.) ,„ Mr. Osmund Lewis said it was rather premature to call on the people to decide as to the course to be taken until the money was subscribed. He approved of the idea of a scholarship if it could be cm ried out. He thought, however, it would perhaps be the wisest course not to bin! subscribers to any plan; if a declaration of that meeting were arrived at without. binding the question it would be beneficiul.iu its results. If the funds were, called for sufficient would be forthcoming, lie trusted power would be given to add to the number of the committee proposed. Captain Hardimgton said he had been requested to say that the Superintendent would have been present if he were not obliged to be at Mahurangi at the time. Mr. Bdckiand proposed, " That this meeting is desirous of commemorating the services of the late Colonel Nixon by the erection of a monument to his memory. Mr. Bassett seconded. Carried unanimously. Mr. iir/CKLAND said that if they wanted to get tho money it would be better to decide that the people be represented. In order to do this he thought it would bo well to propose " That the monument be erected in some conspicuous place in the city of Auckland."

Lieutenant Marks begged to second the proposition. ' Mr. Bassett said he disliked the idea of squabbling at such a meeting, but he should like to propose, " That the monument be erected iu»>the neighbourhood of Otahuhu." Mr. Robertson begged to second the suggestion. Mr. Bucklaxo said he claimed for the memory of the Colonel a provincial and not a local tribute of respect. Mr. VJaclean said he thought it should be erected in the place where he fell, or at any rate in the neighbourhood of Otahuhu. Dr. Fischer thought the decision of the site would be better left to the committee to be appointed. Mr. Albvx Ma httn approved of the suggestion. Mr. O. Lewis said there was a principle involved in it. He should have preferred an expression on the part, of the meeting as to the locality. He thought it was the duty of the meeting to elicit that opinion. If the resolution were pressed, it would have the effect of virtually closing their mouths. He quite coincided with Mr. Buckland that it should be of a pnrely provincial character and not local. He should prefer the first resolution, and oppose the delegation of such a power to a committee. Mr CREionroN said the last speaker had lost sight of tbj fact that the committee was not yet formed. Dr. Fischer said a great deal depended ba the description of monument to be chosen. If it were decided to erect a fountain, for instance, they might select Otahuhu, Newmarket, or Qu en-street. He had been told of the difficulty of getting a good design in the co onies for such a purpose. But he did not think the site, whether Queen-street or Newmarket, need be decided at once; the committee to be appointed could do that. It would be hasty for the meeting to decide the site even before the design was fixed. Captain Hardingtox thought it would be well to leave it to the subscribers themselves to decide when the subscriptions were realised. Captain Holt believed it would be well if a suggestion were made at this time by the subscribers. Mr. Buckland hoped the meeting tvould decide that it be erected in Auckland or the neighbourhood. The Chairman then put the ameudineut proposed by Dr. Fischer, "That the question be left to the committee." Lost on the voices. The Chairman then put the proposal by Mr. Bassett, "That it be in the neighbourhood of Otihuhu." Nine hands were held up in favour of this proposition, but it was declared lost by a considerable majority. The Chairman then put the original motion, proposed by Mr. Buckland. and seconded by Lieutenant Mirks, which was carried. Mr. Bdckxand then proposed that the follow'ng gentlemen constitute the committee of mmagemeut:— Messrs. Maclean, Martyn, Bassett, Creighton, Dr. Pollen, Dr. Fischer, Dr. Weekes, Joseph Newman, D ivid Graham, Captain Button, and Captain Holt. Mr.. James Foley a!so proposed the following, in order that the country might be equally represented: Messrs. A. Buckland, J. Itunciman, B. Harris, T. Rigers, T. Shipherd, and !i. Robertson. * Mr. Bassett seconded. It was also proposed and seconded, that his Excellency the Governor, Lieutenant-Colonel Balneavis, Lieuteuant-Colone' De Quincey, Captain Walmsley, Captaiii Hardington, and Edward King. The Chairman then put the amended list of names to the meeting. Carried unanimously. Mr. BfjCiCL. vxd proposed, " That a subscription list be at once opened, under the name or ' The Nixou Memorial Fund.'" Mr. Ckbighton seconded. Carried unanimously. Mr. Maritn suggested that it would be for that meeting to decide waeu the committee should b ing up their report. Major-General Galloway then started the subscription list with £'-Q, and left the room amidst loud cheers. Other gentlemen followed his exa nple, and a goodly sum was soou entered on the list for the monument an 1 also for the scho arship. A vote of thanks to the Chairman having teen proposed and seconded, the meeting separated.