THE LATE MEETING.

New Zealander, Volume XXI, Issue 2264, 2 November 1864, Page 5

THE LATE MEETING.

To the Editor of the New-Z B ALAKDEB. Sir, —It appears that politicians have run mad and that the only remedy for such a sad malady is the resignation of Mr. George Graham. But do not misunderstand me—suah would not be the proper remedy ; it is their own prescription. I have this moment been waited upon by a gentleman who asked if I had any particular objection to sign a petition requesting Mr. Graham to resign ? Answer: " I have very grave objections to do any thing of the kind." " What are they ? " " In the first place the late meeting was called in opposition to the principles of British law and justice, that is, condemning a man without allowing him an opportunity of being heard in his own defence. You give one day's notice in a paper which Ido not read ; neither do you give the party an invitation to appear and plead his own cause, thus upsetting every principle of justice and fair play. Mr. Graham is an example to some of our Auckland members. Look at his placard which he put ont on Saturday, where his electioneering speech is put side by side with Tom Russell's, and say, as an honest man, which of the two has kept his promises. Besides, that, on the question with regard to which you find fault with Mr. Graham, I think he isjight and that yo\i

are wrong. "0, you do not want any more fighting then. Do you think the Taranaki war was right, or that it could have been avoided ?"

With regard to its Tightness, I will say nothing; but I will say that it was wrong to send the military there, proclaim martial law, or the law of righting, and at the same time give orders that the soldiers were not to fight. " " O, that is Mr. Graham's plan. It was the plan of Governor Browne and the Stafford Ministry. The Russell, Whitakor & Co.'s plan is the veiy same. How dare you then to propose the resignation of a man whom you say would act as those you wish to support ? Electors of Newton, beware ! Tom Russell knows well that very many have just cause to regret that ha was ever War Minister. In the breaking up of familias by the ruin of the health and even the loss of life to many a young man who would have been an ornament to society and a blessing to his parents, and now he thinks that the only way of causing these things to be forgotten is by causing a ferment in the public mind through the medium of hireling newspapers, and others who are either willing, or compelled by unfortnnate circumstances to do his dirty work, of whatever kind. Mr. Graham, stick to your post like a man, and be not dismayed ; it is your original opposers who want you to resign, and it is to them you owe no thanks for your seat. God bleis and prospsr the Gover.itr in all his plans; for I do conscientiously believe them to be the wisest and the best. A Newton Elector, Nov. Ist, 1864.