REPRESENTATION OF RAGLAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume II, Issue 448, 20 April 1865, Page 6

REPRESENTATION OF RAGLAN.

NOMINATION OF CANDIDATE —ELECTION OV MB. W. BCCKIiAND. Yesterday, in pursuance of announcement, a meeting was held outside the Court-houso Onehunga, for the purpose of nominating • candidates for the representation of this district in the approaching session of tho General Assembly. The hour fixed for nomination was 12 o'clock noon, when tho returning officer (Capt Symonds) read the writ for the election of a member to represent tho district of Raglan. Previously to this, several influential gentlemen' had arrived, including Mr. Firth, Mr. Buckland, jun., Mr. Crispo, Major Walmosley, &c., &c A hustings had been erected in front of tho Courthouse, for which, owing to tho rumour that it was the intention of Mr. Crispe to retire from the contest, thero was exceedingly little use. At twelve o'clock precisely. Captain Bymonds the returning officer, appeared in front of the Courthouse and said, Gentlemen: I have oonvened this meeting for tho purpose of nominating fit and proper persons from whom you may elect a gentleman'.duly qualified to sit in the House of Representatives for the electoral district of Raglan. I do so by virtuo of the writ issued, which I will now read to you. (Tho returning officer read the writ). Mr. ITibth came forward and said: Notwithstanding that I look upon the present moment as ono of the moat important that has ever existed for the country, I do not think it will be necessary to occupy your time very long, (hear, hear). I cannot however, allow the opportunity to pass away, without noting one or two circumstances which ought to bo kept in mind, not only by ovory one present, but also by every colonist in the country. I have to observe, and I do so with extreme regret, that the resignation of some of the members for particular districts in the province of Auckland has rendered it necessary in this the last session—and certainly the most important session of ©11 tho parliaments which have been holden in this country—l say I regret that on this, the eve of the last session, and in the present circumstances the most important of all those preceding, that one or two gentlemen should have found it advisable to resign thoir seats in the House of Representatives. I have therefore to call upon you to elect a representative in the room of one of those who have resigned. I regret that it should bony duty to do so, for I look upon the necessity for it as a misfortune, and it is perfectly evident that we ore introducing men into the Assembly who cannot be so well acquainted with the actual state of matters—who cannot bo bo well acquainted with those important events and measures which have originated in the present parliameut, and which will havo again to come under discussion in the session about to be held at Wellington. We are called upon by tho desertion of our late representative to elect a new man—to run again tho risk from which this country has suffered so much, I mean tho risk of throwing disunion into our ranks. Perhaps there are no circumstances Jrom which the people of this country have suiTered so much a3 from want of union among its representatives. We have on former occasions lost many things which might havo been held for the benefit of the province and the colony had those who held seats as representatives of the people baen true to the trust reposed in them. But after three or four years' quarrelling and dissension from which we particularly have suffered, our members have been unable to agree or to understand each other. I regret that at the precise moment, when it were not only possible but necessary to act as one man, that at "that one moment they have chosen —to resign their seats, and to separate. We have lost from nothing so much as from this want of union. I had hoped that whether it had been found necessary for members to go to Wellington or to remain here, they would at least have been in a position of acting as one man on every question in which j tho interests of this p'Ovince was concerned. I cannot but look upon the step taken by at least two of our representatives as fatal to this union—fatal certainly to this extent, that we are perhaps to be subjected to contested elections. I havo, however, the great pleasure to inform you, that we are not to he subjected to this inconvenience at present, for Mr. Crispe, considering that this was no timo for disunion, that the crisis was one of the greatest exigency, has thought proper to step back and to allow Mr. Buckland to go in as the representative of this constituency without any opposition—(hear, and cheers.) I am sure you will feel, as I do, that we are under considerable obligation to Mr. Crispe for having taken this straightforward as well as very wise course —(Hear, hear). You may reasonably think that I should make one or two remarks on questions which immediately concern this province, and perhaps the colony at large. It is not necessary for me to say that the great native question which has been for several years under discussion, will again assert its importance—will again demand a hearing. I regret that the conduct of a large portion of the people of this colony—l allude particularly to the men of the South—l say I regret that the conduct which the people of the South have thought fit to pursue has rendered this great question more difficult of solution than formerly. I can, gentlemen, understand why our countrymen at home should have made not a few mistakes in considering this question. I can understand how they should have taken the power out of our hands to deal with this native question—how they should have insisted upon our resuming the power, and though I cannot quite understand why they should have again withdrawn it: still, when we consider the distance at which they reside from us, the length of time which it takes to receive communications from them, or the} from us —when also we remember that we have not been able to agree amongst ourselves, and that we have had a small but a powerful party ranged in opposition to the great bulk of the colonists—and that this party should havo at last only opened their eyes to the truth after their adhesion to their cause had ceased—it is not surprising that the people at home should have been deceived as to the real nature of the difficulty. Had these people—the people of this small but powerful party—had they taken the view that now opens upon them some years ago, their accession to the true interests of the colony would have been much more valuable than it can now be estimated. I foresee that we are on the eve of very great difficulties, and of great danger. When I look to that institution wbich we regard as tho Government of the country— when I am obliged to regardthe weakness by which it is distinguished, we must look upon the airairs of this colony—especially this portion of it, with great alarm and apprehension. When a Government which ought to be the impersonation, not only of power, but of truth, gradually stripping itself of all power— whon we see a Government altogether forgetful of its engagements—scattering truthfulness and honesty to the winds—when it is possible for thoso who live under its regime, to brand it with repudiation, then it is no wonder—then it is not wonderful if the natives, should rise up, and there is a very grave doubt whether such a Government can be any longer worthy of the white population of this country. I think, gentlemen, that, with the gradual withdrawal of the military from this provinco —that by the r.moval of th« seat of Government from this province—fram the manner in which the Waikato Militia has been treated by the Weld Ministry, considering the manner in which tho immigrants have been treated, who have been induced to come here from the Capo, from England, and elsewhere, looking at tho refusal of tho present Ministers to carry out. the policy of tho late Ministers, I (Ji.'r.l- t] lo Weld Ministry will be responsible for "> calamity their conduct must inevitably bring upon tho colony. (Cheers.) These Ministers are abandoning tho Waikato. They are offering every inducement they can to the natives to ceize the Waikato. (Hear, hear). Indeed I should not be surprised to hear that Mr. Weld had ' accomplished what it is said he threatend, the with- \ drawal of our forces insido the Maungatawhiri. The \ last instance of mad government which may be noticed—if that can be called a Government which \ consists in the negation of all claims and obligations —the last instance is in the shameful manner in ] which the immigrants have been treated—treatment ( which we can brand with no other word than the ( hateful name of " repudiation." (Hear, hear). If we look upon this last act alone, we may well say that the Weld administration lias no longer the 5 confidence of the country. I say if this is the a manner in which the united colony is to bo go- i verned, then the sooner Auckland is separated the i bettor. I understand that one of the excuses 1 which tho Weld Ministry put forth for tho abandon- c ment of the Waikato, is that they are short of money, but when I see this—how this Government is going into such a matter, a3 tho Panama Contract, invol- a ving an expense of £100,000 a-year, and the sums a oxpended in ministerial residences, and palatial resi- s deuces for the Governor, when I see all this, I £ should not feel surprised if the Government would g dc-laro itself in a state of insolvency—that they I

should declare that they would not carry through any of their pledges, and tlliat thoy should be found in the presence of all right-thinking mon, oven bankrupt in reputation. The Government, I ear, instead of being worthy of respect has earned contempt. It is not in the savngo nature to respect or honor that which thoy do not fear. What is there left in this country that can command their respect—fear—oven 'in thin law-worshipping, lawobeying community—tho Parliament and Government of this country h, at this momont, a body without a soul. Thero is ono oilier question gentlemen which I should notice at this juncture of our affairs. T have already commonted upon what I consider the impropriety of somo of our representatives resigning their seats. I think it is tho intention of somo other of our moiibors to resign thoir seatß. Allow mo to B iy, in common with thoso who have carofully considered the matter, that I look on such a step with a great deal of apprehension. I foci sure that you will think with mo that at ft time whon it behoves all tho representatives of the people to look zealously after the interests ot their constituents, such a time aa tho present is not a propor occasion for our representatives to abandon their duty. What tho Northern Association has st>id, and what every man of sonnd judgement would say, is, " Retain your seats. It is true this province has been shamefully treated, but still hold your scats to tho last moment. Bo prepared to meet tho accusations which our Southern opponents have hurled at us, in tho very placo where they are made. Let tho Southern men then make charges where they know tho charges can bo met, on the floor of tho Hous« of Representatives." (Hear and cheers.) Let our membora be present to reply. Hesides, it. is not consistent on the part of gentlemen who havo held the honour of representing any portion of this provinco that thoy should by their default pormit other men who might bo a disgrace to any constituency to bo elected in their stead. What is there to prevent such men as theso stopping into tho places which honest mon havo abandoned. I think at onco that the representatives ought as one man to retain their seats, for the purpose of replying to the shameful imputations urged against us, and for taking such measures, when tho time for action comes as may be deemed neeossary. Let them then by all means retain thoir positions, and when occasion B'rpes, act unanimously and with vigour. Who knows but that tho Govornor, in presonce of tho gross acts of repudiation, and tho total disregard of tho safety of the inhabitants of (he province—who knows but that tho timo may como when his Excellency the Govornor should fay, "this thing must net be allowed to go on any longer, I must step in for the welfaro of the colony." ? Were the Governor, with such a protest, to interpose and stop altogether the revenue of tho provinco from being taken South after any given date, do you think he would like to take such a responsible step without bping backed up by the opinion of thoso who would have a right to be heard ? Why not call upon your representatives, and reqniro from them a pledge that they will not leave their duty, nor abandon their duty. Ido not pretend to say in what particular juncture of circumstances His Excellency would seo fit to act as I have indicated, but long let our representatives hold possession of their seats, so that when tho time of action comes they may bo thero to act. Gentlemen, J do not think it necessary to detain you by any further remarks. I will conclude by nominating Mr. William Buckland as a fit and proper person to represent tho constituency of Raglan in the House of Representatives of the. present General Assembly (cheers). Major Wai.mekley came forward to second the nomination. He said, Gentlemen, I beg to second the nomination of Mr. William Thome Buckland ns a fit and proper person to represent this district in the House of Representatives. I believe that in the present critical state of affairs he is tho most efficient person we could select. We all know his qualifications, so that it is quite needless to recapitulate tlicm. There is one great thing in his favour, that lie is no novice in d ebate. I have no doubt, when he will enter the public arena of the House of Assembly, lie will not only do so with confidence, but that ho will have as much confidence from you. It would appenr as if tho Auckland members had been quite " dumbfounded" by the attitude taken by the members—the would-be millionaires—of the "South. Not one of them would get up even for a " spar." I say that we must have a man who will go in and hit straight from the shoulder, and give and take without'flinching. The man I believe who will do this is W. Thorno Buckland, and I havo great pleasure in returning his nomination. Mr. Cbite next" camo forward and snid ; Brother electors, I eame'before you as a candidate when I did not know that Mr. Buckland was out, or intended to bo out. My only object in attempting to contest this election was to preserve to the constituency their interests and those of the province. Tam now wel] assured that Mr. Buckland is a highly fit and proper person, that he is obtaining larger interests in tile Northern Island, and that his sympathies and feelings are with us. It would bo worso than useless to contest this election, to put you to trouble and the country to expense. It would bo folly to do so. T plead guilty to a little ambition, and I did feel ambitious to be among those who would kick the present profligate Ministry out of power. Wo must go in for Separation. That is our Btrong point. In having Mr. Buckland, I believo we will have a man who will never flinch at any time when he can be of oervice to Auckland. (Hear.) Captain Symonds, the Returning Officer, hero came forward, and declared that there being no other candidate, Mr. William Thorne Buckland was duly elected to represent the district of Raglan in the General Assembly. A vote of thanks was unanimously awarded to tho Returning Officer, and the proceedings terminated.