PUBLIC DINNER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume III, Issue 636, 25 November 1865, Page 5

PUBLIC DINNER.

Owing to tho length, to which, our report ex- i twilled of the proceedings at the Banquet to the Auvklmid Representatives, as well as the late- | ness of tlie hour, we found it necessary to postpone) the speech made by Mr. Firth in proposing the health of " Mr. Stafford and his Colleagues," and also that of Mr. Macfarlano in proposing tho toast, " The Provincial Council." As to the address delivered by the former gentleman, we regret that it is not in our power to present an I entirely verbatim report. At the end of tho preceding speech, thero was a break in the proceedings, it being then past 10 o'clock; and a I great number of gentlemen, wlio had withdrawn for a time into other apartments of the building, or into tho open air, lind but partially returned when Mr. Firth began to speak. During the whole time of his address, there was a constant bustle and confusion occasioned by these circumstances ; and it was extremely difficult for i the reporters to hear distinctly. Our contemporaries, we perceive, liave not evon attempted reporting a speech, delivered under suc\\ disadvantages. AYe are anxious, however, that our readers should not be deprived of a speech that was pronounced by those who heard it to be a singularly masterly address, comprising much original thought, and interesting remarks. Mr. Firth in rising to propose tho health of Mr. Stafford and his collengues, said: I think it hardly necessary to ask you to respond to tho toast to tho health of Mr. Stafford and his colleagues. It only needed tlio presenco of any ono in Auckland when tho accession of Mr. Stafford to ofilei was announced, to enable him to say how tho proposition to drink tho health of Mr. Stafford on this occasion would bo received. Every one felt then that wo h id got rid of a very heavy burden. They felt as thoy might supposo any one would feel who had been driven at a headlong paco. They had had the most imminent danger threatening thorn from tho incapacity of the drivers; and when the coachman had boon thrown from liis box, and a r.ew coachman in whom everybody had confidence was put in his placo, they folt that half of their danger was ovor. Mr. Stafford was too good a statesman not to know that people might lie over-governed. It was no sort of good government that meddled n-ifh everybody's affairs. Government best minded its own business when it left other p.-oplo to mind theirs. It was neither wise nor prudent to be under Government tutelage. The people of Auckland had been twitted that they could do nothing exc spt they wore supported by the Government. lie (Mr. Firth') would affirm" that the people of Auckland owed little to the Government, hut o groat deal to thomselves. (Cheer?.) Those who depeuded on Government tutelage would" mako very littlo progress. Of all drill sergeants, the Government drill sergeant was the worst, lie could never got his recruits beyond tho goose step. There had been a great deal of that Government tuHago hero. Thero had been many suggestions made by Southorn statesman — all kinds of plans had been proposed by which this country might bo governed. It was the mark of a quack, and not of a highly qualified practitioner in medicine, to bo always talking physic whenever you met him ; and so it wa3 as to certain Southern statesmen. They could furnish theoretic nostrums, but they certaiuly were not competent to govern the Province of Auckland. (Cheers.) Mr. Stafford propoiod a different policy altogether. Why was it that Auckland rejoiced so much in tho accession of Mr. Stafford to power ? It was not nurely because when others have forsaken and Blandered" us, Mr. Stafford defended us, so that ho lives in tho affections of tho Aucklanders. (Chcors.) It was not merely that his clear head and 6troug will wins our admiration. No; we support him because, with the genius of a statesman, he dares to govern New Zedand in accordance with those great principles which for ages past have been tho bulwark and tho prido of Britain. (Cheers.) Mr. Stafford is too good a statesman not to know that the truo sciojco of Government does not lie in meddling in all the concerns of the subjects. Government best minds its own business when it lets other people mind theirs. (Hear, hear.) Men wore apt enough to twit their wives with following the superfluities of French fashions, | whilo they were themselves ready enough to take up tho Freucli and continental fashion of over-govern-ment, from too much centralization. (Hear, hear.) In Mr. Stafford and Mr. Whitakcr the people had statesmen from whom much was to bo expected, arid their first utterances had shewn that these expectation* would not be disappointed. It was a remarble coincidence that at the commencement of this struggle five years ago those t'.vo gentlemen were colleagues in the Ministry; and now, although not members of ono Ministry, they are (-till colleagues (Cheers.) Auckland members had put M'\ Stafford in the position which ho occupied,and Auckland pople had called Sir. Whitnkor to hold the proud position which he held that evening as Superintendent of tho Province. It was a remarkable coincidence to find these two gentlemon at two importnnt periods tho real governors of this country. For notwithstanding the efforts of the Cook's Straits clique, it was as impossible to govern tho country from Cook's Straits as it was to do so from the moon. (Cheers.) It was only to be covcrned on the spot, ar.d by th : ; men who stood the fire and struggle and storm of this groat battle. (Loud cheers.) Although much was expected from those two gentlemen, it should be remembered that they could not do everything in clearing away tho extravagance, wasto, and uncertainty which everywhere burthoned tho Colony. (Cheers.) Thoy had their work to do. (Hear, hear.) Beyond that it could only be expected that every opportunity would bo given to tho Province of Auckland to do tho best for herself. Tho inhabitants of the Province of Auckland must depend upon themselves. As to tho great nr.tivo difficulty, thoy must go back to that fir9t principlo of good government, the principlo of self interest on tho part of the'governcd. (Hear.) How does it happen that in Hawke's Bay nnd "Wellington the nativos havo remained, all through the war timo, on peaceable terms with the colonists, while in Taranaki and the Southern parts of Auckland thero have been wars and rumours of wars for five years past ? The answer lies on the surfaco. In Wellington and Hawko's Bay the Europeans leased land from the Maoris, and wherever a blade of grass grew, there the colonist dravo his flocks and herds, lie mingled with the natives, he paid them well In Hawke'a Bay thej' obtained in this way a rovenuo of £17,000, and from sheep-shearing a* much moro. Tho Maoris thero would send forth their warriors to fight olsewhero againßt the pakeha, but thoy would not molest tho Kuropeans that were in their own neighbourhood- They would not kill tho goose that laid the goldon eggs. No burning homesteads or mangled corpses havo been seen there. The natives had too much to lose. In a word, that commonest and most powerful governing motive, self-interest, kept them quiet. (Hear, hear.) He (Mr. F.) had recently had a lengthened ramblo among the rebels, and it convinced him that self-interest would govern tho natives for us. Ho also found that a great effect was produced on the minds of tho leading chiefs and others by froely and fully avowing to them that they had exhibited a high degree of courage and manliness in tho struggle against us, although overmatched by our numbors and resources. He belioved that these considerations now exercised a very beneficial effect on the mind of Thompson himself, and he should be glad that others would do as ho (Mr. F.) had done, in conferring with the natives, by showing them that wo are disposed to respect them, and also that it is their interest to cultivate terms of friendship and good neighbourhood with us. (Cheers.) It may be that a sense of defeat, united to very great privations, had at last opened their eyes. At all events there was a greater desire to lease their lands than he had seen. There aro millions of acres suitable for sheep in this Province, and literally lying at our feet. It is true that in this Provinco tho greater distanco of those grassy plains renders their occupation moro difficult than is tho case at Napier, as the soreness of feeling, on the part of the natives, may render it more dangerous. But ho thought tho time was como for which wo had waited long and patiently. Tho country is open before us, and wo ought boldly to enter it. By this means we should coaso to demoralise the native by paying him monoy for nothing, and we Bhould give a practical solution to tho land difficulty. Isolation, tho fruitful sourco of mistrust and jealousy, must oxist no longer. (Hoar.) Whilst we tell tho Maori that ho must obey the authority of tho law as we obey it, wo aro propared to give him equal laws and eq:;al rights (Cheers.) Wo havo, however, difficulties and dangers in abundanco to contend against; and we cannot expect moro from Mr. Stafford and Mr. Whitakor than that they will afford overy facility for tho people to help themselves. (Hear, hear.) Those gentlemen have to clear tho great Augean stable of extravagance and anarohy rockl9«Bii«M end incompotenoy hfiv« left.no a

inn™ 1 ° V "* rOSt We mUBt d °P Ond upon ourselves. Were Hercules himself at tho head ot affairs, he would probably say to us, " Put vour own shoulders to the wheel." In the beginning of tho great struggle Mr. Stafford received the support ot the men of Auckland. Once more, and at a time when we are in the midst of tho havoc and anarchy and dishonor, that incapacity and pusillanimity have created on every hand, Mr. Stafford is eallod up-m to take the helm of state, and once more tho men of Auckland, who have borne the brunt of the battle, stand forward to support him. (Cheers.) Ihe policy that was now proposed to them was the true self-reliant policy—a policy resting on tho principles of common sense, which can alono secure the welfaro of the Maoris and of Europeans. The toast that ho had to propose was thai; of " Mr. Stafford and his colleagues." They would receive it with an enthusiasm winch would bo tho earnest of the steadfast and unanimous support that the men of Auckland meant to give. (Protracted applause) M £ Thomas Kacfahlane said :—I do not know Mr. Chairman, what effect tho speeches we have just . Intoned to has had upon you, but to my mind they convey a most instructive, example of tho trutli of tho old adage—that union is strength, and that right 1 will ultimately triumph over might. The battle of the session from beginning to end was conducted with great tact nnd perseverance. Every ono of our members seemed to feel the responsibility of his duty. Actuated by one motive, they united cordially for tho general welfare. They woro surrounded by enemies, but they were never off tlieir guard—they nover presented any openings in their ranks, and wero always ready to take advantage of any slip by the enemy to strike out with Crmnesß and decision. Such eelf-daerificinp; perseverance deserved a rich reward, and it received it. Gradually tho ranks of tho enemy beg tn to exhibit symptoms of wavoring mid defection. This imparted increased confidence to our band of warriors; and at lust the leaders of tho Southern hoet unable to keep their men togothor, throw down their arms and lied from tho field fairly overcome by the indomitable pereoverauco of their antagonists. (Cheers.) In a campaign whoro all did so well, it might bo invidious to point ont individual acts of prowess; and yot I c;iuuot refrain from singling out one, viz., when tho giant of tho South was encountered by tho stripling of the North. No two mou could havo engagod each other on more unequal forms. On the ono sidu (hero was tho choice of the ground, and there wero sources of information to which lie alone had acce?e, and these advantages wero backed by great skill in debate. On the ot,hor sidu tliero was youth, comparative inexperienco in debate, and eymptoms of recent illness. On tho one sido thero was great confidence, and much of thnt boasting peculiar to the big-mouthed Aruwas. (Laughter.) On tho other, thero was evident anxiety lest tho cause eliou\d suffer at his hands ; but there was no sign of hesitancy or fear. (Ifear, hear.) To all outward appcaranco no two men could bo more unequally matched, and yet they close in mortal combat, aud for hours the butllo rnges. In no ono attack had tho champion of tbo South the slightest advantage over his youthful antagonist; whilst the Lit tar not only skilfully parried every thrust made at him, but ultimately disarmed his foe, and completely placed him liors do combat. This was a sight worth seeing. It wns the episode of the session. All honour to tho bravo ! (Hear, hoar, and cheers.) I don't think lam wrong when I say that Mr. Kiiesell's gallant conduct on tho occasion alluded to was tho turning point of the session, and gavo the North an advantago which it never aftcrnrardst'lost, and which ultimately led to tho downfall of one of the most visionary and corrupt Ministries ever existing in tho colony. Thie unexpected result, as you all know, went through tho Province like an electric shock, and tho poorest man in it felt himself a richer, a happier man. livery one felt as if a heavy burden lmd been removed —as if a dark ajv.l threatening cloud had boon dispelled, and a glorious sunshine had burst upon him. Here especially was tho news of tho downfall of tho Weld Ministry received with feelings of unmingled satisfaction. Every one felt that fair play would be accorded to all parts of the colony, and especially that fair opportunity would bo given to develop tho boundless resources of this provinco—that tho lands which had beon bought with the blood of our citizens should be secured tor them ; nnd that, in carrying out the original proposal for tho settlement of the Waikato, wo should have ample security for tho future peace and Jirojj-erify of Auckland. Wo felt then, a3 we feel now, that all we want to accomplish this is to be allowed to inauago our own affaire. Wo knew that we had men amongst us possessed of sufficient political skill to enable us to do this with credit to ourselves and with great benefit to tho provinco ; and if we had no other men than the indomitable fifteen who went to Wellington, wo should feel very well satisfied. But our choice is not limited to these. We havo other good men and true to join with them in {arming our Provincial Council—a Council which will now bear a favourable comparison with any Council of tho kind out of England, and will be prepared to dischargo any duty that may devolve upon it. (Cheers). It is most gratifying to find that almost every member of tho General Assombly has beon elected" to tho Provincial Council. Their wisdom and experience will bo most valuiiblo in this Council, and will secure unity of action and fixedness of purpose, and bring order out of confusion, and prosperity out of advorsity. (Cheers.) The Council, as now constituted, fairly represents all classes and interests in tho Proviuco, and whilo no particular interest or section will bo overlooked, there will, I feel assured, be a total abnegation of self-interest and a generous rivalry as to who shall do most for tho genoral welfare. (Applause.) Tho Council has work before it which cannot be overtaken in a short or specifiod timo. The peculiar circumstances in which wo aro now plueed must be fully considered with the view of dovising the best meann of getting out of our difficulties, and preparing tli3 way for future prosperity. (Hear.) The resources of tho Province must bo developed as spoodily as possiblo, so us to raise means for furthor improvement. Wo must bo able to rear crops and cattle at loast for our own uso, and the country must be oponod to enablo this to bo done, and these crops and cattle brought to a good market. Our mineral wealth must also be developed, and every facility afforded for doing so. (Cheers.) Time, patience, and perseverance are all that aro wanted from us to secure these objects; and thero are men in the Council able and willing to do all that is necessary to secure the future prosperity of tho Provinco, and these mon we ought to encourage by evory means in our power. We have now one of our ablost mon a3 Superintendent, and no doubt tho Council will soloct an efficient Executive, and thereby secure unity of action and tho proper working of the machinery of State. Union, true hoarte, and courtesy must now bo our watchword j and if wo are truo to this succoss must attend our efforts. A long pull, a strong pull,, and a pull altogether, brought down the Wellington' prop and all its corrupt machinery, and a f imilar pull will soon place Auckland on a basie of prosperity which no Administration, however hostile, will be able to shako. Gentlemen, I propose to you tho health of " The Members of tho Provincial Council." (Loud applause.)