MIDDLE ISLAND ASSOCIATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume III, Issue 639, 29 November 1865, Page 4

MIDDLE ISLAND ASSOCIATION

Tits Lyttelton Times of the 14th inst., says :— A numerous and influential meeting was held yesterday, for the purposo of arranging preliminaries for tho formation of the Association, having fo- its end tho protection of Middle Island interjstsi j iio present political and financial crista of tb" e ilony. About five and twonty gentlemen, inilu-nt ilv representing the commercial and other interests of tho Province, assembled about noon, in. offices in Co-' loinbo-street, which have been set apart for the use of the Association. 3tr. R. Wikiu, M.Ct. A., was in the chair. Tito following resolutions were carried: —" That it is desirable to form a 3cciety, to be called tho Middle Island Association, with a view to furnishing information upon the various matters affecting the question of Soparation of the Middle Island from tho North Island, and for tho adoption of all neccssary means towards protecting the interests of tho former." Those preseut thou forma .themselves into a committee ts promote tho objects of the Association, and to extend its numbers among all persons of all classes of tho community, who desire to aid the cause by whatever means m*y be found expedient. A subscription list was opened, and numerous donations wore at once received in aid of the Association's objects. A sub-committee, consisting of tho Chairman and eight members, were appointed to draw up the prospectus of the Association, and a further meeting of the General C'ouimittee 1 was ordered for Friday next, at 4 o'clock. The same journal of tho 21st, further alludes to the objects and intentions of the Association, the prospectus of which we have given in our ' leading column.

The Middlo Island Aesociatio-.i has published its prospectus, which will be found n our advertising columns. It is a quiet and temperate document, expressing bricily, but 111 well choscvt and emphatic | words, tl\c reason, why tbe Association, has been formed, its purpose, and themea:; iby which it intends to work out that purpose. Reparation of the colony is placed in its proper light, not as being itself the object, but as the means to an end, that'aid being the protection of Middle Island interests, and especially tho preservation to anch Province oi its oirn f-and Fund. A possible alternative to Separation is therefore contemplated; but the Association does not profess at present to see its way to its object bv any other course. To diffuse information, awaken attention, and co-operate with those who have the same object in view, are tho steps which the Association will take towards its end. A most respectable j committee is put forward, and members are invited j to join the movement from all parts of tho Island and from all classess of the community. The first public step will be, wo observe, tbe holding of a meeting 011 Wednesday evening in Christchurch, wlien members of the Association will explain its objects ; and the public are invited to attend.