AUCKLAND ELECTORS AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume V, Issue 1443, 3 July 1868, Page 5

AUCKLAND ELECTORS AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES.

GHEAT PUBLIC MEETING. A Ptnvuo meeting vas ' at half-past seven o'clock lust evening, in the Assembly-room of the Meohaniob' Institute, convened by : His' Fonor the Superintendent, in pursuance of a requisition, for the purpose of obtaining an eipression of opinion on questions of public interest, from the representatives of the electors of this province in the. G-enoral Assembly, prior to their departure for "Wellington to attend the neit session of Parliament. The hall was crowded by a respectable audience, and on the platform -were his Honor the Superintendent and several members of the House of and the Auckland Provincial Council.

On the motion of Mr. H. LtjSk, seconded by Mr. Eabtwood, Dr. Nicholson, M.P.0., wae called upon to preside. The Chairman read tho advertisement convening the meeting, and the following,questions which the. Committee of tho Financial Reform L«aguo proposed, should be put to tho member? of the General assembly : —" Have you considered the advisability and practicability of obtaining Vne foYiyiftngifeforav. 1. The simplification of tho General Government arrangementf, and the reduction of the number of its paid officials, to such an extent as to admit of the total taxation by the General Government being reduced to a sum not exceeding six hundred and fifty thousand pounds per annum. 2. The reduction of revenue to be raised by means of Customs duties, during next financial ye ar, to about threo hundred and fifty thousand pounds, and the inorease of stamp duties ireposod so ai to amount, durinz the same period, to about three hundred thousand pounds. 3. The immediate Tepeal of tho Act under which the General Government officials are entitled to pensions upon retiring from tho public service. 4. Will you advocate the foregoing policy during the approaching session of the General Assembly, or if you aro not prepared to do bo, what course do you propoee to adopt in lieu thereof for the relief of the taxpayers." He had to thank them for the '.honor they had done him in asking him to preeido thut evening over euch a assembly, met together to conjider fluch a very important subject. Much might be eaid upon the subject, and he had no doubt the various speake■» would enlargo upon it. It was not his province, ao chairman of the meeting, to give expression, at any great length, to his own opinions on the subject, fiis duties, he was thankful to say, would not require him to do to ; in fact, they almost precluded him from doing eo ; but be did not think they would be quite satisfied if he did not offer a few remarks to them. (Hear, hear.) Tho ooming session of the Assembly, he would venture to say, wonld be most important, whether contrasted with pnet meetings of that body, or whether looking to tho future, it would bo the most important in its effects upon the well-being, prosperity, and progress of this colony. (Hoar, and cheers.) Questions would wise to which it would bo neceseary for their members to bring their moat careful judgment and most scrutinising attention, in order to arrive at a proper decision. (Cheers.) Crude and hurried, and inconsiderate, legislation during the next session of the Ansembly would be fatal to this colony, and would stunt its growth so that it would never arrive at that importance in the islands of the Australasian group which from its capabilities it ought to arrive at. (Cheere) Among the many questions that would arise, there was one—usually a routino quostion of the Assembly—which would be forced no doubt into moet prominent notice, and which would become, if not the most important, certainly one of the most important questions of the BessioEß. He alluded to the question of finance. (Hear, hear, and cheere.) He hoped their representatives had duly considered tho course they intended to adopt on the questions that might arise relative to that subject in the House of Representatives. (Hear, hear.) And certainly he must say that the Auckland members would now be in the most enviable position that it was possible for them to be in going to that Assembly, if they should, go with a sincere desire for retrenchment. The province of Auckland had vindicated itself. Though they might deplore and regret past extravagance and past mismanagement, atil), during tho present and during the last session of the Provinc : al Council, the course taken by the members had been euch as to vindicate this province. (Cheere.) If thoy had been foolish and unwise in their expenditure hitherto, tboy had, during , the last two eeseions of the Council, endeavoured to redress that by adopting the closest economy. They had not been afraid to meet the difficulties of the position, and endeavour to cut down thoir establishments as far as they possibly could, and to prevent unnecessary and extravagant expenditure. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) It was an enviable position for their representatives to r.ccupy when thoy tadvocated retienchment; they could say " look at our own province; we don't come here asking for retrenchment, in order tbat we may maintain extravagance j we do not come here asking you and i the General Government to savo all that you can, in order that we may lavishly exp- n'l it. No; we have endeavoured to cut down our expenditure to tho lowest possible ebb, and now we call upon you to take the same course." (Hear, hear, and cheers.) The call for retrenchment was made frem one end of the colony to the other. It was no unmistakable sound; it was r.o unuttored wish; no street corner conference; but the ory had gone forth loudly, unmistakably, the great call for retrenchment for the reduction of those overgrown eitablishments — (Cheers) —and for placing colonial finance on euch a basis as would be satisfactory to the whole of the colony. (Henewed cheers.) Ho-would not take up further of their time. It was not his province to indicate the course that ■- s to be pursued; other gentlemen would ftddreeb incui on that subject. He would only advert to one matter respecting the arrangement of that meeting thi would probably get rid of some misconception. He was informed that two bodies— showing how prevalent was tho desire for that meeting—two bodies, acting in !opendently of euch. other, were desirous to call such a meeting. One was the Financial Kefotm League, wh", by their own motion and advertisement, called the meoting for the hour ol half-past eeven o'clock. The other body presented a requisition to hia Honor the Superintendent, requesting him to call a meeting, and his Honor has -sry properly fixed the hour at eight o'clock. The same place was chosen as the Financial Beform League had selected. Probably it showed that there was not united action, and probably some diseatUfaotion as to the timo and place, and the oujest to be considered at the meeting ; but there was no such division of opinion. Tho wish had arisen independently in two different places, and had been endeavoured to bo carried out in the same very proper manner. (Hear, and cheere.) He would now callupon Mr. Luek to explain a little better than he (the Ohuirman) could do, from the information he possessed, the objeete of the meoting, and to propose a resolution to the meeting. (Cheers.) He would aek them to confine themselves as nearly as possible to the subject for consideration. Let them not bring up the subject of Separation or past ■ extravagance, but confine themselves to the main object befor them, and eet their shoulders to the wheel and boo how they oould get out of their preeent difficult position in thie province. (Cheers.)

Mr. Feebb wished to explain that the subject had been taken up by the meeting before the Keform League took any action in the matter,,and they had drawn op a eeriee of questions to be put to their repretentatives, which differed materially from those ■which their worthy chairman had road to them. (Hear,, hear.) It was not hig intontion to raise any difficulty, but his wish wan to co-operate in overy possible manner with the members of the Heform leagae. The aeriea uf questions which it was intended should be submitted to their representatives went a little further thun those prepared by the Reform Tieague, and with their permission he would read them. The speaker then read the following questions :—l. Will our representatives oppose, in the ensuing session of Parliament,,every measure of the Government,h wing for its object tho increaso of taxation in any form whatever? 2. Do our representative? eeo their way. to a material reduction of general taxation this year, and if bo, in what direction? 3. Are our representa-i tives prepared to propose any' new measure this session for the better government of this province of the Northern Island, or of the colony at large P He believed that those three questions embodied all their griiVances, and if their representatives aniworod tbenvt-atisfactorily, that was all they 'wished them to do. (Hear and oheers.). . :. • ■ Mr. H. H. Lu3K said that after the explanation that had been given respectively by their worthy

chairman end the -gentlemen -irbo had- just sroken, I it was quite unnecessary that there should be nny further explonation of any kind. ■Hβ would, therefore, piocied at oncerrnot to >.make a speeob, but to proposn a resolution calling upon the gentlemen to aay sfs'i ething. The. resolution which he was about to oropose wae-r"That,.itt. the.opinion of th.s meeting, it is desirable that those iinembere of 1 the Assembly who have favored us withtheir premnce this evening should now express their vie wa on tho subject* suggested by the questions just read." His reas6n.fdr proposing that resolution would be, he thought, very ' manifest to everyono. If they now proceeded to make speeches they would prevent their representatives from expressing their views. They would very likely not have a chance of getting an expression of opinion from the members that evening at nil. There would be plenty of opportunitiog for those present to 'assemble together and speak as long se they liked; but on no future occasion would thev have their representatives among them. Tboy ?rould bo on their wny to Wellington, probably, on the following day nr Saturday, and that wa« thoir last chance to ascertain from them their views on thoue subjects which were fell; to be of the greatest importance to all of them. (Cheers.) Of coarse.i,in . moving thH resolution, he included ull the questions whioh hnd been read, but he saw no objection ,-whatevpr, to the members who .were-about to apeak, speaking to either of tho BPte of quontions which had been road. (Hear) 'Iho "Firuincial Reform League had no wish whatever— indeed it was very muoh the oontrary—no wish to prevent any person, or any number of pernons, from putting quest one on this occasion. 'I'hereiore, fhe questions propoeed.by the Reform League were not intended as the only .quostione that wore to be asked, nor oven' put /orward aa the b6at possible questions, but were merely indications of the direction in which it was hoped any dieousnion should proceed. The same direction he saw indicatod by the other sot of questions that were just read, 'ihere was no intention whatever to endeavour to exclude the consideration of any quoslions which were embraced in any of those queries. He would now, thereforo, eimply .move tho resolution in the hope that they would gain a great deal of information. (Oheera ) . Mr. Eastwood had great pleasure in seoonding the proposition of Mr. Lusk. He could havo heartily wiehed to i>eo the Superintendent and the rest of the representatives present; it certainly would have been some compliment ; tp the : constituents to have seen them. He hoped thoee representatives who were in attendance would be able to give them a full explanation of their opinions a3 to what they conceive to be the best possible policy to be pursued at rho next meeting of the Assembly, and for thatpurpoeo he very cordially seconded the resolution proposed by Mr. Lusk. (Cheers.) The resolntion was put and carried unanimously.

The Chairman eairi, before thoy proceeded further, ho might be allowed to eet Borne members of the association right with their constituents. There wero many of those gentl*m<m who would be pleased to join the meeting at a later period of the evening, and who wero thon engaged in discussing a very important question in the Provincial Council, and they would feel that they would fail in their duty probably if thoy were to leavo the House. {Hear, hear.) Hβ had no doabt but that at a later period of tho eivening, thoy would see other membera present, and he believed that those gentlemen present would be ready and willing to favor them with their views on tho subject. (Cheers.) _ Mr. Fkeer had a few words to say m reply to the Chairman's observations in reference to the absence of their members. He did think that it would havo •hown a great deal more respect to the meeting had their representatives explained, by letter, or by ] some other mode of communication, their absence ] that evening. (BeM, hoar.) It did certainly atrike him as something very etrange indeed that they should have only three members present. (Cries of four.) It showed how little their leprosentatives cared for them. (Cheers). Mr. Eastwood said, if it would meet the approbation of the meeting, he would suggest that hie friend Mr. Clark be the first to stand forward. (Hear and cheers.) , Mr. A. Class, on coming forward, wbb wurm y receivod. He said that he appeared that evening in coneequenoe of nn adyortieement which 'had been read to them by the chairman. Since it w«e proposed to hold a meeting of that kind, he had been continually engaged almost night and day, and had not had time to turn his attention to those topics that were likely to form the subject of consideration. Hβ had devoted the forenoon to the subject, and had intended to do a little in looking up a few figures. The chairman knew well that he (Mr. Clark) got home to bed that morning when other people were getting out of their bads l'or the day. Laughter.) ■ Un<ier thoee eircumetancßS any statement h» could make would be crude and incomplete, but 1 nevertheless ho ehould indicate the opinions which 'he generally held in reference to tho'leading topice of tho day, in which they were all eo deeply interested. (Hear/and cheers.)- He might say before proceeding, that he lookad very modestly upon his own capabilities as ono who occupied a matin the Assembly. Hβ made no pretentione whatever to the character of a statesman, nor did his gifts lie in the direction of theory and construction. Yet a man mi'ht be sensible that there was something seriously wrong with his house, though ho might be neither a slater to repair the roof, nor a bricklayer to secure the foundation. (Hear, and cheers.) That was his pofiUtcm. Ho knew that there was something rotten tn their political structure—(hear, hear)—and he was anxious to see it pnt in a right end secure condition. (Cheers.) He desired to see if there was no way by which they oould bring thing*'buck to. their former condition. A Rood manj men of talent and experience had given their attention to that eubieet, and notably he might mention that somo of the gentlemen in Nelson and Canterbury had propounded their viewe. Hβ did not propose to follow in their course and to show those present the remedy that was to euro all thoir evils. He had no cut and dry sohomo to bring forward to remove all the difficulties under which they laboured. He had nothing of that kind to propose, but notwithstanding that, thore wero certain ideas which ran floating in the minds of most men and in hie own mind which might indicate tho conrse of events, and those ideas he would now lay before them in a very rough and fragmentary form. (Hear, hear, aad cheers.) Ono of the sets of resolutions he had not seen at all. The other sot he did not eoe. In fact anything he had got to flay on the subject touched on the topics of the day generally. First of all, although the chairman had hinted that the question of separation ehould not be taken up that night, as he (Mr. Clark) was sitting in his own house, that question came up first- to his own mind. (Cheers.) . ' . t . The OhaieMAV : I only referred to the question of Separation as Separation. Separation bearing on j the financial etate of the colony is a fair snbjeot for discussion under this resolution. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) ~ Mr. Olabx would first of all allude to separation from the South. Hβ still held the same opinion ho held on the subject two years ago, when he returned from a riiit to the old country. The ory 'or separation was universal in this province, end-'Auckland men were pledged to do everything they could to seoure that desired end. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) When at Wellington, Mr. Wbitaker, by far the ablest man among them. (Cries of Question). That was hie opinion. Mr. Whitaker convened the Auckland members to consider that subject and the way in which it should he brought before the_ House, through a series of reeolutione. (At this stage of the proceedings the Superintendent and several members of tho Provincial Council entered the Hall, and on taking their seate on the platform were greeted with B nthuei&Btio cheers.) He oould..not say whether it was wise or foolish to go into the House with that series of resolutions, but they thought at the time, in the diecharge of, their dutj, that that was the proper course-to adopt, and if there was any, error in the mode of introduoing the subject .to the , House it ' was not ths fault of the gentleman named, i H-β (Mr. Clark) was wil'iug to tako his share in,all the responsibility, that was attached, to that.imode of procedure if it wae a wrong movement. (Hj el » r > hear.) Ifc wan not his opinion that there should be what was called Provincial Separation. Ho .was in favour of Insular. Separation upon equitable grounds. (Cheers.) Let no one deceive himself that henceforth: the natives were:to be eneily-a"d cheaply governed. They would cost money, and for years to come.they would be in danger from their proximity., (Cheore.) If tho North: undertook the management and responsibility of the natives, it must be on terms bearing, ■. some proportion, tto the xisk that will be* .inouned. (Cheers.) ■■ i He would like to : see . ,two: legislatures' for. the colony, one for the North, and the other for the South, with a federal connection, to admit of their dealing with a few great questions ol

general interest. (Cheers.) Municipal Institutions and Local Boards, with well-defined and ample powers derived from the one legiel&ture, would carry out thoie principles of local self-government -which Englishmen eo much desired. (Lout) cheers.) Then, to como to the question of Customs : he was in favwr of the abolition of. all oustoms duty, except upon a few articles which yielded the greateat' amount of revenue, and which, besides, were moet liable to be smuggled. (Hear, hear, aud cheers) ;While they had to continue ihe imposition of duty on those ar|icles,ho did not wish to continue the duty at its present high figure.' He was persuaded if the duty waa reduced two-thirds of what it was at present, it would destroy the margin of profits of those ongigedin illicit transactions, and .1 greater return would he made to the revenue of the country. (Hear, tear, and cheers.) To make up in part for that reduction, he would increase the stamp duties. Were that done, and a considerable reduction niado ia the gennral expenditure; it might he possible to cloviao a scheme by which they miiiht be able to get Lhiough their v ree ent diffi ultics. (Choere) Jα their present circumstances of imperuniosity, he would sweep away the Geological Department entirely! (Hear, hear.) Hβ was not so sure whether some reduction might not be made in the Marine Department. Hβ would remove almost nil the Hesident Maftiatratee in the province. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) He would impose a much larger amount of duty upon the unpaid magistracy. He would like to see on Act passed similar to that in oporation in his native country, k:iown as the ScaaXl Behti Act, &n Act which embraced eume under £8 6b. Bd., or such eume that the magistrates could 1 adjudicate upan themselves without any aesitiiance or i interference from anybody. If tho amount was larger the case was given to magistrate* who had a l«gal training, and who were better qualified to see that j justice w»s done. In nineteen cases out of every twenty the unpaid Justices' on the Bench—two Justices— could dispose of them satisfactorily and w Ihjustice to nil parties They could dispose of all casea where the sum did not exceed £10. They should exe'ude lawyors from pleading before them. (Laughter and cheers.) Let them bring the parties face to faro with one another before the bench of magistrates, and in nineteen cases out o/ twenty they would dtJpensa justice with satisfaction to the parties concorned, and at leas expense. That would be a great boon to the people of this colony. (Hear, hear.) He was not so well qualified to speak positively about the armed constabulary or native departments, but he thought they might be considerably reduced. At all events some reduction might be made in that ditection. He was quito to give his beat consideration to those subjects. He would do everything he could to reduce the expenditure of this country in every direction. If advantages were to be derived on the one hand by the abolition of customs, sacrifices must bo submitted to on the other, and they must put up with which in other circumstances it might be very desirable to have. The unpaid magistracy would have a great deal more work to do. They must also decrease the luxury of steam subsidies. Hβ thought the Panama Service was out of the question just now. Whenever an opportunity occurred to terminate the 'Panama contract it wonld be the duty of the Government to embrace it. He had just indicated the ideas running in his mind. Doubtless, if they were coming to a practical solution and assuming the form of Acts of Parliament, modifications would present themselves. It.was, however, not always expedient to stand unflinchingly to what one considered the best, but one was sometimes compelled to accept an instalment of good rather than run the risk of losing the good altogether. Jn regard to the Pensions Act, passed in 1866, he might say th'it that measure was, a» he understood, all but accepted by the Assembly. A report was made by competent persons appointed by the Hocwe. The Bill eame up and went through the House, and yet the consequences of that Act were not foreseen. There was, however, a clause in that Act which enacted that no right would accrue if the Act did not continue three years, and if bo there would be an opportunity of re-considering that matter. If it was taken up by the House he would vote for the ropeal of any arrangements made under that Act. But still they must understand ! that he held inviolate any, contract of any kind already entered into by the Government. With these remarks he would resume his seat. If there was anything the Committee wished to know, as far as his ability went, he would anewer in a candid and straightforward' manner. One word more. He wae no leading man in either of the Legislative Houses and did nit profess to be ;ablo to take oharge of bills, as many gentlemen who had had the proper training were fitted to do. He had not had that training. His life had been spent in the daily struggle for a living. He had now got into his preseDt position, and would make the best .use of it he could. He would give, in his quiet way, a careful attention to the business of the House of .Representatives, ae he had hitherto done. To any innaeure calculated f->r the good of the colony generally,, he would mo3t assuredly give his hearty support. Mr. Fbebk Jaid Mr. Clark had told them that it wai hie intention to do what he could, as an individual, lor the benefit of the colony. Might he ask Mr. Clark if he had had any consultation with his colleagues, or arrived at any conclusion 83 to his intentions when he got down t<) Wellington

Mr. Clibk said he had not been in close intercourse with any of hie colleague*. A great deal was said laet your, and indeed the members were blackballed for matting together in reference to the aotion they ought to take. This' had rather_ created a feeling in hie mind that it -was not right to consult together. But he was not entirely convinced on tha «übjeot. Bβ that, however, as it might, he had during the receee, since ooming from Wellington, Been few of his colleagues, and had not entered into any arrangement as to any specific line of action. Mr. Ttjebell asked Mr; Clark if he would be prepared to rote for a change in the places for the arriffll and departure of the Panama steamers —the port of arrival to be Auckland, and that of departure Dunodin. Mr. (-1.48K said under the present contract he believed the places'of arrival and departure oould be altered under certain arrangements as to mileage. What Mr. Turrell suggested ha thought might be done. If such a proposition as that was brought forward, he would be called en to vote for the boats coming to Auckland. "■ The Chairman said he had been asked for the questions proposed by Mr. Freer, as they had not been handed np to the chair, and he should rule that they were not proper subjeots for dweuesion until they had been handed up to the chair. Mr. Fheee, in reply, eaid it would be necessity for him to explain to the meeting that at a great deal of trouble and some expense he had these Tesolutione copied and sent round to each of the member*, and since then he had given the originals into the hands of Mr. Lußk. Mr. J. Williamson then addressed the meeting. He eaid he had attended there at eight _ o'clock for the purpose of reading a requisition _ he had received to eonvone a public meetingIt was-his intention to leave it to that meeting what coarse should be taken by the meeting, but on his arrival ho found the business in oourse of procedure. He therefore felt that the course he intended to take was'eomewhat interfered with ; nevertheless, he was pleased to see that the two meetings had been merged into one, and that Dr. Nicholson occupied the chair. He had had the pleasure of hesring a good deal of what Mr. Clark had said, and concurred in a good deal of it. He had oome there on that occasion distinctly to eay the oouTee taken by the financial League was inopportune, indiscreet, and inexpedient. He had not hai any opportunity of conferring with hiscolleaguee—the gentlemen who represented them in the House of Bepresentativee. 'He had had no opportunity of conferring -with' the gentlemon of the Reform Leagae, and knew nothing of their proceedings beyond what he had read in the newspapers. From all he had heard of their proceedings, he had arrived at the conclusion that they had worked entirely in the dark, and that a great deal of what they had done was calculated to mislead the publio mind of Auckland. He did not liko to go to tha Houie of Representatives from a meeting like the present one hampered by fetters placed on him by men whoinew little of what might come before the House. Generally ' epeaking, he was \ prepared to say that the Government of New Zealand, as at present existing, must be and really ■ was unsatisfactory to all the people of the Province of Auckland and the colony at large, and all -who who wished them well. He did not coma there to rail at gentlemen constituting the' present Government, 1 or to speak in favour of their uneceasora, whom he'knew nothing of. As to'political combination, he was innocent of anything' of the sort, liit he : was prepared to saV that the independent course he had .always' hitherto taken 'in the House wouia still be Dursued by him. With regard to the present etate o? the colony, they could 6 not tell, at the pieeent

juncture, what policy would be disclosed, or what it* " nature might be. ~nd, therefore, he'felt unable to ' give to tlw meeting any promise of what he might': do. A new Governor had arrived. Desp itches had " been received from home relative to olaime and'' counter-claims made by the Imperial Government ori ' account of the war, and made by the colony against the Imperial Government, which claims :ind eonnterojaims had been the subject cf discus ion ia a commission appointed by the fmperial Government and""" the colony. 'I hat report had g<-ne home. .Despatches- : had been received by the Governor reliitive* to the ' made during Sir. Fitzherbjrt'a timfr '' at home, which might entirely alter the financial ; arrangements end tho state of colonial affaire. And,; ther-fore, until the3e [-apers were laid before them'.' (and he spoke for the gentlemen around him), thfy were quite ignorant beyond hearsay evidence as to the nature of tho-e arrangements. It might be that the Imperial Government had thought proper to '" take a sponge and wipe off the slate all the ; nabili'.ies of the colany, provided the col ny did the flame with n-gard to the Imperial Government. : eo the financial nffaiis of the colony would assume a very different aspsct. The new Governor himself might be expected—although he was a Constitutional' .- Governor, aud bound to be directod by his responsible ministers—to havo views of his own with regard to native affairs mid other questions that had been : brought under his consideration. Xow while these things were hning coiuidere i in Wellington, it would bo yi.ia fjr their representatives to misleud, the people of Auckland by telling them what they meant to do when these matters were brought undor thfir attention. But whatever was proposal Vo Terrace heavy burdens resting on ihV colony, he for one would pive that measure his hearty support, and if no motion was made by the Government he would certainly support any member who wou'd bring forward Bnch a meanure. Further than this he di.i not like to go. With regard to tho gront qunstion which I must be derided in the oarly part of the session— that which was occupying tho attention of the colony frnin one end to the other—us to fcho form of government best suited for the colony. Was it to be a strong central Government, as some people advocated, n federal Government, a separation of the Islands, or going back to the o'd ' oaetitution Act, and going in for Government without provincial institutions. This question must be decided at the outset, and he wai etill of the opinion he held some time back. Years aeo he was opposed to Ineular Separation. Ho believed then that ihe colony could exist without provincial institutions, and with the General Assembly meeting every three yea-sthenhe believed it practicable to govern the colony as a whole. But. since the a- tion taken by the Assembly towards Auckland, he had come to thfa conclusion that the only safe syetem of Government for the Northern Island would be the one in which it had its own affairs to manige (cheera), and nothing would gain that management but separation from the Middle FsUnd. (Cheers). Hβ belioved if that were done, if they had a Governor appointed by the Queen in this province, and not nominated by the Wellington Ministry they would have no necessity any longer for provincial institutions. This was no new doctrine with him. He had expressed his opinion on it long ago, hut he did hope thalrprovincial institutions would have gone on fostered and encouraged by tho General Government, rather than have been discouraged, and the foundations sapped ; until such times, as by their agency and machinery, the islands of New Zealand had beeu populated by an influx of emigrnnts from the Mother Couritry and olaewhere. If that had been permitted t& o on the time would have more speedily than now "for doing away for [the necessity for provincial institut one, and New Zealand would have been ruled by one General Government, and the local government which the locil necessities would have cal!e3 into existence. But he thought the action now being taken to be premature in that direction. In the Northern Island they had largo tracts of waste country where a human being did not exist, and yet there were those who advocated the cutting up of these wastes into counties, and of giving them powers of local self-government. Ihe gentlemen ' who advocate these matters forget that they wanted means to administer these governments, and that they could not got theso wastes opened up. That could only be done by a well organised system of Government, which would have control over the limits of ft large extent of country. So long as native districts lay between, the centres of population and the outlying districts, it would ba impossible for this county system to he worker l , effectually. Roads might be out, but if they got roade over the country where there was no traffio, these roads, like suryeyore lines, would speedily be obliterated and would no where be seen, unless a continuous traffio could be kept upon them, and these isolated : districts would be excommunicated from the great centres of popnlation. That county government would never answer until they first took in hand the importation of a large population, till they first brought in men of energy and strength to dn this. Until they could do this the present time was prematurn and the scheme unwise. He thought that if the I Northern Island were to f.gree to the propoei- ! tion made last session, that they should be permitted to talte over the entire control of native affairs into their own hands in a very ehort time they would find_ themselves etanding in a better relation towards their neighbours than at present. He might eay that that arrangement might ruve been made if the wishes of the Superintendent of Wellington and hia own wishes had been permitted to sway. But tho G-overnment in the c.ntre being desirous stil) to hang on to the Government expenditure, and believing that it would have b;en unwise to take over the troublesome natives of Taranaki and Napier,, it would be betterto leave them to the management of the General Government. But the people of Auckland, now feeling that their interests were identical with those of the natives, would be inclined to live on good terms with them, and that the good old state of things would be resumed, and that it would he to our advantage if we had the charge of native affairs in our own hands. He did not wish to say anything to trammel him, but he uttered this generally, without feeling that it would endanger hie free action when he came into the general Aesembly. He was there to learn wisdom from the audience. (Laughter.) If he could carry away any idea that he oauld turn to good account, he would follow it up and act on it; but hemust say, and the meeting would concur with him, that public meetings of this kind were not the beet means of gathering up experience of sound pubbo opinion. The first thing to be done would be to , consider well the great questions of the day in their their own clubs and coteries. They should then select men capable of arriving at a correct judgment, and if they thought their their representatives were erring, let them convey to them sound opinions on these questions, and he had no doubt that reasonable representatives would gobetter prepared and take their placea in the Assembly with better spirits than they would proceeding from meetings of this sort He did not disparage public meetings ; a great deal might be gathered from them, but publio opinion muet be established before it was taken by public men whose business it was to study all great political question*. These questions relatrre to the Civil Service Act were new questions to nun. He believed that Aotto be necessary m the country • where the Government was expected to take experienced men into their employment. Xhie Act repuired amendment and improvement. He admitted this, and had already done so in connection with the Provincial Council of Auokland, whose resolutions he had transmitted to Wellington with letter, announcing his concurrence with theee views. Hie colleagues on the platform they would desire to to hear. If they had anything eke on which they would like him to speak, he would be glad to heai an evpreeeion of a desire to that effect. Mr. Fbeeb said he belioved it was the impression that the Franklyn electors conferred with Colonel Haulta ; n, and he would like to know from the last • speaker what notice he took of that conference. Mr Williamson said it was not for him to : answer nSSSSe electors of Frankly ..ere not ■ treated as they ought to have been by Colonel :• HaSin?aad he thought euch . meting aa flue advhable. Men.wsnt about town, grumbhng about the way in which they, were governed. If vince were polled to-morrow, he believed th*t999 > ouTof everyl,oo3 would be for a total abolition of • both Provincial and General Governments. ■ • ■ 1 Mr. Eastwood got up to speak, but was put down 1 by the cries of "Chair," "Sit down. ' The ChaibMaN aeked the meeting to enpport him I in peeping order, and desired that only one gentlef of Hβ Honor's opinion as to the system I tte late Government »b to the custom, tarif , whether he ia prepared to propose any Mnenonwne ; ofthattsriff.

Hie Hokok : Mr. Chairman, with reference to the customs' tariff, I understood that when the Government of Mr. Weld imposed the stamp duty, they required, merely to make up the deficiency which then existed in the revenue. After ttey had carefully estimated their wants they said they would only take what would cover tho deficiency of the xevenue. I understood that to bo the object of tho Slamp Act. Subsequently, I objected to the introduction or the imposition of any new tax whatever until after the dissolution of Parliament and the publio mind Bhould be thoroughly informed as to its working, and would or could consent to any addition of txaation in that form. Mr. Weld's Government resigned on that question Mr. Stafford's government succeeded and Mr. Stafford's government pursued nearly the game course that Mr, Weld had been pursuing—but ■with the clear understanding that if they collected more than woe necessary a cor.-eeponding reduction was to be made in the Customs' Tariff. I, for ono, supported the Stamp Duty, believing that it was acceptable to the people —at any rate, those in this part of the colony. No objection had been raised to it during the time of the elections—but with this qualification, but wi b this understanding, that no greater amount should be taken than was necessary to make good the deficiency of t'ie Customs' Tariff, and if they did tako more then a corresponding reduction shnuM be made in Customs' Duties. I believe that some articles are too high, a circumstance ■which is leading to a great deal of illicit trading in thi« part of the colony. I do think that if eome means woie devised. by which the Government could collect tiy indirect moans what would maintain a moderate General Government, a great benefit would be conferred on the community, and on the coiony from end to cod, if they would take means to lessen expenditnre and reduce the machir.evy of Government. I believe that, with simple machinory, New Zealand might be governed either by leaving the matter to the provinces, as at present, or to outlying districts, or under whatever /orm ot' eovurnment might be thought best by the people, to whom would be left the power of gathering so much as would carry on the necessary part of government in all parts of the province or colony. ;jo long as the burthens of the General Government wero pressing upon them so heavily, it would ho found that the people would not allow another pon-er to come in and burthen them still more.

Mr. Ellis : Would Mr. Williamson riy whether he is prepared to resist any measure that hea for its object tho increase of taxation in any form whatever.

His Hoxoa: So far from it being necessary to increase, I fhink the Government will find (if they be reasonable at all in their demands), that they will be able to reduce taxation. But I must know what are the honest demands on the Government of the colony beforo I see my way to answer the question. I must know what are the liabilities of the colony before I can see my wny to act. I believe the demands on.the colony have boon considerably reduced, and if that is so I can see my way to a considerable reduction.

Mr. Kilis: You eay you can see reason to find fault with the present; aystem of Government. Is your Honor prepared to propose any bettor mode of Government either for this province or tha colony at large.

His Honor : I have said that I believe the present system of Government is not quits sati«faciory, by ■which I mean that thfl affaire of the country aro not conducted in such a way as to give satisfaction. I do see my way as an individual to improvement in tKat direction. . But I ask any gentleman in this meeting who would have the change, in the reeling of this meeting, whether he would effect it without carrying the meeting with him. Honest, engagements must bo fulGlled. Wβ must provide for the bond holders under the seven million loan. Machinery must be provided for Government, aud it vriuld be the duty of members of the Assembly to make that se little expensive as possible

Mr. Ellis : I understand that your Honor declines to answer the question.

A Voice : His Honor has indicated the answer he would give. The Chaiemmt : The question is answer. Mr. Ellis : Can his Honor see his way to any reduction of taxation during the present year, and if so, in what direction.

His Honor : I would ask this meeting if 14 men goin? to Wellington would be so audacious or presumptuous, evon if they saw their way to a very improved iystem, whether they could effect it without the co-operation of other gentlemen forming a part of that assembly. I take it for granted that we are to go to the South to do our best to represent your interest, and to confer with gentlemen repreeonting otheri who may perhaps aid us. I can see my way to improvement, but as an individual I must be modest. Mr. B. Lt/bk doubted whether Mr. Ellis's question had been quite understood. Tho question was whether, if his Honor saw a better mode of Government, he would be prepared to advocate it. Hβ vfOuH \vaxi% to thfl recollection, of the maatwig a. man. who was noted in his day, and who incurred great obloquy because he stood alone to advocate what ho believtd to be truth, in the face of men who were keeping up an extravagant system. Would any man noir present in that meeting say be was wrong. (Cheers ) For many year! that man was epoken of in anything but a respectlul way. A man who has a conviction muet not be blamed for advocating it. HisHoN'Oß: Does ilr. Lusk v;ish to improve it and Rsk the question himself. I have answered the questions put to me in the way which I bolieve to be the best way. Would the gentleman be good enough to put his question in form.

Mr. liTTSE had no wish to say one word that was disrespectful. He hoped the meeting would absolve him from any such intention. He understood Mr. Ellis'e question was, Is the Superintendent prepared to advocate during the next session the adoption of a better form of Government ? Mr. Ellis can sey whether I am misrepresenting. His Hokoe : llr. Lusk is an old friend of mine. I know him. He hia spoken of the great statesmen at home—of which wo ave very poor imitations. (Cheers and laughter.) No man knows better than Mr. Lusk that I heve stood alone in this community, advocating that which. I believed to be right in the face of those who maintained a contrary opinion. Mr. Lu«k knows that I am not the man to shrink from advocating , what I believe to be right. If I should see anything happen in that house likely to produce a better state of things, I would feel it to be on my conscience to do what lean to bring it about, but lam not going to fight with ■windmille.

Mr. Fbeeb : His Honor eaid he could do nothing bj himself, but he could do something with thirteen gentlemen at his back. But unfortunately there was too much division. It was too well observed that gome representatives thought more of themselves thun of their constituents.

The Chairman : I have to request that gentlemen will put their questions, and not make remarks lisoly to cause dissension in the meeting. Mr. Freor has made use of some remarks which, are to my apprehension rather offensive. If gentlemen will confine themselves to pimply asking questions, and each observations at will elucidate their meaning it will sav6 a great deal of time. Otherwise if we sit here until 6 o'clock in the morning, as we did in the Council this morning, we will not be ahlo to do business.

• Mr.. Wbiolby: Will your Honor support any alteration in the port of call and departure. Weiild you make Auckland a port of call, andDunedinaport of departure.

His Hokoe ; That has always been my view. I have aaid that in my place in the House. X said also that I was anre that the Panama Company would find it to be to their disadvantage having adopted the central port both for going and coming. My reason for it was limply this, that whereas in the north we were desirous of promoting immigration, the Panama company would hare the conveyance of the -immigrants from Panama, and from. the receipt of their passage money the company .would be able to go on longer than it could under the present arrange-! pent Wellington was not a province favorable for: immigration, Auckland is, and the best route thstcould be taken would be by the Panama Company making Auckland the port of call. At present it was their passenger traffic they were depending upon. That ■was umall at the beginning, but it was getting small by degrees and beautifully less. Mr. Fbbee, whose rising was received with hisses, said those who hissed him were themselves ashamed to ■etan dforward and auk their member a question. He had only claimed the right to which every Englishman was entitled. (Cheere, and some confusion.) The Osaibmah said if the meeting wished it he would leave the Chair. The business of the meeting wai to hear the representatives.

Mr. G. Geahah, in obedience to loud calls, came "forward and said he held in his hands some questions ■which he believed it was the intention of some, gentlemen to ask. He would answer them in the enrne way as if different gentlemen asked them. In the first

fe n 7Z- H3 place he would oppose in the ensuing session every attempt to increase taxation, end be would do all that would lie in hie power to reduce it. He had already expressed his views on the subject in the newspapers. He need every effort for the reduction of the departments. He had not always felt it hie duty to court popularity. Hβ also had otood almest alone opposed to the war, and had given his warning voice, ebowing the consequences that would be the result. There were other ways of repressing crime committed by the Maoris than that of keeping up a standing army. But when an attempt was made to reduce taxation, som»i persons got up a popular cry by which expenditure was increased. He was determined to oppose any new taxation ;. he was also determined to reduce the taxatbn which was complained of. He would tell the meeting how he «aw hie way to do so. In the first place he had been before one of five who went into the lobby to oppoiea stutiding army, and he was determined to do no again. There wore in Opotiki ana Whakatnne 3 majors, 4 capts., 4 lieuta. and 2 docton to 120, to proteot 120 settlers •in it place where there ouzht to huve been 4,000. For what purpose who Unit but to rob thi children of the settlor of their portion ? There are 13 members from Auckland io the A«sembly. Ido not think that Col. Haullnin reproseuta hie constituents at all, and when his (Mr. Graham's) constituents, or a majority of them said he was not representing their interest ho would resign. He was also determined to radncu the native department. The natives in hie opinion could be governed for £7,000. He thought some of those leasing Commissioners could be done away with. There were some men «t that moment working up i nativo quarrel. He did not believe that the troubles arose from any bad feeling on the part of the natives. So far as he could" he would be olad to give his services. If the Europeans tried to convince the native that he, tha European was earnest and honest, the natives would extend to us the right hand of friendship and help us to bringout the resources of the country, while our customs would be increased and our burdens lessened. But people would preserve un irritating policy with regard to the natives. As to the Civil Service Act, public servants must be had. Ho would, hotvevor, insist tliut u man should do his work and be capable, and if so that he should be liberally paid. They had a good polico force—that forco was now too weak. The parson having the charge of that force should be adequately paid. It was necessary to prnvont the inoreaee of crime. (Question). That wss the question, they must do away with their constabulary and increase their police. He suggested whether it might not be well to divide the colony into four. It might lead to strengthening i-'roviocial institutions, under which there should be local boards and corporate bodies. They rauet provide for the einking fund of the three million loan. He believed tiie Province of Auckland is the best position of any in the colony. He vould have somothing like a pre-emption fee. Other parts of thn colony had their land fund. He thought if such a measure were adopted in time they would be able to pay ol their Provincial debt. Ho would vote for separation. They should take care to send msn to the Assembly, men who would vote for separation. Ho would vote for, uo one who did not vote for Separation. There were fifteen members laet session. They were united, and Rtood together well. They were thereat the close and the commencement of each day. Hiaopiniou was well known. Hβ had suggested means for opening up the country. He thought that even at the Thames there ought to he some persons appointed as Justicosot' the Peace instead of expensive Resident Magistrate. If men would do their duty they ehould be supported. He would do his duty, fie had his greatest stake here ; he had a large family placed in the colony and the province. He would oppose any more borrowing, the General Government giving a guarantee.

Captain Oasby : Would you consider it beneath the dignity of the Government of New Zealand to instruct the commisnioner of gold-fields to set apart a block of auriferous ground at die Thames, to be worked oa account of the public service with a view of aiding to reduce our public debt.

Mr. G-baham: said he had nothiag to do with that.

Mr. Ball, in response to loud calls, said that he could not divest himself of the fueling that he was alone in that meeting as the representative of a country diatriot. He had not been included in the first instance amongst the gentlemen who were to bs present and address the meeting. It was only half an hour previously thai he had received the note asking him to be present. There was one question to which he would almost entirely confine himself, and that was the local government question, but he did not know what kind of government it was intended to propose. It was well known that he had the question of local government in his mind when he proposed that something in the form of a commission of gentlemen should lit during the recess to suggest measures and confer with representatives. Ho thought the kind of government he would suggest should be principally conducted by unpaid agency. la wsVy to that b.e.4 W.a tald, "Yq a <N.u.ao.t %et it; you have no;men of sufficient leisure and capacity to •■radertake eucb. duties." He believed there were two things which were against the probability of complete local self-government at present. The first was that there was not a sufficient amount of political sentiment. Other countries produced politicians. Canada, for instance. But ia New Zealand it was not so. That was a matter of some importance. The next difficulty wao that people here were now so engaged in manufacturing and agricultural pursuits, and the strife and rivalry were so great in the different occupations as to render it impraoticab'.e to a great extent. There was another difficulty to be found in the scattered position of the population, so that there was a 'great difficulty in communication. Seeing that the burthen of debt had become so great the people must revor , - to some form of government more simple. He did not value much the pageants which he saw cultivated in AuoVlund. He feared thttt the burthen of taxation wan becoming so great that it would impede, to a very lurge extent, immigration to this country. The reduction of taxation would place tho colony in a position favourable to immigration. He would resist an increase of taxation in any form, and eupport any form of government that would give help and self-reliance.

Mr. Belk aeked whether Mr. ball waa prepared to support any plan to bring about measures of that prinoiple.

Mr. Bail said that he was glad the question was aeked. It would be remembered that he had proposed a commission to ait during the reoesa so as to confer with the represontatives to bring about that end-

Mr. Maofarlane said that he would do all that he could to reduce taxation. Hβ bolievej the office of the Defence Minister to be wholly unnecessary. Hβ intended to Tote for the abolition of that office. He had taken considerable trouble last seasion to endeavour to reduce the pay of an officer of militia, and six hundred pounds a-year he thought had been Boycd in reepect to the office of inspeotor, which was struck oflfT But to his surprise he saw the gentleman who held that office in another, and drawing tho same, or about the same, amount. Hβ intended to ask, in the next eeasion, how that' had come about. As to the general question, ho would Bay that he was a member of that league whoso re« port, he thought, had bean slightly maligned. Hβ had taken no inconsiderable part in framing those reports, and he might say that he would do everything in hia power to have the views embodied in those reports fully carried out: He believed, if they should be carried out, they would succeed in effecting a verylarge reduction in the expenditure of the colony. He would readily admit that they would not be. able to carry them out in one, or perhaps two gesiione, but they would be able to get (something by way of instalment. Hit friend Mr. Ulark had fairly stated the -views that we,re entertained by him, and he endorsed almost every word that gentleman had said. Mr. Dignan, in compliance with repeated calls, said he had to apologise to the ohairman and meeting for not being preterit earlier at the meeting, but he could not have been earlier, except by abandoning his duty. He had not a trumpet in his voice to speak to the meeting. He had ju?t concluded an attendance of some eighteen houra for tho service of the province. (Hear.) The hon. member (Mr. Macfurlano) said that he had assisted in drawinp up these resolutions. He (Mr. Dig nan) would be no party to framing resolutions, or havinganything to do with resolutions which wore, in his opinion, calculated to play into the hands of the General Government and which propounded a disjointed policy, for no one know what might happen to upset them. He would not pledge himself to any such policy before knowing what questions would arise. When he was elected he accepted the honor not for himself merely, but for the purpose of serving the province to the best of hie ability. .If his constituents did not think he representing their interests, then all they had to do was to tell him so. How was it possible to follow a policy that would be crude and disjointed, if aomething should occur to overthrow it. Many questions would

ariae which'could not be answered before tlie_actnal position of the coloriy : was 1 known." :l He" considered that holding that meeting wasflot weU'advised. Hβ did not think the members would reduce themselves to the position of delegates. : Mr. Luax asked Mr. Dignan whether ho thought it right foi members and constituents to confer before the former proceeded to the Assembly. Mr. DieNAN said that he had ho objeotion to state a general policy, but it wag impossible to propound a policy that would not be affected by some special subject that might come up. Mr. Wniatnr inquired whether Mr. would support an Act to give pensions < to Government officers. •

Mr. DioNiN- thought that it was only proper that pr ivision should be made for public servants, eo that thoy mieht not in their old age be a burthen upon the public. He voted for the Bartley pension because he thought the old gentleman was worthy of it, and next because he believed the money would be spent in Auckland. (Cheers.) jrfr. Km a askod Mr. Dignan whethef ho would go in for retrenchment.

M>. Dignan said he would go in for retrenchment, but only ho far as that he would not impair the efficiency of the public service. Mr. King asked whether Mr. Dignan would rote for tho reduction of the Defence Department, and the taking away the salary of the Defence Minister. Mr. Dignan said the question involved the consideration of the defensive pneition of the province. Mr. Kino said he had been one of Colonel Haultain'a conetituents. He thought the phalanx, "the thirteen" should be in a position to eay whether they would promote the interests of those who confided in them and not to sell them. (Cheers.)

Mr. Eastwood aiked Mr. Dignan if his colleagues went in for retrenchment would he support them.

Mr. PioKAif: If it hi»9 for ite object reform especially, I will do 80. Mr. Wkiolby inquired whether Mr. Dignan would promote thu reduction indicated in his Honor's message, by which £17,000 would be save I ? Mr. Di&Nak said ho was one of tho persons by whom that document was transmitted to the G-oaeral Government, lie could not do otherwise than support that message Major Heafht, who wns loudly called for, came forward, and Baid he would not pledge himsslf to any course of action when he got to Wellington, because he did not know what case might ar i se — what meaiuree would be proposed, and what modifications might Qβ desired. He was at the same timo always anxioua to loarn an eiprejsion of public opinion. . Ho wau a member, not onlv for a portion of that province, but also for the whole of New Zealand. When ho returned from Wellington after last session, he oalled his constituents togother, to consider what, he had done while at the Assembly. That meeting was in Parnell, and extended over two evenings, and vory pleanant oveniugs they were. (Laughter.) It might not have been so pleasant as the present, but still it was a pleasant time. (Laughter.) He was not propared to Rive any specific pledge. He would go in for reduction, but in what direction, whether by consolidation of office or otherwise, ho could not then say. Aβ to the Defence Office, lie agreed that when the lait Waikato Militia we.s paid off thera was no farther need of defence. He would support retrenchment, though in what particular direction, he could not say. The Panama Company had been at first advocited as facilitating immigration, but the merchants in Wellington told him it was not worth tho oxponse. The Panama Company would find itn blessing when their contract should oeaee. He would not be prepared to destroy the Civil Service Act, although he would support its amendment. Hβ considered it was not right to see gentlemen who wore perfectly well able to work, retiring on a pension. Hβ believed that in the working of the native department there was room for retrenchment. There was, he was afraid, a lingering trace of the old " flour and sugar policy" that should not be permitted to remiin. The natives would be best treated when treated as Europeans wero. (Cheers.) Aβ to Separation, his ideas had been not two separate colonies. As to local self-government, he voted against the bill of last rear because he felt it was unworkable. Local self-government should groT ; districts should group themselvos into higher organization until something; like the county government should be brought into existence. But that was a work of time.

Mr. Wkigxey inquired whether Major Heaphy would support the roduotion of Resident Magistrates.

Major Heapay said there were some districts which, perhapu, did not need them. There wero rural diitriota in which the services of unpaid Magistrates might be tried. He was anxious that the colony ibould hare the service of every person of education in it.

Mr. B. Reynolds asked how much the members of the British Purliatnent obtained for their services.

lluqr Hkaphx asid ha eaw the drift of tho question. The sooner'the honorarium could bo disp onsed with the better, but in New Zealand it was somewhat different. If the honorarium were not given it would be very difficult to get ffi embers to go to tho Aesarnbly. The expeme of living in Wellington was so enormous that it was beyond the means of perhaps two thirds of thoae who were eleoted. He would state hi« own case. Hβ paH £6 a week for mere board and lodging, and he lived in an empty shop. The window was very low down and the little boys used to corns and flitten their noses against the window frames. (Laughter).

Mr. li. Ltjsk inquired whether Major Heaphy would be prepared to advoctto the gradual substitution of direct for indireot taxation.

Major Hbaphy oaid it should be borne in mind that five-eightbs of the customs were raised by duties upon luxuries. The customs duties were the ohoiipost form of any tax to collect It only cost 5 per cent to collect them. That being to he should be slow to relinquish such a mode of providing for the government of the country. But he would take the duty off every kind of commodity that vras necessary to industrial pursuits. Off wire fencing, hops and a variety of other articles. They should take care lent thoy might get more direct taxation put on without the indirect being taken off. Captain Coopbb said he did not think it right to cross question members going to the General Assembly. Hβ wished to move one motion of ■» practical nature. They were aware of the honvy burden of taxation put upon them, but how was it to bo put down. They had a lot of gentlemen in the Assembly holding offices in both the Provincial Government and the General Government. The fundamental principles on which they should go was to purge the house of paid members.

He would move that it is the desire of thie meeting that the Auckland members should take action during the next session to introduoe a measure to prohibit by law any paid offioials omployed either by the General ur Provincial Governments from holding seati in either house of the General Assembly. Mr. B. liusk opposed the motion. Mr. G. Gkakam also opposed the motion on the ground that it would ahut out some of the beat men. Mr. CoLDicr/TT moved us an amendment that the raeaeure be left for consideration at the next general election. Mr. Eastwood seconded the amendment. ■ Xhe motion was put, and the Chairman gave his opinion that the ayes had it amidst oriee of " divide." Mr. Fbeku moved a vote of thanks to Ihe members of the Assembly who had attended at their invitation and also to tho Chairman. Seoortdod by Mr.WmaLBY anil carried unanimously. The meeting then separated.

The repentance that ie delayed uutil old nge is but too often a regret for the inability to commit more sins.

A Quiddity by. Oumuw.—Lundy Foot, the oele brahid tobacconist, applied to Ourran for a motto when he first established his carriage. " Give me one, my dear Ourran," said he "of a aerioua oaet because I am afraid the people will laugh at a tobacconist Betting up a carriage; and for the eoholarehip'e sake, let it be in Latin. " I've just hit on it," eaid Ourran, «it is only two worde, and it will at once explain your profemion, your elevation and your contempt for their ridioule. It has, moreOTet, the advantage of being in two languages, Latin or English just at the reader chooses. Put up • Quid rides ' upon your carriage." A Cool Hand.—An old deaf beggar, whom Collins the painter was once engaged in sketching at Flendon exhibited great «elf.posieseion. Finding from certain indications that the body and garments of this English Bdie Ochiltreo afforded a sort of pasture ground to a herd of many animals of minute size, ho hinted hie feari to the old man that he might leave some of his email body-guard behind him. "No fear, sir, no fear," replied the vagrant, contemplating the artist with serenity; "I don't think they are any of them lately, to leave me for you." •