THE NEW ZEALAND LIBERAL ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5520, 26 July 1879, Page 5

THE NEW ZEALAND LIBERAL ASSOCIATION.

[3T TELEGRAPH, PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, Friday. A preliminary meeting for the purpose of forming a New Zealand Liberal Association, convened by Mr. Feldwick, M.H.R., Secretary to the Reform Association, was held this evening in the Arcade, Mannors-street. About 2000 persona were present. Owing to the absence of the Mayor, Mr. Crook was voted to the chair. Among the persons onr the platform were Sir George Grey, Messrs. Rees, Feldwick, and Barton, M. H.R's. On Mr. Rees rising, for several minutes the noise and confusion was so great that it was impossible to obtain a hearing. Eventually Sir George Grey rose, when order was partially restored. He explained the object of the meeting, and dwelt strongly on the necessity that existed throughout New Zealand for organising such an association aa was about to be proposed. It was not a question for Parliament, but the people of New Zealand to deal with and take in hand. There was no chance of success for them iu the future unless a fairer representation of the people was procured, and a better administration of the land, and equal land laws, for the sale and management of the Crown lands, and lands held by the natives, secured. It was imperative that such asaociationßhould exist,if it were desired to avert the misery that the workine classes now experienced throughout Great Britain. Messrs. Rees and Barton followed in a similar strain. The speakers declined to submit any resolutions to the meeting, as the desire was to fully ventilate the object contemplated, after which another meeting would bo called to give practical effect to the proposals. After three cheers had been given for Sir George Grey, the meeting terminated.

The public meeting held last night was at the instigation of the Fox party entirely misled, and many are ashamed at the action then taken.