THE EIGHT OF PETITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5635, 8 December 1879, Page 5

THE EIGHT OF PETITION.

TO TUE EDITOR. Sib,—l notice that a petition from Auckland from the " Kev. Mr. Bill," from the Kaipara district, meaning, I presume, the Rev. Mr. Gittos, as he is located there, has been presented, and, by a majority of the House, it was decided not to read it. What does thie mean ? ]f the House could tolerate the extraordinary petition presented by Dr. Wallis for Major Croker, and the peculiar one from Christchurch by Sir George Grey, what could there be in the petition from Mr. Gittos, presented by Captain Colbeck ? A long acquaintance with Mr. Gittos precludes the idea that he is insane or violently abusive. What, then, was the prayer ? and why refuse a reading ? Perhaps, sir, you will publish the petition or explain. It may be an attempt oa the part of Southern members to burko the presentation of the just claims of the Nortb. It is a Briton's right and privilege to petition. Why was this burked ?—I am, &c, E. Caer. [We learn that the petition referred to wag furwaidtid by the Rev'. Mr. Gittoe, on behalf of certain Kaipara natives, but we are in ignorance as to its contents. It seems strange that thi! right of petition should have been refused, in view of what has occurred this sessiou, and as Mr. Gittos is an old Wesleyan miasiouary, who is not likely to have acted in this matter unadvisedly, the public will, in all probability, be further enlightened .as to this particular native g.ievance.—Ed.]