THE CRUISE OF THE AWARUA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9087, 22 June 1888, Page 5

THE CRUISE OF THE AWARUA.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRKSS ASSOCIATION.] Invercargill, Thursday. To-night Joseph Hatch, ex-member for Invercargill, addressed a meeting convened by him to give him an opportunity of vindicating hims» If from the charge of conniving in bhe seal-poaching expedition of the echooner Awarua to the Auckland Islands, when the vessel ostensibly cleared for Bass Straits sealeries, and also the allegation that he had committed perjury in connection with the prosecution brought by the Governmenb againsb Drew, master of the vessel, for poaching. The theatre was filled to bho doors, ovor 1500 being presenb. Mr. Habch spoke over bwo hours. He denied bhab he had agreed with anyone te break bhe law, and contended bhab the sole reason for his writing tho lebter which he had done was that he felt certain from what he heard in Dunedin that Drew was determined bo go to Auckland Islands, in spite of all the remonstrances of his, and he wished Drew distinctly to understand the risk he ran in so doing, and thab he must geb out of any scrape he gob inbo, and need nob look bo him for counbenance. The meebing was more orderly bhan was expected, considering bhe personalities indulged in. Mr. Hatch asserted bhab the real reason why he had been hounded in the columns of bhe Southland News, was bhab he had dared to oppose one of ibe proprietors for Parliament, and had licked him with a fair field, and would do so again bo morrow. At the close of the meeting Mr. J. P. Joyce, exmember for Awarua, moved, " That Mr. Hatch's explanation was not satisfactory, and that it wae the duty of the Government bo bake proceedings againsb him for seal poaching and perjury." The Chairman (Mr. N. Johnson) declared bhe motion losb on bhe voices, which were about equal.