AN EARLY CONTROVERSY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20985, 23 September 1931, Page 10

AN EARLY CONTROVERSY.

DEMAND FOR SEPARATION. NORTH AND SOUTH ISLANDS. About 66 years ago the agitation in the Auckland Province for political separation from the southern portion of New Zealand rose to fever heat, and on September 22 a great meeting of protest to further this object was held in the Hay Market, Durham Street. It was estimated that 4000 persons were present, and many hundreds more could not get within hearing of the speakers. "Whether considered in respect to its proportions or its importance, this demonstration must be regarded as unprecedented in this colony," said a contemporary account. The meeting unanimously proclaimed its adherenco to the determination to effect political separation from the southern portions of New Zealand and to use every*legitimate means to that end. The strength of feeling raised by the issue at that time is shown by the fact that the New Zealand Herald, in a leading article on tlie subject, did not hesitato to refer to tho possibility of civil war. The article asked the "Southern rulers" to consider if there was an instance of such a unanimous demand for emancipation being frustrated save by tho sword. "Is the Southern .'chivalry' prepared to coerce us by force of arms?" it was asked. "Wo shall see."