THE LATE DR. FEATHERSTON.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 245, 29 July 1876, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE LATE DR. FEATHERSTON.

In announcing the death of Dr. Featherston, in our issue of the 14th instant, we were unable to give anything more than the bare intelligence as conveyed in a cablegram of four words. By the last mail from England we have advices to [the Ist Junp, giving an ae" count of the serious illness which terminated fatally on the 19th of that month. One correspondent under the former date, writing to a friend in this city, says :—" The AgeEt-Gene-ral has been ill all the -winter, and it has been such a cruel winter. About Easter he had a severe spasmodic attack, followed by diarrhoea, which his physician attributed to his travelling up and down from Brighton so often by express. He has never recovered from this attack. But the evil was greatly aggravated by the bitter east wind which has blown almost without intermission ever since, and which affected most evilly his old pulmonary malady. Knowing his great vitality and tenacity, it is only within the last fortnight I have begun to give up all hope. Within the last few days his strength has been failing very fast. I don't think he can last very long now. He is as brave, as patient, as simple, as full of consideration for others to the last as you knew him in his best days." The life of Dr. Featherston, in competent hands, would form a very interesting and instructive volume, while it would be a most important contribution to the historical literature of the colony, and we earnestly hope it may yet be written. In the meantime, we have much pleasure in reproducing from the Australian Shetcher a brief biographical sketch of the deceased statesman, written by DrBuller, who for many years was closely associated with Dr. Eeatherston, and enjoyed in the fullest sense his friendship and confidence : Dr. Isaac Earl Eeatherston, the fourth son of Mr. Thomas Featherston, of Blackdean, Weardale, and Cotfield-house, in the county of Durham, was born on the 21st March, ISI3. He received his early education at the private school at Tamworth, and subsequently in Italy. He afterwards studied at the Edinburgh University, where he graduated M.D.in 1836. In 1839 he married the daughter of Mr. A. Scott, of Edinburgh; and in the following year, on account of ill-health, he emigrated to New Zealand. He settled at "Wellington, and at once took a leading part in the politics of the country, especially in advocating the immediate introduction of representative government. He was presented in 1851 with a service of plate by the purchasers of land under the New Zealand Company, "in testimony of his strenuous exertions in advocating their claims and bringing them to a successful issue." On the inauguration, in 1853, of the New Zealand Constitution Act, he was elected first Superintendent of the province of Wellington, and he held that office continuously for eighteen years, having been elected six times during that period. He was elected member of the House of Representatives for the district of Wanganui on the first meeting of Parliament in 1853; subsequently represented the city of Wellington, and held » ten* in the House up to the time of his departure from the colony in 1871. He has been a member of two Ministries, in one of which he held office, for a short period, as Colonial Secretary; and he has been specially employed by the Government of the country on various important missions. He succeeded in establishing steam communication between Melbourne and Wellington ; and he afterwards negotiated a contract between the Governments of New South Wales and New Zealand and the P.N.Z. and A.R.M. Company for the establishment of a mail service between New South Wales, New Zealand, and Panama. In 1569 he proceeded to Australia at the request of the Government and Parliament of New Zealand for the purpose of urging General Sir Trevor Chute, then commanding H.M. forces in Melbourne, to take upon himself the responsibility of retaining the troops in New Zealand pending further reference to the Imperial Government—a responsibility which the General, much to his credit, readily undertook. Immediately on his return to the colony he was appointed special commissioner, with Sir Francis Dillon Bell as his colleague, to proceed to England for the purpose of urging on the Imperial Government the retention of the troops in New Zealand, in which object the commissioners failed, although they succeeded in inducing H.M. Ministers to guarantee a loan of a million for opening up inland communication within the colony, and thereby giving employment to the native tribes and rendering the removal of the troops less hazardous. Upon returning, on the day of his arrival in New Zealand, he was offered the appointment of Agent-General for New Zealand, which he accepted and retained up to the time of his death. On his departure from Wellington his fellow-colonists presented him with a service of plate, of the value of 300 guineas. During his Superintendency, rebellion among the native' tribes was raging for many years, and it was acknowledged that the peace of the province of Wellington was maintained mainly through Dr. Featherston's personal influence with the eadimr chiefs, which -was often exercised at the I peril of his own life. When General Chute con- 1 templated a campaign on the West Coast, it was only through Dr. Featherston's influence that a contingent of native tribes—whose co-opera-tion was deemed essential—could be induced to take the field, and after fighting had commenced they insisted on being led into action by Dr. Featherston himself. To show the value of these services, it is sufficient to quote the following extract from General Sir Trevor Chute's despatch to his Excellency the Governor, under date 12th February, 18G6:—" It is hardly possible for me to convey to your Excellency how much I feel indebted to Dr. Peatherston, Superintendent of this province, for his able advice on all stibjects connected with the Maoris. He accompanied me throughout the campaign, sharing all our dangers and privations, and was present at each engagement and assault. I am particularly obliged to him for the zeal with which he has at all times labored to obtain information of the movements and positions of the rebels, which it would have been almost impossible for me to acquire without his assistance." It may be further stated that General Sir Trevor Chute, when recommending Dr. Peatherston for the New Zealand Cross, sanctioned by her Majesty for personal valor before the enemy and Intrepid devotion to the public service, made use of the following words :—"I venture to bring more particularly untler the notice of your Excellency and Government the intrepid devotion of this officer to the public service on the occasion of the assault and capture of that almost impregnable stronghold, the Otapawa pa, the occupants of which were under the delusion that it could not be taken. The conspicuous gallantry displayed by this officer at the storming of that pa, in leading the native contingent into action, almost at the sacrifice of his own life, not only elicited my warmest approbation, but the admiration of the whole force present on that memorable occasion. As I have already acknowledged in my despatches the eminent services rendered to me by Dr. Featherston throughout the campaign, I now consider it my imperative duty to recommend this officer in the strongest terms for the distinctive decoration of the New Zealand Cross, in recognition of his meritorious and intrepid services during the period referred to, and more particularly at the storming and capture of that formidable pa, Otapawa, where I must in truth say Dr. Featherston so exposed himself in the service of his Queen and country as to become, as it were, a target for the enemy's fire—thus by his noble example stimulating the courage of the native allies."

PARLIAMENTARY VOTE. In Parliament the following proceedings occurred on July 18 : THE LATE DR. FEATHERSTON'. A message from the Governor was received, recommending the appropriation of a sum of £3OOO, to be paid to the unmarried daughters of the late Dr. Featherston, in recognition of the distinguished services rendered to the country by the deceased gentleman. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL said he should "ask the House to take the message into consideration at once ; and in doing so, he was sorry to have to say that he had that day received intelligence which fully corroborated the brief telegram previously received, recording the death of Dr. Featherston. He had received, by way of San Francisco, a telegram from Mr. Kennaway, who, it would be remembered, was connected with the Agent-General's office, to this effect: —"London, July 19, 1876. —"Vogel, New Zealand.—l deeply regret announce Featherston's death early this morning, nineteenth." Another telegram, dated two days' proviously, had arrived from the Crown agents, to this effect: —" Featherston has just felt it his duty to resign office, owing to serious illness, and Sir William Power, Direc-tor-General, War office, has pro. tern, been appointed Agent-General in his stead. — Crown Agents." In asking the House to agree to the setting aside of this sum, the Government were doing that which they were sure would meet with the approval of the House and of almost every person in the country. No man had ever fallen from the ranks of the public men of New Zealand who would be more missed thau Dr. Featherston. He (Sir Julius Vogel) remembered, when he first came to the colony, how high a position Dr, Featherston held as a public man, and how greatly he was esteemed for his services in the past ; but of his own knowledge he could speak of the influence he had exercised over the parliamentary affairs of the colony, and the high and important missions he had undertaken on behalf of the colony of late years. He could remember the visit Dr. Featherston had paid to Australia when the country was in a great state of alarm owing to the anticipated sudden withdrawal of the Imperial troops, and the able way in which ho fulfilled that task must be fresh in the minds of those who were in the colony at that time. Subsequently his mission to England in company with Sir Dillon Bell was of a value which could not be questioned. On that occasion he had acted with discretion and tact, and the colony had reason to re member his services. Afterwards it fell to him to be the first Agent-General of New Zealand in Great Britain ; and though there had been times when he and the Government had not agreed upon certain points, it had always been recognised that he was discharging his duties in a high-minded faithful manner, and the Government had never failed to uphold his management of affairs. When it was remembered that one hundred thousand, or nearly that number, of the population of the colony had been introduced under the supervision of Dr. .Featherston during his term, it could not be said that his work in the capacity of Agent-General had been of a light or unimportant nature in respect of the immigration scheme of the Government. Of the ]iersonal qualities of the deceased gentleman ho need scarcely speak. There were few gentlemen in the House who were unaware of the high esteem in which he had been held ; and as to his public character as a statesman, he had been most fitly described as an unselfish statesman. It was unnecessary, however, for him to go further into the history of Dr. Featherston. He was sure it would redound to the honor of the country that the House at so early a date determined tu show in some slight manner its appreciation of one who would never again be amongst us. It was not a large vote, only two year's salary was asked for, and he need scarcely say that unanimity would add to the gracefulness of the grant. He formally moved that the Governor's message be remitted to the Committee of Supply. Sir GEORGE GREY, on rising to second the motion, was overcome by emotion for a few moments. He said his acquaintance with the late Dr. Featherston had ranged over a period of upwards of thirty years, during the whole of which time the deceased gentleman had taken a leading part in the public affairs of the colony, and he (Sir George Grey) would say this, that he had never in his life known a man more unselfishly devoted to the public service of his country. He (Sir George) had been quite unprepared for this motion. He had not known it was coming on, otherwise he might have been in a more calm state, and better prepared to express his feelings. He would only say this—that the House could not do anything wiser than to recognise absolute unselfishness in the public men of the colony, and it could do nothing more in accordance with the feelings of the people of the country than to recognise that the late Dr. Featherston had been a thoroughly unselfish man. He (Sir George Grey) knew the people of the country, and he knew the people of the country appreciated men who studied the interests of the country before their own private advantage and benefit —men who sought the good of the country in preference to seeking large salaries and large emoluments from the pockets of the people. He had known Dr. Peatherston to be engaged in the service of the country in many capacities under great privations and considerable difficulties, but his great desire to assist the welfare of his fellow-colonists had carried him through all, and he had stood forward to the last as an example to public men. (Applause.) The motion -was agreed to, and the House then went into committee. In committee, The Hon. Mr. FITZHFRBETCT, who was much moved, expressed his complete concurrence in the proposition before the committee. He said ho had been quite unprepared for this proceeding so eai-ly, and was not therefore able to express himself in any ornate language ; not that he desired to do so, it -was one of thosn occasions in which a simple expression of feeling was more powerful than a set speech, for he felt he had lost a friend and the colony a great man. It had been said Dr. Featherston was an unselfish statesman —that was true; hence, ho who might have been the richest man in New Zealand had died a poor man. What more could be said of a public man ? It was the great men of a country who made a country great, and it was men like Dr. Featherston who would build tip New Zealand into a great country.. It was not now necessary to catalogue his services ; that would be done by the future historian of New Zealand; but he would say he had known much of him, and he felt that the House was but doing its duty in placing upon record the sense of his worth.

Mr. PEES, as a new member, did not desire to add anything to what had been said by the preceding speakers in reference to the deceased gentleman, but thought the House could not but adopt the resolution. There could not be a more fitting manner of rewarding public men than a recognition of the claims of those who had been left behind. Rewards of titles, rewards of pensions, rewards of land, were not so fitting as tender sympathy and solicitude for those left behind ; and .he believed that from every part of the country there would come an echo of what had been said and done in the House that day, for nothing the House could do could pay the debt of gratitude under which the colony lay to Pr. Featherston. When the Premier of the colony, a member of the House who had been Governor during the greater part of Dr. Peatherston's connection with the colony, and one who had attained to the dignity of Speaker and who had in previous days worked side by side with deceased as a pioneer, all joined in paying this tribute, the House could not do better than agree to the motion. He thought the sum scarcely sufficient. The motion was agreed to, and on the resolution being reported to the House, The Hon. Mr. STAFFORD, who was so greatly overcome by his feelings that he spoke inaudibly, supported the motion, and expressed his appreciation of the private and public character of the late Dr. Featherston. He expeessed regret that the amount was not larger.

PUBLIC MEETING. Pursuant to advertisement, a meeting was held in the Provincial Hall on Monday afternoon at three o'clock, for the purpose of considering the most suitable manner in which to perpetuate the memory of the late Dr. Featherston. There was an influential attendance. On the motion of Mr. Dransfield, Mr. Hutchison, Mayor of the city, was elected Chairman. The Chairman said :—Gentlemen, —I thank you for asking me to preside over this meeting, which I have called in terms of a requisition addressed to me by a number of gentlemen, most of whom I see present. These gentlemen, recognising the worth and the high position which the late Dr. Featherston occupied in colonial administration, are naturally desirous that some suitable steps should be taken to preserve the memory of one so distinguished, and they will now be prepared to submit for your consideration certain resolutions embodying their views on the subject. Beyond expressing my concurrence with the general object of the meeting, it is not for me to trouble you with any lengthened remarks ; I will only say that I feel a melancholy satis- , faction in having the opportunity of bearing my testimony to the zeal, energy, and disinterestedness of Dr. Featherston —a testimony, if you will permit me to say so, possessing all the more weight inasmuch as it comes from one who had what some of you perhaps may consider the misfortune of differing from Dr. Featherston's provincial policy. For my own part, I never consider it a misfortune to belong to a genuine honorable minority. And I see no reason why we should not respect the motives and honor the worthy achievements of those who differ from us. As I take it, gentlemen, you are not here to-day to praise a faultless individual, but to indicate your heartfelt respect for one who, with faults and failings like the rest of us, yet did his work as that of a valiant human soul, sometimes mistakenly, but always conscientiously and persistently, and did it so as to leave his mark behind him ; a man, moreover, whose name is now inseparably associated with the city and province, up and down which, in many a rhome won from the wilderness, as I happen to know, that name calls up the warmest recollections of tender help, as that of a woman by the bedside of the sick; and of bravery and endurance, as that of a hero in the bush and on the hill-side. Laborare est orare would seem to have been part of Dr. Featherston's creed ; early and late he toiled at his public duty, even when his life was wearing fitfully but rapidly away. Now he is gone ; the tall spare figure, whoso poi trait looks down upon this meeting, will be seen by

us no more ; but he sleeps well, regretted by all and deeply mourned by many—

A fiery soul, which, working out its way. Fretted the pigmy body to decay, And o'er informed tho tenement of clay. I will now call upon his Honor the Superintendent to propose the first resolution. The Hon. Mr. Fitzherbert said: Mr. Mayor and gentlemen,—A resolution has been placed in my hands 'which I "will read. It is as follows: " That this meeting desires to express its regret that by the lamented death of Dr. Peatherston this province has lost one of its most able, useful, and disinterested public men. Identified as he was with the early foundation of this settlement, as well as with the growth of every portion of the province —its trusted chief and the fearless and eloquent advocate of its requirements—this meeting further considers that in addition to thus feebly paying a verbal tribute to his memory, it is also its duty to strive to perpetuate a recollection of his eminent and thoroughly unselfish services in some enduring, public, and appropriate form ; and in such manner that all the settlers throughout the province of Wellington may be invited to contribute thereto." You will see from the terms of this resolution that it is proposed to confine the tribute to the memory of the late Dr. Peatherston to this province. We all have our individual opinions. Things strike us individually—one in one way and another in another way. Speaking therefore my individual opinion on this subject, I confess I should have preferred to have seen a proposal for a testimonial from the whole of eke people of the colony. My own opinion is that our object should be to contribute towards the erection of some testimonial in memory of a great and distinguished man, who has gone from us after having devoted his life to the service of the country, and therefore the greatest honor is that which is conferred by the groatest number of the people for whom he worked so well. This, it must be recollected, is a very different thing from a private tribute to a private man who has departed from this world. If this proceeding has any meanings and far be it from me to say otherwise, for I believe every word uttered here is born of genuine feeling—l think the testimony should be of a general character. There cannot be a man in this province "who will not bear testimony to the absolute earnestness, zeal, and unselfishness of Dr. Featherston's career so far as the province of Wellington was concerned ; but he had a much larger sphere of usefulness. Numbers of us can remember the many years he untiringly gave to New Zealand, endeavoring to procure a constitutional form of government for this colony ; and I say that, for

singleness of purpose, for accurate judgment in a work of years, that was a work not confined to this or that particular province —on the contrary, it was for the benefit of the whole colony. Then, again, when we recollect that he, in respect to native affairs, at the time of greatest peril to the colony, fearlessly acted at the risk of life, and certainly at the exercise of a degree of ability and devotion beyond all praise, to which many of us can bear absolute testimony—l say that what he did then was not for this province only, it was for the whole of New Zealand —not for the North Island only, but for the South Island as well. Any one who remembers the perils of the country at that time will admit that his work was indeed a colonial work. During the latt3r part of his life also he was engaged in important matters on behalf of the colony as a whole. Gentlemen, I thought it right to say so much ; at the same time, I shall be ready most heartily to assist so far as I can in anything the people may think proper to advise as a tribute to the memory of Dr. Featherston, although I do regret that the effort should not be more of a general character. Our object should be to give the greatest tribute. I would rather take I 1000 or 2000 halfpence from so many people than two or three thousand pounds from a few if my memory were concerned. The peculiar quality of the late Dr. Featherston was that he possessed the most manly attributes man can glory in, namely, those of courage, devotion, and untiring energy in his work; and if his memory live in the affections of the people of this province, they will take some appropriate way of testifying it. But it is by the hearty manner in which the call upon them for this purpose will be responded to, rathor than the amount of the contributions, that his memory will be respected. As it frequently happens, it is our duty to acquiesce in the views and desires of those who have originated this movement; and we should be ungrateful indeed if wo did not bestow some tribute to the memory of a man so great as he was, and one who has done so much for the colony. Taking it even from a selfish point of view, depend upon it that the character of public men is a possession of the people of the country ; and I think very little of the character of any country which will allow its public men, who have done it good service, to sink into obscurity after their earthly career is ended, without making some effort to resuscitate their memory, so that they may be pointed out by those who come after us—the youth of the country, and their children after them—as as an example and a lesson. It is in that way, as it seems to me, you are very likely to l-ear up a number of men "who will devote themselves to public services

rather than their own personal advancement in life. I will conclude by proposing the resolutiou I have already read. (Applause.) ]\lr. Ddncak, in seconding the resolution, said : The last thing in the world I anticipated was to bo called upon to take part in the speaking at this meeting. I am very much delighted to see so good an attendance, considering the unfavorable weather, but still I cannot help thinking it might have been better, "when we think of the object we have in view, namely, the consideration of some means whereby we may fitly recognise the services of Dr. Featherston. With reference to the remarks of his Honor the Superintendent regarding the duty which the colony as a whole owed to so eminent a public man, I think no one will dispute that duty. I, for one, do not feel at all disposed to do so. But this I must say : I think it is a most appropriate thing on the part of the settlers of Wellington, where he lived so long, and for whom his best services were given, that they ought at any rate to initiate something of this nature. If the rest of the colonists wish to join in the movement let us invito them to do so by all means, but I must say it would be hardly fair for a small meeting like this to assume to itself the representation of the rest of the colony. Some of the settlers of Wellington have known Dr. Featherston for fully thirty-five years, some of us more, and I think it would be a sad thing to allow so distinguished, able, and good a man in all the relations of life to pass away without our making an effort to show that the settlers of Wellington feel for him a grateful remembrance. I could say a vast deal with regard to the services which Dr*. Featherston rendered this the first settlement of New Zealand—how he fought for the rights of the people on every occasion; how he sought to obtain for us a constitutional government ; and how, when it was obtained, he saw that it was properly administered; and he never acted in any party spirit, but for the benefit of the colony generally. However, I desire studiously to avoid entering upon past party affairs, as well as touching upon the present aspect of things. I think we should be doing wrong if we did not agree heartily in the terms of this resolution. The resolution was unanimously adopted. Mr. Brandon, M.H.R. (who spoke with visible feeling), proposed the next resolution, and said : I find, sir, I cannot trust myself to say much towards this resolution. So much has been said about Dr. Featherston that I shall content myself with simply moving the resolution. I knew Dr. Featherston since the year 1841—from the very beginning of 1841—and

have always looked upon him as one of the sincerest friends I ever possessed. Mr. Brandon then handed the resolution to the Chairman. It read as follows :—'• That whilst mourning the heavy loss the colony at large, but Wellington more particularly, has sustained—whether regard be had to his private position, as one who was always held in the highest esteem since the formation of the colony, or the satisfaction and pride felt with reference to his public career—this meeting respectfully tenders its sincere sympathy to his bereaved family, and assures them that the honored name of Isaac Earl Featherston will be ever held in grateful remembrance by the settlers of Wellington." Mr. George Hunter, M.H.R., said : I have been requested to second the resolution proposed by Mr. Brandon, which has just been read, and with which I heartily concur. We must all deplore the loss we have sustained in the death of Dr. Featherston, who as a public man has held a prominent place in New Zealand from first to last. lam one of those who happened in the early days of the colony sometimes to differ from him on certain points of policy ; but I never failed to recognise his sincerity of purpose, nobleness of character, and earnest desire to benefit those connected not only with this province, but the whole of New Zealand. (Hear, hear.) I know of no public man whose career has been marked by more singlemindedness, honesty, and straightforwardness than was that of Dr. Featherston. As I said before we differed ; we all differ occasionally, and must necessarily do so as long as the world is constituted as it is. We have our respective duties to perform as public men, and must perform those duties in accordance with the views we hold, and to the best of our belief and ability ; and if any man ever did this with singleness and steadfastness of purpose, that man was the late Dr. Featherston. I hope and believe that the result of this meeting will be more satisfactory than the attendance would seem to warrant ; but there are reasons why the attendance should not be so numerous as might under different circumstances be confidently looked for. Meetings called for this hour of the day are seldom a success so far as attendance is concerned. I am pleased to see, however, so many influential men of Wellington identifying themselves with the movement ; and I hope some substantial recognition of the services of the groat man not long since departed from this life will result from our meeting here to-day. I think it more particularly devolves upon the people of Wellington to take the initiative in this matter ; at the same time, however, I should heartily like to see other provinces ask to do something towards that which I regard as the legitimate

object of Wellington to carry out. No doubt the people of Wellington would be glad to receive assistance from other provinces, and no doubt a great many persons outside of the province would heartily co-operate in carrying out something which should be a lasting remembrance of the gentleman whose memory we desire to perpetuate ; but I do not think an appeal should be made in that "way out of Wellington. I take the of expressing my opinions on this point. I know that different opinions are held by some, and should be very glad if their view could be adopted ; but I do not think it proper for us to put it forward as coming from the province of Wellington. It should be left to the spontaneous action of the other provinces. As to the resolution before the meeting, it has my hearty concurrence, as I am sure it will have throughout the length and breadth of this province. (Applause.) Mr. Duncan said, before that resolution was put, he thought it necessary to state that Sir George Grey had called upon him that morning and stated that in the first place he had felt a delicacy about attending the meeting, as it was confined to the settlers of Wellington, and that in the second place he was quite prevented from attending owing to important business —a meeting of Parliamentary members. At the same time, he desired to state, and have it known, that if he could have done so without being guilty of intrusion, he should have liked to be present to bear testimony to the greatness of Dr. Featherston, who had no greater admirer than he (Sir George Grey) was, although they had been at one time in political life in New Zealand very much opposed to one another. The resolution was then put and carried. Mr. Gisborne said : Mr. Mayor and gentlemen, —Having passed unanimously the first and second resolutions, you will be no doubt prepared for that which has been placed in my hands, and which I will read. It is as follows :—" That in order to carry out the preceding resolution a committee be appointed, who are hereby authorised to open subscription lists, and to place themselves in communication with settlers throughout the province, and that another meeting of subscribers be called together this day month, to decide upon the most appropriate manner in which to expend the money. Such committee to consist of the following persons, with power to add to their number :—Messrs. Dransfield, Duncan, Woodward, Buller, L. Levy, G. Hunter, Geo. Allen, E. W. Mills, Devin, Seed, Brandon, and Buckley." You will see that it is proposed only to commit those present to the resolution, that some tribute

should be given to the memory of Dr. Featherston, and that a committee should be formed to communicate with the settlers of the province, the manner in which the subscriptions are to be expended to be decided afterwards. I would take this opportunity although in no way of course wishing to dictate as to the shape which the tribute should take—to state the views which I personally entertain upon this subject. I have not much belief in inanimate monuments to great men. I believe that in giving a worthy tribute to a great man, we should as far as possible consult what we believe would have been the wishes of those men were they alive. Now, sir, from what I know of Dr. Featherston, I do not think he would care to have himself reproduced in marble or in bronze, sitting astride some impossible horse, or standing on a pedestal pointing to vacancy in some inhuman attitude. I_ believe, sir, he would rather a testimonial in respect to his name should take form and substance in the shape of some beneficent institution which would do good for all time, and which would in that way be appropriate as coupling his name with a lasting benefit to the community. I believe if we could fix upon some small amount in the way of subscription, which every man, woman, and child in the province of Wellington could contribute, as I believe they would, we should be able to raise a considerable sum, which would enable us to found au industrial school—an institution much required in this province. You and I have seen the usefulness of such institutions elsewhere, and it would certainly be invaluable here in the reclamation of idleness and vice to a spirit of industry and virtue. I believe if we could get such a sum we should, with the aid of the Provincial Government and the City Council, be enabled to found a creditable institution, and give it the name of Dr. Featherston, thus paying him a tribute worthy of ourselves, and worthy also of his revered memory. I make these remarks in order that the subject may be properly considered, not only by the committee who are to be appointed, but also by the settlers whom we shall ask to subscribe towards the object we have in view. Whatever the tribute may be, at least I hoije it will be worthy of Dr. Featherston and the province of Wellington. Mr. Levin said : Mr. Mayor aud Gentlemen, —I feel myself specially privileged by being called upon to raise my voice at such a meeting as this. The gentlemen who preceded me have spoken eloquently as to the life and character of Dr. Featherston, and one of those gentlemen I believe from the earliest days labored and fought with him shoulder to shoulder for many years. I represent another class in the community, but one that the proposed memorial perhaps specially affects. I feel myself representing young New Zealand. (Hear, hear.) Many of my contemporaries, who have been brought up almost under the eye of Dr. Featherston, have looked upon him during his life as a noble specimen of a man, as a character the memory of whom it is most desirable to hold up before all persons who are making this country their home, and are entering on the fight of life; for he was a patriot. (Applause.) Without going into the question as to what shape the memorial we proposed to erect shall take, I feel sure that by erecting a suitable one we shall be doing a duty to the dead and a service to the living, for we shall be able to point to it as a recognition by the inhabitants of this province of a man who for single-mindedness, nobleness, and a high sense of duty both in public and social life, will certainly never be excelled. I beg, sir, to second the resolution. Mr. Woodward : Before that resolution is put I venture to suggest that it is somewhat premature. The terms of it, to my mind, in a certain degree defeat the object wo have in view. I most thoroughly agree with what has been expressed by Mr. Gisborne as to the desirableness of putting this memorial in the shape of some public institution, whether an industrial school or some other would naturally be a matter for after consideration ; but it appears to me that the subscriptions will to a certain extent depend upon the nature of the memorial you intend to erect. If we are going to erect a senseless statue, for instance, I think the subscriptions will be very small—indeed, I could even hope they might be so, but if we determine to establish a valuable and useful institution such as that mentioned, there is not a man in the province who would not feel proud to contribute towards it. I think also that this should be essentially a people's testimonial, and that therefore a fixed subscription should be named. Those who wished to give more could easily do so. We have all members of our families whose names we could put down supposing we desired to add to the amount. I would suggest that the committee named should meet and consider the matter thoroughly, after which they could call another meeting to propose the kind of memorial they might think proper to adopt. I look upon it as a mistake to ask the settlers for subscriptions for an indefinite object. Ido not like to appear to be moving an amendment to the resolution, but I venture | to suggest that a meeting should be held in the ' evening, say a fortnight hence, and that the subject of what shape the memorial should take might be discussed then with greater advantage. The canvass for subscriptions could afterwards be commenced.

The Mayor thought it would be a pity to have anything in the 'way of an amendment proposed, and suggested that the canvass might proceed now, a meeting to be held a month hence, at which the questions of the memorial could be fudy discussed. Mr. Hunter thought great weight was to be attached to Mr. Woodward's argument. Any committee would feel themselves very much at a loss how to proceed without some definite idea of the course to be pursued. Were the memorial to take one form, 10s. might be subscribed, and for another form persons in the same position financially might be induced to give a guinea. Therefore it was desirable that something should be definitely decided on, and thot something should be the most generally acceptable. With regard to the industrial school, he acknowledged the want was pressing, but it was one of those things he hoped to see brought about in another way. (Hear, hear.) He had heard it suggested that an asylum for the aged shonld be established, and lie thought that idea would meet with a larger amount of decided sympathy than the other. They must look at the subject in a practical point of view. They must consider the amount required to be given for a certain purpose, how much they could raise, and how best to expend the money when they had it.

The Hon. Mr. Fitzherbert agreed with Mr. Woodward. He thought they were beginning at the wrong end. Unless they decided upon some definite object, the committee would, as it were, be getting subscriptions in the dark. He thought, moreover, that they were wrong in not extending the movement beyond the province of Wellington. Their purpose was to perpetuate the momory of Dr. Featherston, and it was not by the amount of money they would most effectually achieve tha.t object, but by the number of those who contributed. Mr. Gisborne said as mover of the resolution he cordially agreed with what had fallen from the last speaker, save in that he was of opinion the subscriptions should be limited to this province. Mr. Seed said nooie could possibly disagree with the observations made by Mr. Woodward on this subject, and suggested that other names should be added to the committee.

The Hon. Dr. Grace said he was sorry to obtrude himself upon the meeting, but he must take this opportunity of expressing the feeling that actuated him when he first heard of the movement. His first thought was. that the establishment of a benevolent institution or industrial school would form a fitting memoiial, but he had since thought that the most suitable means of perpetuating the memory ef a man who had lived so noble a life, and who had died full of the highest honors his country could bestow upon him, would be to erect a statue in commemoration of him to erect it as a living exemplar of our esteem of his great merits. And when it was remembered how critical was the condition of our colony at the present time, nothing could be more important than the encouragement of high character and permanent unselfishness in our public men. He was

well aware that practical beneficence afforded in itself a living exemplar of the sentiments which the public entertained ; but at the same time, while he acknowledged the desirableness of erecting some institution to bear Dr. Featherston's name, he thought they should nevertheless perpetuate his memory by the erection of such a monument as might be an object of admiration, and a work of art in the colony. Mr. Charles O'Neill, C.E., objected to the resolution being worded so as to confine the movement to the province of Wellington. Mr. Dransfield would strongly oppose the proposal to go out of the province for subscriptions if it was determined to establish a charitable institution, because it would be obtaining money to benefit Wellington under the pretence of erecting a memorial to Dr. Featherston. They should confine themselves, with singleness of purpose, to one object, namely, that of paying a tribute to Dr. Featherston alone. The Chairman stated that the form of the memorial would be a subject for the consideration of the committee, aud in the meantime it could do no harm to pass the resolution.

Mr. Gisborne submitted the following amendment on the body of his resolution, to meet the views of those geutlemen who had taken exception to the wording in certain places:—-"That a committee be appointed to consider in what way a worthy memorial to Dr. Featherston should be established, and the best means for collecting subscriptions for that purpose : and that a meeting be held not later than this day fortnight, at the Odd Fellows' Hall, at_S p.m., to consider the report of the committee and to decide on the whole question." Mr. Buller moved, and Mr. Levin seconded, —That the name of Dr. Grace be added to the committee.—Carried. The Hon. Dr. Grace moved, and Mr Buller seconded,- —That the name of the Mayor be added to the committee.—Carried. The motion as amended was then put and carried. A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the proceedings. INCIDENTS IN DR. FEATHERSTON'S LIFE. (From the " N.Z. Times," of July 14.) The brief telegram received on Thursday evening will be read throughout the colony with the very deepest regret. Dr. Featherston, so long identified with the best interests of the colony—identified with them from the earliest days—is dead. The mark of respect which the House of Representatives showed on receipt of the telegram, is emblematical of that which the colony, from one end to the other, will desire to evince. It is impossible, at present, to do more than briefly notice Dr. Featherston's colonial career. He arrived here as surgeon of the ship Olympus soon after the foundation of the settlement, and those who were so fortunate as to be his fellow-passengers, have repeatedly manifested, and still entertain, the warmest friendship for him. In illustration, we recollect that during troublous political times a person expressed his sense of hardship in electors having to go a distance of nine miles to vote, but on his being asked whether personally he considered it a hardship to go that distance to serve Dr. Featherston, he exclaimed, with the utmost earnestness, that he would willingly go ninety, if he had to walk all the way barefoot. One 01 the Doctor's earliest public acts was in contending with the New Zealand Company for the rights if the original land purchasers; and having succeeded in gaining for them compensation for the long delays and serious losses to which they were subjected, the settlers marked their estimation of his efforts by presenting him with a silver tea service—probably the first presentation of the kind in the colony. When in about ISSO the Settlers' Constitutional Association was formed, he became one of its leading members, and both by his speeches and writings contributed largely to the success which culminated in the representative institutions granted to the colony in 1853; and when, under those representative institutions, it became the duty of the inhabitants of Wellington to elect a Superintendent, the Doctor's public career emphatically marked him as the most fitting person for that office. He was elected without opposition, and although afterwards opposed on more than one occasion, he continued therein until 1871, when he resigned in favor of the appointment of AgentGeneral in London.

During the same period Dr. Featherston sat in the House of Representatives, having been elected first for Wanganui and subsequently for the City of Wellington. His career in that House won for him the esteem of all parties ; for although he did not, from physical weakness, speak often, yet when he did speak his utterances were weighty, and were esteemed, too, with marked attention. His speech, in which he denounced the war of IS6O as " unjust and unholy" wall long be held in remembrance, and wasmainly instrumental insecuring that influence among the natives which was afterwards used so wisely and with such good effect. This was conspicuously shown in the preservation of peace in this province, and in the celebrated inland march of General Chute to Taranaki, on which occasion, though illness scarcely permitted him to sit his horse, he accompanied the Native Contingent, who would not have proceeded without him. During his ong parliamentary career he was repeatedly offered office, but only accepted it —the Colonial Secretaryship—on one occasion for a few weeks, to enable the Ministry to tide over the session, preferring always to remain I Superintendent of the province of Wellington. On several occasions he was sent on special missions to Australia and England, and was, I without exception, eminently successful in all of them.

While thus actively engaged in political I life, he was always ready to join in efforts for social advancement. Among other institutions he was one of the originators of the savings bank and of the Mechanics' Institute in Wellington, taking in their progress a lively interest, and contributing to it by his personal efforts. Until he became Superintendent Dr. Featherston practised his profession; and to the date of his leaving the colony his professional services w'ere constantly available to those who needed them. Thus, on one occasion, while returning home from the House of Representatives, a soldier's wife was taken in labor when crossing the Manukau bar, and hearing the cry, " Is there a doctor on board," he rendered in a moment all necessary assistance. Since Dr. Featherston's appointment in IS7I to the office of Agent-General, he has invariably justified the wisdom of the choice then made, by the rare ability he has shown in the discharge of the responsible, onerous, and delicate tasks that have been entrusted to him. His character as a gentleman and his value as a negotiator were admitted in the highest circles at Home, and procured for him the offer on one, if not on two occasions, of the honor of knighthood —an offer he did not see fit to accept. The honor he most coveted was the decoration of the New Zealand Cross, and although delay occurred in granting it to him, it is satisfactory to know that a few months siuce his wishes were gratified. We do not attempt to intrude on the sorrow which his family and personal friends must feel at the heavy loss they have sustained ; but we are sure that they will receive the truest sympathy from the very large circle who knew Doctor Featherston's rare and estimable qualities.

During the whole term of his residence in the colony Doctor Featherston suffered from constitutional weakness, having been in early life seriously threatened with consumption, to escape which he had twice previously visited Greec3 and the South of Europe. Latterly the tidings received of his failing health led to anxious fears on his account, and when by the last mail the Government heard of his more than usual weakness, they lost no time in beggiug him to take a long leave of absence, in the hope that a few months rest would lead to his restoration—a hope which the telegram received yesterday has so sadly disappointed. We believe his age was about sixty-three, and that he was born in Newcastle-on-Tyne.