NEW ZEALAND SPECTATOR AND Cook's Strait Guardian. Saturday, November 21, 187.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume XII, Issue 1284, 21 November 1857, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND SPECTATOR AND Cook's Strait Guardian. Saturday, November 21, 187.

' i'ntits.i.t. the Radical Reform party a a qiiet, to celebrate their success in ibe recent Provincial elections. Wo shall not

bo enabled to furnish a detailed account of the speeches until Wednesday. But a brief summary of the proceedings will furnish our readers with a vivid idea of the strength and prospects of that majority of the Provincial Council, which represents the united Modehates and Out-and-Out Reformers. About 200 persons sate down to dinner at 7 o'clock. Mr. George Moore was in the Chair, having Mr. Hunter, M.P.C., on his r i„ht, and Mr. Ludlam, M. P. C., on his left, hr prominent positions near the Chair were Messrs. Wakefield, Toomath, Allen, Bowler, Stokes, James Wallach, Varnham, Ashton St. Hill, Barry, Corbett, M‘M anaway, W. Phillips, M’Laogan, King, Carpenter, and Warburton, Members of the Provincial Council; Mr. Valentine Smith, M.H.R. for the Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa Districts; and the Maori Chiefs, E. Puni, William Tako, and Maniiieiia te Ngatoho. Dr. Welch fdled the Vice-Chair. The host, Mr. J. IL Horner, stood in front of the stage, to carve a magnificent Baron of Beef placed before tho Chairman. An excellent Amateur Band took its station in the centre boxes, and played polkas, galops, <tc., in very superior style during the repast. The side boxes were filled with ladies. The other de. corations, in the shape of banners, wreaths, and bouquets, were in the best possible taste, and produced a most agreeable effect. Grace having been said, the Chairman proposed the usual loyal toasts of “ The Queen,’' “Prince Albert and the Royal Family, “ The Army and Navy," and “ The Governor,' 1 each of which was received with three hearts cheers. The band played appropriate airs to each, and a graceful compliment was paid to the Irish by the selection of “ St. Patrick's Day in the Morning ” to follow the health of their fellow-countryman, Colonel Gore Browne.

11l giving the Toast of tlio evening, “Radi, cal Reform of the Provincial Government. 1 ’ the Chairman claimed credit for that Mode rate party in politics, to which he belongs, inasmuch as they had thrown their weight into the scale at the right time, and had stepped forward to secure “ the triumph of intelligence over arrogance." He coupled the toast with the name of Mr. Jerxinoham Wakefield, whom he complimented in the highest terms on the course of conduct by which he had guided the political mind to that union between the two sections of the Opposition, which gave it such irresistible strength. Both the toast, and this decided acknowledgement of the leadership in the movement, elicited deafening and repeated rounds of applause. Mr. Wakefield, in returning thanks, not so much for the personal compliment to himself as for the zeal and attachment shown towards the cause, spoke for about an hour, and was listened to with the deepest and most earnest attention throughout his address. The andienoe was much entertained with the contrast which lie drew between the present festive scene and a somewhat similar one which took place in the same hall, under the name of a “ Grand Reform Banquet,’’ on the Ist of March, 1819, and of which Dr. Featherston was the hero. He referred to the particulars of that event as recorded and depicted in the Illustrated London News of 19th'January, 1850. He traced the history of events from that period down to the present day, Dr. Feather, ston had been rewarded, in 1853, for his share in the efforts then made to obtain “ representative institutions ” by the unanimous gift of the highest elective office which those institutions enabled the people to offer himVery extensive executive powers had been yielded to Dr. Featherston by Provincial enactments, on the express condition that he should exercise those powers on the principle of “ Responsible Government.” Dr. Featherston's own recorded explanations, on numerous occasions, shewed that that system was understood to mean, “ government by the advice of persons enjoying the confidence of a majority of the people’s representatives.” Dr. Featherston and his colleagues almost immediately began to make a mockery and a delusion of that understanding, by packing the Legislature with a preponderance of paid officials, contractors, or persons otherwise directly dependent on the Government for advantageous favors. In 1855, a small knot of Reformers, in order to counteract so pernicious a practice, agitated for an immediate enlargement of the Council, which had been Unanimously agreed to by the Council itself when it first met in 1853, but postponed under various pretences by Dr. Featherston and his friends. They got a Memorial to that effect, signed by 459 persons, and ap. pointed a deputation of 12 to wait on Dr. F eatherston and urgo its prayer upon him, "'Uh the accompanying request that if his advisers continued to counsel delay in the matter, he should dismiss them and appoint others. In his written reply to them, Dr. Feather?ton first let the cat out of the bag; avowed ‘hat ho did not consider the Superintendent a niere cypher, solely guided by tho opinion of ms Executive ; and declared that bis supposed Responsible advisers ” were only “ col. leagues,” with whom he thoroughly agreed in policy. And he added a sneer at the Depute. Ron, by saying that ns its members had not been able to obtain scats in the Provincial Council, it was quite impossible for him to a .|® Riem as his advisers, even if he wen filling to dismiss his present ones. (Mr a kk|'Thld drew notice to the fact that />•< ‘? ut ol those twelve gentlemen are now mi ■ JerB of tho Provincial Council, name...

Messrs Bowler, King, James Wallace, M Manaway. and himself). The Featherstun party persisted in putting off the mea sure until close upon the end of the first four venrs; and, therefore, with a very few exceptions, the additional seats had been grasped without opposition by men so worthless, that Mie people hud shaken them off at the recent real elections, “ like chaff before the wind 1” Dr. Featherston and his associates having done little or nothing” in sound progress for the Province during the four years, although they were fertile in bombastic braggadocio, hit upon the expedient of borrowing large sums of money, . and legislating so as to extend the expenditure over the period during which the new elections were to take place. Mr. Wakefield confessed himself one of those who had viewed with id arm so unscrupulous a “ dodge,” and who bad despaired of the independence of the people under such temptation to be corrupted. 1 be apparent “ political apathy’ had appeared to him only a symptom of sileu o bought by self interest. At that, moment, Dr. Welch, displaying moral courage and independence lor which no terms of praise could be too stiong. defied all the abuse and odium thrown upon him, tried to arouse the people to a sense ol the evils under which they were labouring, and urged them to make an effort for redress. M r. Wakefield related the sentiments of first surprise,- then pleasure,— and at length unbounded admiration, with which he watched and perceived the increasing interest of the public in a desire for Reform ; winch forced him to acknowledge that he had been mistaken; that the people of Wellington had preserved their independence unsullied by the powerful temptations with which it was assailed; and which persuaded him that it would be a proud and hopeful task to join their ranks, either as a private or a leader. He drew a graphic sketch of the recent elec "mis from first to last; and then described the present position of affairs. There were two members for the Hutt,—Messrs. G, llahf and Wilcock, unavoidably absent: otherwise there would have been actually two thirds of the Legislature “ eating Radical Refoi m beef. ’ here was the hero of the former Reform Banquet? After trying to intimidate the electors from returning members opposed to his policy, by declaring he would not take advice from such persons, or resign, he had found those opponents chosen by large majorities, and his old Executive, re-appointed by him before the elections, ignominiously rejected, with the exception of Mr. Brandon, whose private means ol influencing votes in the Country District were yet too strong, and Mr. Fox. who had retired from his rejection by the Town to a seat for the rotten borough of Wanganui. Dr. I- iia’ITIeRsTON hao, perhaps, chosen the most prudent, if not the most gracious course, by getting away from the chance of further collision by consultation with the members He had hurried off to Ahuriri with his obedient servants, the Engineer of Roads and Chairman of Quarter Sessions, in order to try and cajole the, electors of that District, before they could becomewell acquaint, ed with the particulars of the crisis, by promises as tempting and as flimsy as those which he had made and broken here. He was probably preparing for the likelihood of a new writ for the election of Superintendent coming down in answer to the petitions against his return which had been despatched to Auckland. It behoved the electors also to be prepared for such an event. Even if Dr. Fcathirston were to eat his words, and offer to take advisers from among the opponents of his policy, there was not one among them who could now trust him for political honesty. Advisers, so chosen, would feel that the head of the Government could only be Irving to undermine them in secret, while pretending to work with them in public. Should there be a vacancy, I-T. Featherston must be opposed. It became the duty of the electors, and of the members in whom they had reposed their confidence, to seek out an opponent, whose qualifications for the office would secure a certain victory. A man must be found, well known to the colonists throughout the Province, and enjoying their respect and esteem for his consistent and honorable conduct through a long career of valuable services to the public, If such a man would declare his opinions on political affairs to be such, that both electors and members might feel convinced of his willingness and ability to work in harmony with the majority of the Legislature, victory was certain ; and the present unfortunate crisis might be terminated by an honorable and probably lasting peace. He believed such a man was to be found in ihe Province : and if so, he felt sure that the electors and members would press on him the duty of responding to their call, in terms so impressive as to overcome any unwillingness on his part. This unraistakeable allusion to Mr. Henry St. Hill, although the name was not uttered by Mr. Wakefield, was received with rapturous applause bv his hearers. He concluded by assuring the people that he and his colleagues had not been idle or remiss in their preparations for the forthcoming struggle. They had not confined their exertions to regaling themselves with such good fare as they had partaken of that night, or to making hopeful after dinner speeches. They had already held several business meetings, and begun to organize a plan of operations. Their opponents, he knew, were confidently calculating on an early “ split" in theirunited ranks. He was heartily glad to inform them that there was no prospect of such an event. On the contrary, every occasion on which he met, and consulted with, their allies of the moderate party, impressed him mere and more with the value of their alliance, and with the soundness of the coalition which had been so successfully accomplished. He found the leaders of the Moderate party to be distinguished for two qualities, eminently useful in popular polities. One was, that they were men who had exercised caution in their promises and professions before election, but who now shewed a zeal and spirit far beyond his hopes, and were ready, when elected, to go much further than they had promised or professed. The other was, that they were fully as ready as himself to base all their political action on the most candid, open, and unreserved interchange of opinions with the public. ! le r<'pi med for himself, ihnt hem efurth be .nhl liu-e no polilirid secrets from the people, ; I, '.i ' position he might bold in public. nl-

fairs. And he believed there was not one oftbl united party who would be behind him in that sentiment. Under these circumstances hi! felt confident that they should be able id agree on a policy which, whatever might bd its imperfections, they should not fear to Jay 1 before the public, so that neither “ spies in the camp ” could injure them by reporting theill tactics to the enemy, nor could their opponents deceive the people by pretending to adopt that policy and those tactics as their own. However much those opponents might deciy the abilities of the Radical Reformers to manage affairs ol State, and however little credit they blight give them for having ade quate talent among them, he could assure them that each man of the party was doing his best, according to the greater or less powers “f mind which God might have given him, to use those powers rightly for the benefit of the people who had so frankly and generously confided in them. The applause when Mr. Wakefield sate down lasted some minutes. The next toast, “The 12 Members for the City,” was acknowledged by Mr. Hunter, who was also received with the most cordial upplause. He confirmed, in the most decided terms, the statements of Mr. Wakefield, with legaid to the co-operation of the two sections ot Reformers, both with regard to large measures of Reform, and in the determination to support an opponent to Dr. Featherston, as to whom, he aptly observed, that he must either "give way” or "get out of the way." He also dwelt on the necessity for a more conciliatory demeanour on the part of the Provincial authorities, as well towards the other Provinces as towards the General Government.

Mr. Stores gave the health of “ The 5 Hutt Members,” which was responded to at great length by Mr. Ludlam. He stated his firm determination to resist Dr. Featherston's threatened hostility to the majority of the Council; and explained that One way toi “ bring him to book,” if he should spend any money after the 31st December, without calling the Council together and asking them for authority to do so, would be to sue him for any such sum in the Supreme Court. He was ready, for one, to take that course if necessary. He also related his experience of the treacherous conduct of Messrs. Fox, Feather ston, and Fitzherbert at Auckland, as mem bers of the House, of Representatives when they sold the Seat of Government by means of the “ Otago compact,” in order to secure the support ol 3 Otago and 8 Auckland members. He hoped the electors of Wellington would take an early opportunity of bringing their members in the General Assembly to book on that question ; and he should be'very glad to attend, and tell them all he knew on the sub ject. He had little doubt but that, after such an explanation, which those gentlemen had carefully avoided submitting themselves to in Wellington, until it was forced upon them by Mr. Valentine Smith, they would be asked to resign their seats, and could hardly fail tn comply with the request. He entirely concurred in the absolute need of more conciliatory measures towards the General Govern ment and the other Provinces.

Mr. Bowler, in giving the health of the “ 3 Radical Reform members for tho “Country Districts,” noticed the advantage gained to politics by the coming forward of young men like .Messis. James Wallace and Ashton St. Hill to take a part. He trusted that many a colonist's son was receiving such an education as would fit him to take an active part in public affairs. The former returned thanks, and explained that, although but raw recruits, they had found some of the strong, holds of the enemy only supplied with wooden balls, and guns that would’nt go off, and shells without fusees, that would’nt burst. They had fought their battles almost without the assistance of Mr. Wakefield or the other veterans : but, whether it was owing to the proverbially blind courage of young troops, or to the intrinsic goodness of their cause, the victory, as far ns it went, had proved much easier than they expected. Mr. Stokes proposed the health of‘‘Mr. V. Smith, member ot the House of Representatives for the Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay Districts.” That gentleman, in returning thanks, acknowledged himself to resemble ‘‘ the last rose of summer ” in respect of being tb.e only member of the General Assembly for this Province left who sympathized with the objects of the Reform party. His “ lovely companions ’’ might be “ faded and gone," but he trusted it would not be long before the electors of Wellington, the Hutt, and the Country Districts would call on those members to resign, who had supported Mr. Fox in the Otago Compact, by which the seat of Government was sold to the Auckland majority for their support. As to the Provincial struggle, he sympathized most sincerely with the Reform party. “ The Electors of the Province who voted for Radical Reform ” was given by Mr. Alien, and responded to by Mr. Atchison. Mr. Wakefield proposed the health of •‘ the Maori electors who voted for Radical Reform.” He described E Puni as an honorable gentlemen, whose name had, to the disgrace of those who did it, been put on Dr. Featherston’s Committee at the Hutt without in any way consulting him. The Maories well understood the subject of the monopoly of the public lands, and were thoroughly averse to any policy which tended to support it. Since they voted for the Radical Reform candidates, the Maories at the Hutt had been treated with much obloquy by the retainers of Dr. Featherston’s Government, and he trusted those, now present would, by their cordial reception of the toast, prove to the natives that they had gained many and warm friends by their intelligent and independent behaviour. The audience stood up, and gave several rounds of deafening applause.

E Puni, who, as well as the other Maori chiefs, wore a green-and-white cocknde on his breast, briefly acknowledged the compliment in his own language. Mr. R. J. Deigiiton interpreted his speech. He acknowledged the gratitude of himself and his people to “ the Wakefields" for the benefits they had conferred ou them by leading the colonization of the country by Europeans; and said that they were beginning to understand tho advantage’s ot the “Tikanga hou" or “now arrangement,” which enabled them to support tho good pro I osa’s made by Wakefield and Uunti.r vhom they accepted as "fathers" for them worthy ol their honor, confidence, and esteem Be was loudly cheered.

Mr. King gave “the health of Dr. Welch,” which was received with great enthusiasm by all present. In reply, that gentleman explained that he had not the least objection to be considered a “ warming pan," or “locum temns.' for a better man. Should a new writ come down in accordance with the petitions, and should an opponent be found possessing higher qualifications for beating Dr. Featherston, in consequence of being better known, be not only would be too glad to give wav, but he would tender his most earnest support to such a man.

Mr. Carpenter briefly gave the health of ‘the unsuccessful Reform Candidates,” and wished them better luck next time. Mr. Hughes, in reply, explained that he had withdrawn from the poll at the Wairarapa in order to secure the rejection of Mr. Revans. That object having been accomplished, he was satisfied.

Mr. Toomath proposed the health of “Henry >t. Hill, Esq., the chief Returning Officer for the Province.” Ho described the zeal, ability, and strict impartiality with which he had conducted the arduous and responsible duties of that important office throughout the first four years of the inauguration of our representative institutions, ami that without fee or rewind. He also pointed out the industry and integrity with which he had performed his I other duties Chief M ngistrate, combined | with several other offices, all requiring a man ol in I )e:m.~hi <1 impartiality. But. when an oc casinn occurred when he was called upon to exercise a political opinion, Mr. St. Hili had not llinchi.d from doing so in the most decided manner, giving good reason for what he did, and shewing that he had been an observant and reflecting spectator of the proceedings over wiiieh ho presided. He alluded to the casting vote, by which Mr. Revans was rejected at the 'laiiarapa. Looking to present circumstances. under which it became absolutely essential to dispose of Dr. Featherston, for his breach of faith in carrying out “ Responsible Government,” and for his unconstitutional attempt to dictate to the Electors, and threat to obstruct the action of their representatives, it became the duty of the people to select some man whose previous conduct would assure them of his desire to hold the balance impartially between contending parties, and yet whose opinions were generally so much in unison with theirs ns to secure his cordial and sincere co-operation with the majority of their representatives. Dr. A elch s manly avowal bad set him free to speal: on this subject : and, therefore, while he begged them to bear in mind the qualities by which a fresh candidate for the head of the Provincial Government ought to be distinguislied, he asked them in the meanwhile to acknowledge the existence of those qualities, in tie highest degree, in the gentleman whose health he now proposed. Loud and general applause replied to this appeal. Mr. Ashton St Hill returned thanks for his brother, and acknowledged with pride and satisfaction this cvilence ot the degree in which a man. by a caieer of honesty and rectitude, could secure the esteem and good-will ofhis fellow-citizens. He also urged upon the electors to continue their support of the veterans in whom they had declared their confidence, as otherwise the raw recruits, like himself, would be sadly discouraged in their efforts to help the-’ good

Mr. Ludlam proposed the “ Sister Provinces ■’with excellent taste and effect. Mr. M akefii-ld gave “the Ladies,"’ saying he believed the great majority of them warmly sympathized with the Radical Reformers, but that still they were too gallant not to extend every good wish even to the charming creatures who had used their persuasive powers in canvassing against them. Dr. Welch proposed the health of the Chairman, Mr. Moore, in very warm terms, which were acknowledged ly him. Three rattling cheers were given ftr Mr. Wakefield; “Auld Lang Syne ” and “ God save the Queen ” were played by the band ; and the entertain, inent concluded at about a quarter past two o’clock,