REFORM BANQUET.
Ox Thursday evening, the 19th instant, the Radical Reform party held a banquet at the Lyceum Theatre to celebrate their success nt the recent Provincial Elections. About 209 persons sate down to dinner at 7 o’clock. Mr. George Moore was in the Chair, having ?dr. G. Hunter, M.P.C., on his right, and Mr. Lvdlam, M. P. C., on his left. In prominent positions near the Chair were Messrs. Wakefield, Toomatii, Allen, Bowler, Stokes, James Wallace, Varnham, Ashton St. Hill, Barry, CoitDE’rr, away, W. Phillips, JVPLaggan, King, Carpentek, and Wauri kton, Members of the I’rovincitil Council; Mr. Valentine Smith, M.H.R. for the Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa Districts; and the Maori Chiefs, E. Funi. William Tako. and Maniheka te Ngatoro. Dr. Welch filled the Mcc-Chair. The host, Mr. J. 11. Horner, stood in front of the stage, to carve a magnificent Baron of Beef placed before the Chairman. An excellent Amateur Band took its station in the centre boxes, and by tin ir excellent music contributed very much to the evening’s enjoyment. The sideboxes were filled with Italics. The room was decorated with wreaths, banners, and bouquets, in the Lest possible taste, and the lout ensemble prod need a most agreeable ctTcct. Grace having been said, 'I he Chairman rose and said—lt is our duty as it sh( uld be our pleasure and our pride, as loyal subjects, to devote the first least Io cur gracious Queen, accounting it one of our proudest and happiest privileges to live under the bwr.y of su wise, virtuous, and beneficent a Sovereign; 1< ng nr:y Now Zealand boast that, tin ugh the most distant spot of that glorious Empire upon which the sun never sets, it is one <>f the most loyal; and ever distant be the day when he who shall dare toneme cur beloved Sovereign in aught but terms of loyal devotion and respect shall be tolerated amongst us. I Gentlemen. ’’TlieQucen,” long may she lire in the hearts of an nfleetionate and grateful people. Drank with loud cheers.—The Band playing God sore the Queen !
'I he ( iiaikman said—Next in order, ns in duty bound, I have to propose lo y*u tlic health nf “ Albert, Prince Consort, and the Royal Family.” The worthy and illustrious Consort of our beloved ()ucen merits at the hands of her failhiul subjects all honor a:id ptaise for the manner in which he fills his exalted station. Ever foremost in great and good works; ever ready to promote science, learning, the arts < I peace, and ihe welfare of his fellow men, to whom he sets a bright example. May the virtues ot theii great and good parents be transmitted io their illustrious family, and may they for ages be the pr de and glory of I he British Empire. 'l‘hree cheers. Air, — Prince Albert's March. The Chaibman I have now to propose to you the“Atmy and Navy,”—words of themselves expt cssive enough to raise feelings of pride, pleasure, and giatitudu in every Biitish heart towards those brave men who were ever ready to—and had so lately—shed their best blood in defence of our country and its just rights. The heroic deeds of the la’e war would add numberless bright pages to tlie history ol our country. Especially as colonists have we to Lu giateful for the safety and protection we have ever enjoyed from (hem in this dis'ant corner ot the Empire. Three cheers. Air, — British Grenadiers, Jltde Britannia. '1 he Chairman said—l have now the honor Io propose the “ health of his Excellency the Governor of New Zealand.” You will, I am assured, receive this toast with all honour, loyalty, and respect fur the rtpresentniivc uf her Majesty, and the
head of the Government, of tho Colony. For my own pait I could wish that wc knew a little more personally of his Excellency—that we had seen a little more of him, and he a little more of us (cheers). It may be that the political atmosphere has not quite agreed with him hitherto, 1 hope that the climate in that respect is fast changing for the better (cheers), and that when his Excellency next visits us he will find it much more congenial; al any rate, I fed assured that his Excellency may cmnt upon a warm welcome (cheers), and that he will find us as loyal, patiiotic, just and liberal, as nny community in these islands. I hope the day is not far distant when he may find it convenient, fitting, and proper, to take up his permanent abode amongst us (cheers). I fool that it is only a question of time, that it is the ‘‘good time coming,” and I trust to come very soon. Three cheers. Air, — St. Patricks dag in the morning. The Chairman said—Having disposed of the routine toas-s. I have now to call upon you to fill bumpers for the important toast of this evening. And now, feeling how utterly unable I am to fitly discharge the responsible duties of my position, I must claim your sympathy and indulgence for anv shortcomings you may find therein ; I feel sure, in- 1 deed, that I may count upon them for the toast. — ‘’Success to the Radical Reform of the Provincial Government,” (torn! and continued cheering). Disliking, es I have ever done, to take so prominent a part in public matters, my own wishes would have prompted me to abstain from doing so now, but they have been set aside by more weighty considerations; fust, the urgent solicitations of many valued friends, whose active exertions in thecause entitled them to every support and assistance f rom all who to any extent agreed with them ;—then, the conviction that it is at all times the duty of a citizen to yield his own wishes so far as he consistently can to his public duly; but most of all, because it proved that lhe movers in thisgreat political change were desirous to fully identify themselves with that moderate party in politics to which I have always belonged, and in that sense especially J felt bound to accede to their flattering request, and to lend to them whatever my humble aid and assistance could afiord. It has generally been the f. shion hero to sneer at the im derate men, to call them milk and water politicians, political nonentities, —‘‘ne’ther fish, or flesh, or fowl, or gi od red herring,” and the like (cheers and laughter). But while I see in crises like lhe present the moderate men counted upon by a’.l shades of party, and all classes of men, Io come in and ci.untcrbalance any undue preponderance nf party or party measures, and thus, as it were, keep the vessel of the State in trim, I shall always believe in their beneficial influence; ] hope they may ever form a large party, and that 1 may be always found in their ranks. Gentlemen, a great political victory has been won (great cheers) —join with me in the ardent wish that moderati* n and conciliation may be the nu tto, and be inscribed on the banners of the victorious paity (cheers). I am quite sure that the want of these qualities has much contributed to the defeat cf our opponents; let us profit by their example—let us avo’d the rocks on which they have split (cheers). But the great cause of success was to be found in lhe masterly generalship ?nd great political ski’d of him under whose lead this great triumph of intelligence over arrogance and intolerance had been achieved (hear, hear). You know to whom I allude. I have no cause to name him now, but will do so presently. Upon the possessor of such eminent talents, one so admirably qualified to become a leader ir. lhe community, devolved a heavy responsibility for their right u.-e and due exercise. 1 feel hound to express my ardent wish ami expectation that he may so use his great, talent as to gain the largest amount of honour and renown to himself, and the largest amount of prosperity for th< Province and I.is fellow colonists. 1 will now give you the toast, —“Success to the Radical Reform of the Provincial Government, joining with the toast the name « f Mr. Edward .1 esningiiam W akf.fif.i d.” (Loud and prounigtd cb.-ers fur several minutes). Air, — Thties a good U.ue cou<lt:g t Logs. Mr. V,' AKr.rir.LD rose, and was cheered. He said—■ have fir.-t to thank Mr Moore fi'r the highly com; liu-cnt'-.r-. terms in which hi lir.s spokm of pie, m.d yc:t L>r your cordial leecpiitm »»t my uame; i» ’>• r.<’t so much f<>i my-R-if I ;h;.iik vw. f t .v lhe- et’denee v.! i.-’.! y< nr cuii.usia-m i.fli.rds niothot you stf'l retain the snire zeal and untiling tnergy in the c?i so whose sue-
co.sful n:ai(h wo ;’c centbra’.ifg. I fcii. iuaetd. rot like a gene ral c.tllcd to rcnivo t!eth;uks<: Parliament fur the national triumphs acliicvei! l-.v his nirny ar.d himself, but lather like a geu.er «• ca ted io the front of the assembled army itse'.f, and leo.iiit d to sum u;> to his brave v.;;rr:c;s Unoriginal causvs uf tic war; to reinie wmit were ■|;e inet ntives to valour and perret franco: lc. 1 dp-eiil.c- the vaiious grounds <•! battle, tcgc'lici i with the undulating nature of the fields on which , the battles were fought; to point out the met;ns by which past victories were obtained ; to hold out the prospects ot the coming campaign, whether as to the open field or to possible hidden ambushes; and, finally, to give an opinion oftho hope which may fairly be entertained of eventually obtaining an honourable and ] erhaps a lasting peace. For such are the terms on which I, for cue, have accepted any position of leadership which may be assigned «o me by the warriors; the teims of tb.e most frank, candid, and unreserved communication with yon on all possible occasions, r.s to all matters of public importance (cheers). I repeat that henceforth you may be assured that, in whatever po>itp n I may be—in power, or net in power —in a majority or in a minority—l can have no secrets from the public on public affairs, no mysterious councils, or matters concocted by some little set of two or three, —but everything in confidence as generous and thotough-going as that which you have shown me (loud rheus). And I believe? I can answer for similar feelings on the part of those with whom I am now acting (cheers). When 1 look round this Hail, and think that I am called on to return thanks for “ Radical Reform of the Provincial Government.” I cannot help being reminded of a somewhat similar banquet, which was also called a “ Grand Reform Banquet,” and which look place within these very walls about eight years and a half ago, namely, on the Ist of March, ISIP, —although under somewhat diflerent circumstances, and with somewhat different persons for lhe principal performers. 1 have had curiosity enough to look up a picture and description of that event, which were published in the Illustrated London News of January 12, 1850, which 1 have on the table before me. It appears that the foimer Banquet was in celebration of a petition having been prepared to ask the British Parliament for Representative Institutions. ‘‘Nearly 200 guests’’ are described to have “ sate down ton sumptuous dinner prepared by Mr. Howland Davis.” Well! Mr. Davis, the then host, is now a member of the Provincial Council of the neighbouring Province of Canteibury ; and 200 guests have sat down to a sumptuous dinner prepatcd by Mr. Horner and Mr. Peter Laing (cheers.) The painting is described as having been then done by Mr. Marriott: 1 believe the present designs were also painted bj him, although the decorations and banners have now been added by diflerent hands. 1 find “an excellent amateur band was in attendance, and scvetal songs were sung by Mr. Pickett and other gentlemen you have heard that our amateur baud is also an excellent one, playing most appropriate airs; and I trust that Mr. Pickett, or sotr.e other guntiemen, will enliven the occiuion by their voices (hi ar and laughter). After dinner there were the usual loyal toasts, “drunk with tho usual hunois.” The si.me thing has happened tonight. 'J he colonists of New Zealand always have huen, and always will be, loyal toiler Majesty, and to her Bepiesentativcs, however much 'hey may differ with their rulers for the time being as to the manner in which they are tube governed (cheers). I find lin y had “a toastmaster” on that occasion ; and so have we on this: we are great hands at ft 1lowing gold (xamtdts (laughter), 'lhe toast of the evening was “ Bepreseutative Institutions, and their immediate introduction,” which was received with “tremendous cheering.” And now we have io mark the contrast between the two occasions. 'then, the hero of that popular demonstration was Dr. I’latherston. I will not comment on thcargummts by which he advocated the introduction ol those institution : because, if I had been at that Banquet, I should have thoroughly agreed with him in all that he said; because, indeed, I was at the time, and had bcm for several years previously, doing my humble share in England, in co-operation
with many oT.crs, towards the very same ohjet t. 1 eannoi Lip h-p’e callins your attennon to the Diet, tin'it Dr. Featherston nn<l his friends lune been nlr.ovs verv anxious Io claim for themselves all the credit ol having obtained that boon ; but hove been verv unwilling l» acknowledge the share which mnny others—some now here, some still in England or elsewhere.—have also taken in the wmk. V- <’ are deeply indebted Io many men of noble mind, who have in the must disiniercsiet way exerted themselves in this cause, and some o whose individual efforts Imre had more real cliict on the result, ihan the whole of those battles and “ st i ugg les” in the name of which the rcathersloii lot have been claiming all the merit for themselves alone, until we are sick of hearing the subject harped upon (loud cheers). I m»« mat Mr’ Vincent, the then proprietor ot the Independent newspaper, made the next speech, giving “ the health of the gentlemen who declined seats m the Nominee Council,” namely, Mr. Eox (then pr ncipal agent of lhe New Zealand Company); Mr. Alexander Al Dmiald, (then Manager of the Union Bank); Dr. Featherston. Captain Daniell, Mr. John Johnston, Mr. K. Bethune, and Mr. Weld. It is curious that I shall piobably have to join you all presently in chinking the healths of three gentlemen who accepted seats in the Nominee Council (laughter). 1 mean our worthy Chairman, Mr. G. Moore (cheers); and two of your most honored guests this evening, Mr. Hunter and Mr. Ludlam (cheers), who have been placed at the head of lhe poll by the electors respectively of the two important c msiitucniies of this City and the Hutt (loud cheers). The explanation is, that while tho self-styled “champions” of free institutions have so worked them as, to secure ail power, place, and patronage for their own selfish aggrandizement, and have constantly denounced ihe ‘•Nominees’’ as marked men who were tV.encefmth unfit to take pari in public aflairs, those vei v Nominees are now amongst the leading men who have stepped forward to put an end to such a corrupt ami stii-seiking system, and to secure that the benefits of these institutions shall be wielded ar.d ci joyed, rot by one particular little set of men, —but by the people themselves, anti for the benefit of thepeop e at large (loud cheering). Mr. Fox then gave “the Education of all classes,” and Mr Brandon “Auckland and lhe Sister Settlements,” You remember how, when the majority uf the people in this town believed in the professions of Dr. Fenthersion and his supporters, and therefore elected him and two men of the same kidney to represent you in the General Assembly, he gloried in the result as “ the triumph of intelligence over ignorance.” But when, the other day, the working-classes who compose that majority shewed their improved intelligence by rejecting both Dr. Featherston and his obedient servants, including Mr. box. Mr. Bran.den told a snug little meeting of country electors that the result of the poll in town showed how much the people required education ! (great laughter). 1 will conclude my remarks on this account of the former meeting by observing dial the j icture in the Illustrated News is an exaggeration in the style of the Independent newspaper, which always spei-ks of this little Province as an “ Empire Sta'e.” and extravagantly pulls eveiythiiig belonging to it. The hall there represented is rather such a one as we should like to see in the town than any ’Bat either wi.s in it nt that time or exists row (laughter). But let us ask where is the hero of iha» Reform Banquet? Why is he not here now, still advocating lhe cause of lleform, and aiding in popular movements? Why is he u<» lunger amongst you, and his name—his very ollicc —excluded from those toasts to which y u arc incliucd to do honour? lh cause he has taken every opportunity to ar,use those powers which you gave him as the futing reward of his exertions at that period (loud chceis). In 1853, when tb.e (Tnslimiicn was inaugurated, even those who did not t iitin ly agiee with Dr. Featherston as a politician, made up their minds not to oppose lum, but tu let b’.m have a fair trial Very large extcu.iivu p'.Aveis. —nut granted to the f*U| c:mienby ti’t Const.n-.ticn Act, —were coiu'ericd iip-.r. him by Provincial laws, but < n clear and y ••li-v.Hch rsic<‘d conditions. Iln sc vine, that ho v i-uL; c.\-»cisu Hu m accoroit g to what is called ” lict-p-i s bl'? Gc.vcinn.viit.” J need m>t mv-t*. any oi.eti <|.u i.uir;e:cus instances in vih ch Dr. Fu;: , i;'i>:<»• |-as given us. in l> sown words and his n luii.G-writing, hi i .xph imtiun < f ui at be ::n m i.ilct.'l L? lhe (ieclaia ion-io ih.i’ufit ct which he 4 !..ade. Ndoi.pulo lien heard thtiu, or v. ho now rt ads them, will doubt that he thereby declared that lie would govern by the advice ot per•<‘Us j « '-.-c-ssing tb.e «ui:fidur.ce, and sanctioned by ’.he val. of the nujir’ny 'f the Lfgis’nturv fh.’id (burrs). On th< se cot di’icns. and on tb.eir apyarcLt ‘utfi’mcnt at fast, lhe poucis oi the Supeiinter.dei.i wore cohsiaiilJy and continually cnla:g(d F< r ii.s’ai'ce, at ;east eve y uthir law yiv.-sl.im ti e power tn pn claim when and where ihe law itself shall come into operation; aid he was endowed with power to cnnstiiute any new ofiices he pleased, and appoint the efhceis, and among others the auditors of lhe public accounts, and to instruct them bow to examine whether he and his party had spent the money properly. Aa very early period, these sham ch. mpicns of free institutions converted the abme condition into a mere mockery and delusion by packing the small Council—then only nvmbv ring I:—with such a preponderance c.f ; aid < flicials, contractors, and other persons diiectly or not. very indin ctly interested in Government expenditure or other favors, that the majority of the Council had but one voice, and that to do precisely what lhe Government hade them. A small band of Pefwirners then sprang up, so few in number, so derid< d by the adherents <4‘ the all-poweiful Goverumer-t, that mnr.y persons, alttoiioh sympathizing with their i•-. dan d not uin them openly. These Reformers bent their whole energies upon obtaining, as a necessary first step to further reform, an enlargement of lhe Council Such a measure had hern agH-e.l upon unanimously by the Council itself in December, 1853: hut under various excuses »i.d pretences Dr. !• < atherston and his friends managed to put f fl U.e evil day for them from time to time. In August, 18'55, the Reformers, after great trouble and opq)O!>itioD, precured 4.59 signatures to a memorial on ihe subject addressed io the Superintendent, and prevailed on a Deputation of 12 persons to wait upon him with it. He was thereby mged to take the necessary steps for enlaiging the Council without further delay, and, if his then advisers should continue to counsel postponement to dismiss them and appoint others, whom lhe Memoriansts engaged to support. I hold in my hand a copy of the Superintendent’s written reply to that Memorial. It was here that he first Jet the cat out of the bag, to the (fleet that lie had no intention of carrying out “ Responsible Govcii'inent ”in any honest and tiuthful spirit, but only so long as it might serve the party pm poses of himselfand a few men wl o agreed with him on Provincial aflairs (Cheers), Here are his woids .—
“ In reply to the seggestion H at lie should djfm'ss his present advisers, and call io bis Exe< uiive oih> r gentlemen,—the Superintendent said, lhat lhe memorialists appeared to labour under the impression ilift »l;e Superijjtendi nt was a mere cjplier—had no will of his own, but was solely guided by bis Executive. He was g'ad, there fete, <it an oppoitunily Io disabuse their minds (>f meb an impmsion, audio declare that he was net only equally lespousible wi b h s »o!kagucs f<r all the acts of Ute Govcrrmcnt since he bad assumed its administia. lion, but that he would never, as Superintendent, carry out a policy of which l;e disapproved, or measures which he be;u veil to be injurious to lhe I’lovince.” That was tho first intimation given that he would •■■omt* day behave as be has recently done (cheers). Then he proceeded to sneer at ihe meinbeis of the I)( put alien, as follows :— •‘ Bui supposing that be were willing to get rid of his present advisers, and to call to Ihh Executive Council uiembeis of the depuration, ibry bad placid it out of hts power to do so. For under responsible governmci t the chit f members of lhe Executive mi.st have feats ■» ihe Legislature ; iint<l therefore they obtain seats in rhe Provincial Council, iiwa«dearly impossible tor Inin to place Aon in tb.e ]■ xceutive.'’ (Cheers and laughter). It is somewhat rcnnnkablu ihatyide (an of the 12 who ermpr sed that deputation aie now members of the Provincial Council namely, Mr. Bt wler, Mr. King, Mr. Janies allace, Mr. MT'dauaway, and my self (loud cheering). , On the other hand, out of the five members of Dr. I* cat heist on’s present Executive C< uncil, threr have been finally rejected by ti e constituencies o‘ he City, the Hutt, and lhe Ypinn;i]>a, Darnel’ Messrs. \\ eooward, Fiizheibeit and Revnns, whih a hiurili, Mr. Fox, has ictiicd firm his disgiaci fu defeat m li e City t 0 the sort i.f wi hcnie which t corrupt Government borough like Wnngnnu: would alone an O p to give him (cl eers) Hov comes it that these men, just because they happen
to agree with Dr. Featherston, have not “nk ». out of his power ” to call them to his PHU - 11 How is it tbnt un.ler his Ki'spcinsible' Gov,.n ? ”ilio chiol inembersol the Executive 7, m „ oZ in the L>’gisl:itiire,”nn<lyeiiiis Iro r'clein!vh„, • hie for him Io place /Aon in the I'xecnt vc?’ n”'cheers and laughter). So D t . FenffiX ? pimed the ciilmgenient of the Council nud 1 1 ‘ untied to receive Imper mid larger powers lion, ,’i"‘ ■mall Cmmcil which he had nhm.st «h„| v o ‘j o <d. Whim nt length the Council wn SI "& 7 was so mar lhe end of ns ie lln . that neilher did lhe electors cure much who filled the ncldiii.. senls, nor did more than a lew men of polin '.' ability and independence come forward ns can p dates. 'J hose new seals were thcrefoie filled in 2 great measure by men, whose worthlessnessf ()r t i. purpose I will i oi endeavour to describe, other 6 wise than by saying that, at the recent elections tho people, really taking »n interest in selecting persons fit for lhe situations, shook ofl’ every one <f those creatures, like chaff before the wind! (great cheering). The enlarged I ouncil being thus form, ed, and the end of its term of office approaching the Featherston party, having done little or nothing tn reality for the good of the Province —for what they have dene in four years is absolutely nothing for no long a term in the history of any m w country, and compared with the progress which ought to be made in that time —devised the notable scheme of borrowing large sums of money by means of a Count il sure mhave a large majority subservient to them, and of spreading the expenditure of those sums over the petiod during which the new elections were fo take place. I confess that 1 was one of those who when I saw that, they had not scrupled to adopt such a course, despaired of any good io be done until ihe money should be spent I was often asked at. that lime, “can we take any step towards Reform ?” and i always answered,N o f j f car that it is for ihe pt esent out of ;he question.” I did indeed fancy lhe expenditure would spread corruption into ever.\ class of the community ; that every man would have, as it were, half-a-crown in each eye, five shillings iu his tm.uth, and perhaps some wool in each eai.—-o that he could neither see, speak, nor heir (cheers and laughter). Itappeared, indeed, as hough, uhater er the five or six independent niett.be: s in ihe Council might do, the public at large was uttuily inciikrent as to whether their efforts wetc successful or not, utterly unwiling to ex| ri'ss an opinion as to what was done, either by the Government or tho Opposition. Just before the elections both the local newspapers declared that tlure was no principle at stake between the two parties, and that there could be no questions at issue beyond those of personal preference for one man or set of men over another. This was called “political apathy ;’.’ but to me it appeared lhe silence of a community concealing its convictions because self-interest had outweighed them. It was just then that a brave man stepped forward without caring whether he might succeed or not’ and, standing nearly alone, boldly challenged the people to listen to the relation of the grievances under which they were suffering, and urged them to mal e efforts for tediess. Ol course, I mean Dr. Welch (cheers), to whom I, for one, —and I am not the only one—must always feel deeply giateful for the im ra! courage and independence which he displayed in that critical state of public (.flairs (great cheering). He defied the shower of personal abuse poured upon him,—steadily fought his way through ridicule, backbiting, and unscrupulous misrepresentation of his motives, and persevered till he b.ad obtained the ear of a large portion of the public. I did not feel much confidence even then. I first perceived the mighty change which was coming over the spirit of the people, on the occasion when 1 was presuming enough to propose that “new man” on the hustings, notwithstanding the fierce invectives launched by the Government (flicials at him, and at anv one who should date so to “outrage ” the public (cheers). V hile I was addressing the throng, I saw the faces of many persons, whom i had known to be formetly wedded to the Government and opposed to ail reiorm, beaming with delight at the prospect of a serious and effective opposition. And from that day forth, as public meet ngs and ihe verb us incidents of preparation fir the contest brought oui the popular feeling cure ami more, 1 fe'.t, first surpiisr—then incteasirg pluasurt—.-nd. ia.-tiy, unfit ur.dcd admiration at the in hie character of the people of Wellington, who had not only preserved their “intelligence” unclutiikd bv the various stratagems practised in order to confuse it, but had also so cherished their it.depei.deuce of mind as to remain uncorrtipled by ihe sevete temptations with which it was a-sailed. I then ielt that this was indeed a community in whose cause it would be worth while to make renewed cflorts; that it was lime again to buckle on the armour of politic?,—once more to draw the sword.—to raise a standard under which recruits might gather,— to shout a war-cry,—and to fight, —wiicib.et as a private in the ranks, or. if chusen, as a leader,—at any rate, as one of the army with whom temporary defeat would be no disgrace, but whose many high qualities must sooner or later ensure the victory, (Loud and continued applause ) I need not repeat to you the details of the diflerent contests wh ch er sited. Y< urfirst victory was won in this City, by |the majority on the poll against Dr. Featherston. I cannot omit to notice the important part which ‘| the Irish Brigade ” played in gaining that first fioM. ’lT.cir behaviour, throughout, lias been that of n manly, intelligent, and orderly body of citizens, who felt that they bad been ill-treated, and who steadily persevered in their determination to obtain redress There is no doubt that they did g<«od service ; and though all the electors, of whatever race, did their work equally well, I shall never he ashamed of having encouiaged and co-operated with the Irish in their special efii.r’s. The more I am blamed for it, - • the more I am subjected to the ridiculous accusation of exciting discord between races, by having sympathized with the resentment of one of them lor a signal injustice,—the more convinced am I that I acted tigbily, and the more clear is my determination to act precisely in a similar manner, should like ch eumstanc.es evef occur again (cheers). The Government party took so many foolish steps that it really seemed as if some Providence had . determined their downfall, and had according to ' the proverb,—“ Quos deus vull perdere, prius demental."—caused them to begin by losing t‘ ieir wits. You all know what unpopular men they managed to hit upon, one after the other, whom they bought with flattery or an office, hoping to secure voles in one way or another by means oi them. I shall only take one instance of these,— a remarkable one. Dr. Featherston used to be one of those who thought that the missionaries had not been the most serviceable among the early settlers: because so many of them having acquired power : and land from the natives, and fearing that they ■ might lose a good deal of both, had in various > ways obstructed the colonization of ihe country by huge bodies of settlers. But about a year ago, on taking the chair at the Wes cyan Missionary mcet- . ing, he seemed lo have entirely (hanged * us JiP 1 * nion: for he then and there described the Mis- ; siotmries as having been the most useful 'instiumen s 1 of civilization and colonization. It is a curious coincidence that the Rev. Janies Buller slioti have come forward as so eager a pariizan ot • Featherston and his Government at the late ele : tioiu. I hold in iny hand a printed copy of in? setnicn on “Tine Patriotism,” which was ve y politely' sent to me “with ihe authors comp ments ” (laughtei). I have read it, and doing . has entirely confirmed the opinion which 1 ( ?’ j ftom the i eport given to me by P, prs< V?V| A ,!L n it preached, that it was a thorough set » and that we wore perfectly justifnd in , veco 'd‘ “ «ur marked disapproval of bis denunciation . cause from tl»e pulpit (cheers). 1 need only you oue extract, frcin page 11. He ihere say • “ Wiiat is comnwuly called a Badicnh c ’d ,cr I( ' , i , g lußvcnJw polilicF, isn dangcfouK character, (laugh'eij. j(j (lc6truc . (.fall order, and government, and law. H q ( . r jt.ture and non.’ It isoppoKcd equally to the aching oibtriptu* the intcrcbls ol society.” • ..1 langur, and cries tai parson /”). New if that is ut üboi < • , ./• rin argument as ever rm or lurtnigs ngnmsi fc.ww «I">‘ “Kadienl lietor».eri>, I 1 1 only <»'« (cheers and laughter). VW], ’j” 1 ' V om to a ng many cases in which the' t ] lrlll gh secure polil.cal influence signa l> ' .. lse |ecieil. ' imjhciinry or uiisuiiablencss of the p r> but prclmbly the grwucsl blunder ; 1C | IIIB |jngs lie<;lCClo(S
rcturnit';' liu-mb/" <’ ">policy, by i ! .n.r hn would i?Hher take advice from such 11,,c111 fe , r resicn threatened a “Dead lock.” 'vlntwas the retid ?. He 'e u "<’ .'hose opponents i . n in- 'tPiee iiAjoritics; and his old Executive. ‘. by D n .elections, ignomini1C *ll roiccted the exception of Mr. Brandon, ri -te.nouns of influencing votes in the r'XvDistrSl are yet too strong, and Mr. Fox, ..." t.A retied h°m his rejection by the Town to for rotten borough of Wanganui (cheers). Two n< ml^ s for lhe 1,1,11 ~ Mcssrs ’ G - Hart and Avilcock a-c unavoidably absent; otherwise there '...i.i ij’ve been actually two-thirds of the I.cgis-l-Uiiie--- 0 out °* 30—eating' Radical Reform beef wilh ?ou to-night (loud and prolonged cheering). 1Z does Dr. Featherston not send those gen'lenieii about their business who have not been returned t > seats in the Provincial Council? (cheers), V.hv docs he not dismiss Mr. Woodward, Mr. Fiizhcrbcrt, and that example of “wilddog’s” conduct on the public hustings, Mr. Rt-vans? (cheers and laughter). Ar. Holdsworth was also rejected. He promised to resign his office if he were elected : but as you have in the strongest leimsexpressed your disapproval <)f him, iheiefore Dr. Featherston not only keeps him in it, but gives him another besides which he bad given to Major D’Arcy, apparently only so long as he might make it a means of electioneering for their party (groans). Dr. Featherston appears to have chosen lhe most prudent, if not the most gracious course, by getting away from the chance of further collision by contuhatiun with the members. He has, lam told, hurried off .to Ahuriri with his obedient servants, the Engineer of Roads and Chaiunan of Quarter Sessions, in order to try and cajole the electors ot that District, before they can become well acquainted with the particulars of lhe crisis, by promises as tempting and «s flimsy as those which he has so often made and broken here. He is probably preparing for the likelihood of a new writ lor the election cf Superintendent coming down in answer to (he petitions against his return which have been despatched to Auckland. it behoves the electors also to prepare for such an event. Even if Dr. Featherston were to eat his own words, and offer to take advisers from among the opponents of bis policy, there is not one among them who could trust him for political honesty. Advisers so chosen w< uld feel that the head of the Government could only be trying to undermine them in secret, while pietending to work with them in public. Should there be a vacancy, Dr. Featherston must be opposed (cheers), 'lhe only policy now to follow, is that which I have so of ten recommended to you, — namely, like a bull-dog, to fly at Me head, without regard io the limbs, fasten on, and never let go till you have pulled lhe whole beast down (great cheering and laughter). But this is a case in which yon cannot pull down one edifice without putting up another instead. It becomes your duty, and that of the members in whom jou have reposed your confidence, to seek out an opponent, whose qualifications for the oflice will secure a certain victory. A man must be found, well-known to the colonists throughout the Province, and enjoying their respect and esteem lor his consistent and honorable conduct through a long career of valuable services to the public. If such a man will deciare his opinions «n political aitaiis to be such, that we may all feel convinced of his willingness and ability to work in harmony with the majority of the Legislature, victory is certain: and the piesent unfortunate crisis my be terminated by an honorable and probably lasting peace. 1 be'ieve such a man is to be found in the Province : and if so, 1 feel sure that we shall press on him the duty of responding to our call, in terms so impressive as to overcome any unwillingness on his part (prolonged cheering). Let me now assure you that we Lave not been idle or remiss in pi eparing for the forthcoming struggle. We have not confined our exertions to regaling ourselves with such good fare as was here before us, or to making hopeful after dinner speeches. We have already held several business meetings, and begun to organize a plan ot operations. Our opponents, I know, are confidently ca'cul.ning on an early “split” in our united ranks. lam heartiiy glad lo infmm you that there is no prospect <>f such an event. Un the contrary, every occtis'-on on which I meet, anil consult with, <'*.ir allies ol the moderate party, -.mpiess me more and more with the value of iheir alliance,and with the soundness of the coalition which has been so successfully accomplished. 'l he leaders of the Moderate patty are distinguished for two qualities, eminently useful in popular politics. . One is, that they are men who exercised can ton in their promises and profession- before election, but who have since shew cd a zeal and spirit far beyond my hopes, and v.ho now go much further than they then promised or prolosed (cbeeis). lhe other is, that they ate f:s ready is myself to base all their political action on the im st candid, open and unreserved interchange of opinions with lhe public. I repeat, for myself, that henceforth J can have no political secrets from the people, whatever position I may hold in public affairs. And I believe there is not nine of the united party who would be behind me in that sentiment. (Cheers.) Under these circumstances I ieel confident that we shall be able to agree on a policy which, whatever may be its imperfections, we shall not fear to lay before the public,i so that neither “spies in the camp ” c:n injuieius by reporting our tactics t<; the enemy, nor can our opponents deceive j on by pretending to adopt that policy and those tactics as their own. 1 low ever much they may decry the abilities of the Radical Reformers lo manage affairs of State, and however little credit they may give them lor having adcqv.a’e talent among them, I can assure you that each man of the parly is doing his best, according to the greater or less powers of mind which God may have given him, io use those powers rigl fly lor the benefit of the people who have so frankly and generously confided in us. I again thank you, from my heart, for year entire enthusiasm in the cause ol “Radical Reform.’’ Mr. AV akc field sate down amidst long-continued applause.
After Mr. Wakefi dd’s speech Dr. AA'eich sang the following song, which was deceived with great laughter and applause. A REAL REFOBM BANQUET SONG. y Tune—“ The. good old days of Adam and Ere." Written for the occasion by King Isaac’s I’oet Laurente, find dedicated by permission to His Majesty’s Executive Council. On dear, oh dear, how very strange ’(is, Every day brings forth some chaugcH,— Ups and downs, and alterations, Political plans and speculations,—. Flats asleep or kindly dreaming; Sharps awake employed in scheming, How to make a sprat a bloater, And the very best bait that will catch a voter. Oh dear, oh dear, with truth I sag, ,Saint thing new starts ettry dag. Here’s Wellington with a lot of new notions, All from swallowing the Welchman's potions; For mure than a month neither business nor bills Have been able to compete with Ins Radical pills: They have played the devil with political cocks, bitz to the right about, and frightened Fox; In fact, their insides have been so jolted, That the chief cried Crikey! and the others bolted. Oh dear, oh dear, \c. Some more great men in love with mammon, Said Radical Reform was another name for cummon; And to provo how moral was each soul, sirs, Six men “did then and there demand a poll," sirs;— ’■Hint is, (hey would have demanded that same, But only FitzFngin had the necessary game; But io make up lor this, and lo bother the nation, •luey all put their names lo a lying declaration. Oh dear, oh dear, tfc. Now-, would you believe that it camo to pass, On the Treasury side was n great Jon- ass; And among other mines that camo soon after, bus the great contractor in lhe shape of a Carter: But the man of all others who detested a lie, bus the butcher boy with a name like a Fly; And last camo lhe lamb with “ the bond" his eye on, But when he heard the poll he roared like a Lyon. Uh dear, oh dear, fye. pion Mr. Pickles, who his sugar put sand on; And not the least was the “ absurd" Brandon; ”Hh a lease in one pocket, and mortgage in t'other, • or a ten pound note would plead against, his mother: J, »"t the worn game of all was to wickedly mix on -the blood of the Howards" with the celebrated Dickson; And to make it more strange with the “ Friday" new go’s bas to put ii lt . Speaker with the Robinson Crusoes. Oh dear, oh dear, <yc. I in very sorry lo inform all your spouses, ’here's a room to let, in the Parlianient Houses; ! , traps and the fittings are all the right, kidney, ami worn had by Charlie expressly from Sydney: • Here s a nice now robe, and I'm sure it's not dear, worth at the present two hundred n y<-nr; • it. goes al. half price, it will keep a mini warm, i-irs, nd do for tin* Radicals ben! on Reform, sirs. Oh dear, oh dear, LiCt 'i'vI or ?, ,n X KO, 'K is.properly ended, '1'1,,.? 1 ,( 'lls whnt the Wellington men did; hni Butt his nose tried to got in, Ul 11,0 luugtli of it wanted a little more setting.
wiiLnin Win n!'"'' 011,1 v«l% lul Bolluso out his Uul, St. Hill cut it shorter. G/i dear, Oh dear, tut!. to say, sirs. And'lh “i'l" l !" r, "X I ''? ■"‘TO li'l'l Iheir <luy, sirsM l I n n . , 01 tme uu<l fest, May the hist years salary mark as the lastA”' p»loiHhor.. ? tor l heAsh,h i r i r . ' w oniny, the elligy" 10ug...„r,.<l sl-riho ■ A ! i v Om , ,JS ,K ’ l,lf! Jodependenfs boA s ' Wnh Featherston, Bullers, Fitz, and thcU’ox’s. t , GA dtur, Uh dear, not hL C ,liir KM b N ! ‘? ai " r< ? sc a " <l Mi't—Another n°t less dilhcult and ll( ,t less important ta-l; now wiiie rtV''’r“ ,n,! I" "oxt toast, in «lui.li 1 fuel sn re of a heai-.y welcome and ror; <m- ? 'marls ami roic- jt i, il„ health of (|j e t we | ve Heform Meiubeis whofn v-u I'hn r' w "'',; l .'"l , ' ,ill,l 'y returned to reprrsem 'i|„. City of elhi)g(oi) (loud and longclioci in") • (Lus 11111 111 l>c tnisinlmi’,reted unqualilH.d eondemmition of lhe Provincial <;o--vernmeiit. There are some amongst them whom 1 •'ii'h'in VCl 'rr l ‘I and P ride 10 >'« id ™lil>' <1 o i. It ICa '- f ; 1 " 1 ’? l ' s P‘ ,cial ’y ”>y oldest 1 “iiy; , wllll "'limn >n former political sirug„les I have f„H p r(lu d (o st . iml s ], (l , sbnnl . <ler and tve arc again shoulder to shoulder, hut twill tins difference—we are now at lhe head of a '•■et'jrmus parly when formerly tre were only hut partially successful in defending ourselves frnm the hen dominant party. How was this? 1 and mv fnends have not changed; if we are right new w‘u vere right then ; the experience of the last lour years had enlightened (he public mind, and they now saw men in their true colours. Jt wa S indeed a proud gratification to me to tee Air. (r Hunter placed at die head of the poll by ’he unbiassed, unsolicited, unsought votes of the J'Jectbrs—it was a most significant answer to tlx se who had affected to hold him in slight estimation a most convincing evidence of die value placed bv tho Electors on a moderate, just, sound, mid ..radical man like Mr. I lunler, and I am quite sure they are justified in their choice ( cheers). V here there are so many shades of opinion, and interest, and class, there inust of necessity exi-l differences upon details, while agreeing in broad general princi; k*s. 1 know (hat your opponents cc unt upon a split—l say conciliate, concede to each other and disappoint them—it is only by mutual concession and forbeaiance that sufficient unity and harmony can be obtained so as by combined acii* n to produce a sufficient result. And then vou inav bi-cmne as is facetiously imagined in die “like a bundle of Sticks.” I hope you may. and if you have a good sound brick'* in the "middle of "the bundle (laughter) 1 hope lie won’t fall <mt of it (cheers). I have been asked what is there in common with die twelve Radicals? and I have answered they in common hate the extravagance, arrogance, and intolerance of the Provincial Government—in common they condemn lhe policy of that Government in its relations with the General Government, —in common they demaDdsninesystem for the sale of land by deferred payments,—in common they object to the course taken by the Government upon the Education question. These are common objects enough to bind you sufficiently together to effect sonic beneficial change in these great questions, and for this lhe new membeis and the old stagers, the young recruits and the old recruits may well band together. Nor must I pass to my toast without a tribute of praise to the ve teran recruit Mr. Bowler, whose active and untiring energy, and liberal devotion of means and appliances have done so much to promote success in the cause. You will, I am sure, join me in the wish that he may be richly rewarded in seeing iE<? largest amount of beneficial results to the Province from those exertions. I fear I am taking up too much < f lhe time, so many have to address you that J must conclude wiib asking y<u to dril l heartily “lhe hc.illhs of the Twelve R» finin Members for the City, coupling with the least the r.am<of Mr. Gf.ouce Mustek.” (Long and c« n'Jnucd cheering.) Air.— Cheer, Loys, cheer! Mr. Hunter legietted that the duty of acknowledging the toast to which they had just i’cnc honour in such a hearty manr.cr bad bet n r-sidgned lo ; him, as he felt by no means ecu?.! to lhe tesk oj reluming thanks in terms .-uilcd to such an irn; nrlant occasion. He could only in few v.nsds say mi behalf of the Members for the City of Wellington, that tl ey felt deeply sensible of the Imnm- which had been conferred upon them, and that flu j wo Id do all in their power to merit and justify lhe cop. fideuce wlnch had been so ger.e’co 3 .-<! tin (cheers); lie bad also especially to ih.it.!•: th:m .'<•»■ their kindness in inviting them to the nolm- enter- 1 taiuinent pre; ared tor them this evt ning. A . one ! of the so-calkd moderate party, he L.id :::uch plpasutc in adding his testimony to the corretunos of what Mr. Lakefield had stat*d respecting the good understanding which existed between the two sections of the Reform party, and he was g’ad to take advantage of the opportunity of stating ibis, as he was given to understand that by some, lie was still looked upon as one of the tr miners upon whom the Government were in hopes they would be able to make an impression, and possibly gain over; he thought with regard to himself and others, they would be disappointed; time would, however, test the correctness of Lis judgment(chccrs).li became every day more apparent to him (Mr. 11.) that they were almost certain before long to be called upr-n to take part in electing some suitable person to fi.l the office of Superintendent. Supposing the Government were to ccnsidirin a favourable light Dr Welch’s petition, they might have to do so within six weeks or two months time—or even supposing Dr. Featherston remained in office, it seemed clear that he was not very likely to act in concert with the Council as now constituted—on minor points no doubt differences of opinion would arise. On the question of felling land 011 a system of deferred payments, for ins'ance he thought most of them were agreed, but Dr. Featherston bad declared on the hustings that he would never give his cement 10 this plan of disposing of the Vvastc Lands. The difficulty would, however, have to he s< Ivei!—either the Superintendent must yield or the *..<mi:e I, he felt sure they would not, and that it the Superintendent stood in the way of effecting this or any ol the other reforms contr nipiated, the result would be, that he must in a eonstiui’ional manner be put our cf the way. (Loud cheers.) Seme were sanguine enough to think ii possible lhe Superintendent would resign, and he (Mr. H.) thought it by no means impiobablc ; but, however such an event was brought about, there could be now no doubt that it was desirable he should retire info private life along with the majority of his Executive Council. The more he (Mr. H.) reflected on the matter, the more utrongly he became convinced that Dr. Fea'he rsh n would never act cordially or in earnest, with lhe leaders eif the parly who now commanded a majority in the Provincial Council, that Responsible Government as shadowed forth by Dr. I’eathcrstoßj in bis reply to the requisition asking him to allow himself to be put in nomination for lhe (.flice of Superintendent (a copy of which he (Mr. II.) held in his hand) would never be carried out in it/ integrity, and lie feared that as loDa as the head of the Government was strongly opposed to tin m, that difficulties would always be thrown in the way of effecting the reforms and correcting the abuses which they had so justly complained of (hear). Wl.cn u glance served to make this so clear, the necessity at once became apparent for being prepared to bring some person forward who would be acceptable and likely to obtain the confidence and support of all classes of the community—that such a person could be found he felt confident, and it would then becomes the duty of one and hll to unite in perfecting the good work, the commencement of which they were commemorating this evening in such a pleasant manner (cheers). He would next call their attention to the great importance of looking fbtward to the probability of their soon having to take part in selecting members lo re present the City of Wellington in tin- General Assembly, he pre/umed no person would be bold enough to assert that Dr. Featherston, Mr. Clifford, and Mr Fitzherbcrt enjoyed the confidence of the Electors. He was glad lo see that one rejected candidate, Mr. Revans, the late member for Wairarapa was disj osed lo view this mailer in a proper light, and had intimated his intention of stating tn lhe Hutt efecti’i* that be would no longer represent them in the House of Representative.*-,— and lie trusted lhe members for the City w< u'd i oilov his example (cheers). V ere he (Mr. II.) placed in similar cirtnmstance.% he would not wait to b( called njon to resign, hit would the day ufict the
re. Sir elvciion have s.-!H in I,is re.ion-itinn. 'i heir worthy Chairman had alluded to th,, nrilitical at• IlWlSphere <.f Wi)li| l . f t..|i nnt nvi....;,,., v.itl, t|„. (i vcinnr, mid accminu <1 that Wi ,y | llr his s.. sei-'ent visiting this part .if Zealmtt!. On tlti. tnpie 'J’lich tingltl hr smtl, he (Alt. H.) for mn-ltatl .-tlv.'avs H'll convinced that.as long as tlie present Provincial »<heriuncnt remained in powci, and the gentleinen whose names he had mentioned and <>tl ers of 'he same way of liiinl.ing ami acting r.-t.-csmtit d 'he South tn the (tcn. rai Assemliiv, w .■>,.,»■<! s-,-very litile of his Excellency, anti t'lmt tl,e i,rmm. ( -t ol \\ ellingtmi being made ilte Seat ol fb.vcrnn'u nt t.*:s very Remote; imt if men of mor- j ; | J t t, l | views imd toncifi,story manners elm.-.m t„ fi>| ">f,„t ' Ince, if whr.t Im and hi-: ftmmf sfr Nmk e md pledged themselves to endeavour to promote, m-imcly, i,,e establishment of more In,timt!,intis r< - faiums with the fit al Govt inmm.t c.m dbe e.,rrmtl . tit, lie would then have f, O| ,e s that tlm ‘ irniges Which have reetmtiv talte.i ultiim.lely end tn bring ng about this long expected oml nmelt desired altera'ion. It a spirit of conciliation mid neigltbnm-iy feeling h:,d been evince,i towards the adj ining Provinces nf Nels m, l.t tteil<m, tmd Otago, if it lm,| not been too of en taken lor granted mid assumed that Wellington meant ail Aew Zealand, pnssibly tlm Stmthern Provinces would have made common cause tmd broimhi aomt so desirable a result long ago. It was impossible the Colony could evm be well or sati-d'aemiiiv governed as long as the Seat nf Government tmn'liniied at Auckland, lake Otago lor instance, pr.:bably the people tliere did n t Item from the North more than three or four limes in tlm comae of the year, here we have a ii-tle steamer that is doing tier work well and he trusted they would ere long have another, limn supposing ti.e Seat of Government were removed to Wellington, mid ilmt tw<-such vessels kept constantly moving about tliere would be no difficulty in keeping up a regular and rapid ronimun.'c.-.ih n wi:h :i!mm.t every M-ulfinenl in •'< •’ Zcal.md whciher large nr He wemu n«>? drt.tiu ibcm hmgi r. as be knew ’fi. y find a -re..: '/'.'•l nf inipoitant bi sinews tn gel tluuiiu’li, but be-•"i-’iuq down would again tb.aul; them on !>.- ■'ad of the Ah iiibcts for (lie hearty wav in which Loy hitd tcspondetl tc the toast, ;.nd individually fen the kind manner they had received his name in connection with it. ( Loud cheers.)
r. Sjokes said the toast he was about to propose} would r- quire m, cuhimciH.hit.mti from l:mi to ensure for it a he.-iity J«-: •pt ;<:n. for in propping d ic h-zph ot “ the five nu. :.-hi for t’ ;: - Hun,” h c g’t (imfodrfo I the tura-t. would be received with ns n.uc'i t !i«l.::>::i>ui , cs that which hid ju.-t been aeknowledgcl. Two of thc-f-r n.enthcrr, Mr. Luillam .-.t-.d ?.lr. G. i*;:rt, had obtain, d the cofoi.fence of the Hutt eh clurs bv their : consi.-tency and pid<f<ndint. conduct, an I th< ii’uticu-' ticn to t!ic interests of thvir constituefos in tl.c k;-i * Provincial Coun. i;, of v.hieh they were tried r.on',;::-: the other th:< c :i:< nmrrs tk-. ir i vih.a . u«s. i) niu !i untried to de.-trvc tia-ir confidence, and rccrivu fioin , this , ht;nor;J;!i! mark of their good opiuicn. Ti.e Helt' ifcctors from t’.c lint iutrotfuctiun of '’tym-. m.mju-1 Jnf-titutojjis had always maintained an ibtfepcr.di nt ; p' . :!if-:i, :tr.d Tln ir meiubers both in the i’n vinm-fo Council :md in the Gcmral Assembly had Lun the i opponents of Dr. Featherston and his’colleagues. iH one or two niifet.ikcs had been made,—if one of (he I former members of the di.-tri at. Mr. Renall, began with ! being an opponent of Dr. Featherston’s party and I ended in being one of its warmest supporters, ’he Hutt i electors had taken care to correct that mistake bv s-nn- ‘ plying bis place with a better man ; and if Mr. Revans | for the present misrepresents them in lhe General j Assembly, doubtless the Hutt Electors would correct that mistake also (cheers). In the election for Wellington and for the Hutt there were Some striking points of icscmLlmiue They were the two large st con°slituvucii’s in the i’rurince and had both retained members who were sfoncu opponents cf Dr. I'ca'.l.crsinn’j:
par’y. The ex mple fct by the ch ctors c ’ V.follmghm had heen imniediutcly followed by il.ose ufu.Uiut; the appeal they had made had Ucn atiswctcd by t!.c Hutt elvC’ors in l’,u same . u | irit. Lxyviicncc would justify the ui.'d'jm of lhetr choice, a: d would find tlie p, ■.», isvs mt,tie l.y ti c;:- wr tet r.t It.erett’.f prof.=, l.ut vettkl be imply re,!.-1 med '•y a eord’al eo-c-perati.m of both parties, tmd i.-y their utntt-d efforts to piveure the prosperity of ;L<- I'r* v n, ,- (cheers). Three i Lev js. A ‘r,— rts cf Qr!. at ec>r 57 .fo.? ?Jr. Lvm. '.A!. ?= one of the mcu.br rs for d.o Unt; :i agues to rU-.‘! n sincere thanks ,< v tfe* c. n-.rdimuA j ; :«< -;.t the Hull wire equally b. nt uj tn, R. form wjsh the 12 imn.mis ia tr.rm.rl im the Town. Afo rthe many pi.blic v.uicb Lad foktr. p’oee :v (foil ul'., meet ugs upon which the Govt rumen! Lad been pu-upont eir trial, as Mr. l ? i:;:’:eibert ren*arked • after Ire. ing heard the defence made by Mr. Firzlu rbort, the primipal s: j-por’cr of that Government, he thought they would ail agree that the result showed most clear.}’ that the Government party did not possess the confidence of the constituency. He had always been most str. ugly opposed to the present Government, not from any factious considerations, Lu! on purely c-. nscienticus grounds, but not bring an elector of Wellington, he had taken no active patt in thiir public, meetings, lie congratulated them sincerely upon the important victory they had won ; if thev hail looked more closely into the nils of their representatives, tin y would not have been so Jong misled as they had lien. AlihougJt he disagreed himself w.tii the policy of Dr. Weh-ii and did not support liim, yet he thought that much credit was due tn him for tin- man tier in which lie had come, forward, and allowed himself to be proposed as Superintendent. He Lad Lecn subjected to much personal abuse for daring to come forward (cheers); but be thought if v<.uld Lave been the same if any otiicr person bad come (eta ers. He maintained that if the I lull electors had been lift alone, and allov.ed to vole as they considered best if very many had not been in<!nc< d by false renrcsen-
faliens o: even threats, to promise their vote to Dr. lAathvrslon, mid afterwards not liking to go Lack Loin their words, he mninlaintd that if it had not been fur the active ar.d unjustifiable canvassing pursued by lhe Featherston Government, the minority for the Government would have been as remarkab'c as it was in V> c lingtiui. Dr. hVaiberston had issuet! a Gazette appointing his ch! advi-trs, and in doing so he has ron pktely belied Lis own words; lie told tlieni when he v.as fii-f elect ( d that lie would be guided Imru whocomycd ijr coi fider.ie of the m:>ji-ri(y "of (he Ccuncil. He Mr. L.) would he prepared tn sue the Sit] 1-. ii.h ridmit for any public mom v tl..:t i,e mfeht -pc nj without the sanction of the <’«»ui:vil (» ln < ]•«.). 1 !«• would ask uhat eliar.cc wt uld Dr. Feather:tr.’.i j stand cf obtaining an indemnity A<t l. r auv amount I so expendid. 'l l.u Supuiuttmant .-1 At < kl tud had ncinily obtained indiinuity from Lis (focnril leu n.orvy laid oct for public noil s, Lul h<- :i mieht that it w< uld be a very different case with Dr. Featherston. (Hear, hear.; Although he ddicnd on some points with Mr. Wakefield, yet lie most cordially agreed with him on many. He thoughtthat the system of < ccnpalion of the Waste Lands r< quired re-consideration; lie (bought the squatter only wanted what was fair • lie thought they would concede anything that was ju.-t ami reasonable. It would be much better if some permanent understanding wore made, which would not be liable to he abend at every session of the Council. He thought his views upon that important question were clearly understood; lie was, however still open to conviction, and if any proposition was brought forward by Opposition members which appeared to him to be feasible, he should be willing to admit that he. bad formed wrong opinions. He thought the Province had suffered much from the arrogant manner in which this Province, had been in the habit of dictating to other Provinces by saying that Wellington should be the scat of Government in spite ol anybody. Alluding to die statement made by Air. V. bmith al a late public meeting, he (Mr, L.) felt quite satisfied in his own mind that Mr. Fox bad sold tl.c inleicsts of tlie Province for the purpose of raising himself into power. But Mr. Fox was not alone in that act; Air. Fitzhcrhert and Dr. Fea heislon were accomplices; they knew that they were sacrificing the interests of the Province (< Li ers). Be would ask them what confidence they could have in such men. When they returned from Auckland they made charges in the absence of the parties com erned which (hey were imable. t<. prove. 1 hey had accused him (Mr. L ) of sacrificing the I’rcrince, but he thought lhe fact of Lis having been again routined to represent them in the ( i.uncil would be a Mdlfeiunt icfi.imimi to that charge (continued cheer’mg). I/, it I ad been behaved that be Lad been a partv
to miythinx h o . that compact, be frit sure that he snouni n.t h.-.ve been icturned. (cheers). He was no.. lrl a po <iti, in to pvfJV( . h j bu| •ie was morally kUre lh . n if rxJr> was •u.l.tally pr.scnt wlnn that contract was made; lie was only outside the door. (Laughter). He hoped they won <1 -enou> y con-ider the question of sending meh n u .“ ; ' 1 , '‘ , al . A '- >; '‘ ! ’ !b '*y "Im would not be disjm.-ed to Sell their best interests tor the sake of getting into ternpo,..iy power. 1 Ley had icposed a most important uisl tn t um. He Loped they would continue to support then. ; if not they would find themselves unable o cepe wit.i the diificdties oppost-fl lo them ; bnthe, tor one, wa- fiiinly detrnuined not to allow Dr FcaIhmslon io tide roughshod oicr them. Mr. Ludtarn, upon n-,ummg fits seat was loudly applauded. yi-i't- Io t.t-oposf '-the het,l(l, o f Mil. < ; t 1ie!,,,," Member, f„ r .j ~ ('<,untilIhstticls sen, t,ie ( li; rr ,„ ilh .ncniiotieil his n.-iini' wlii-t! speasint; of the r.0.-nt e-.utest forteorni, 111- would t'l.-iel.i say that inlv ironble he mav j.nc t.iketi tn the matter K , IS amply repaid by seetng tin- timtnpliaiit li-i-initiation of that contest, cure iu.iii-4 wtth the H irrpict this rvenin;,. || e v. t.ttinnd them, however, that there would be n.ote work n, <-, o a || ~r r. bal,iii., a f esh < lecdon ■yr .Snpermtendi-nt would n.ke plure, and they .lesetm time i,, finding a suitable num to r.ntr l'i.w.-td. Heeave the n urea, ereditfiir their ( " I "'> '-'h'<-ss, a-d he would add i-mtsistent eonoucl duru.T ita* r. cent ( lections. He had always been o pen afo : |. ( > j, r! . ; , Pllt Provincial Guvitnpent I . citiee „ e b, |iev. d they v.-.-re all seeking only [ - rimni-r bn-th- be„,f, to f ~ p.ntv to the injtirv <3 • a- pin. .me. 1 ... h.-.i had transfiired at recent ‘ ib "■ tch.tiv,, t„ t|, e lle I ...IS <-a ..i!y 1., opmum that the gentlemen c.-ner-rn-I■<l Hl 1L..1 J .-.lt- in ght to be call, d up.,,, , o explain ithi-n-eimd.tet and. md<-ss they eoukl satistaemrilv . I rove ilitti they d:n net ni er into that c-tmpect ; t pm, the nst-.,,,-;,,.. |)by . vc|? <e|Hl]; , Ihe ' . llns irnritux-, |,c thon.-ht they ought to • ■ -y.-,it,.,.„, 1,, res,.:,, th-ir seals at mice. n,. ...u - .. tmtv.isd c;:u 1t,..,, the eketors ' ’ i -r i :.. lo ore in„ S i gentiemen lo nowb,(. hot tl.c cm.fidcnce of tl„ , , e 1 °l’ 11 V 1 “ 'Unl'er would not h- < lean cd, bci-ause it was most imnorrant to the nnr-n-sts 1,1 the prwitiec that men should be sent ,o " e Gci.-cr?) Assembly who would not tamper’ • ifo- uiterusls (,| coirti U( . n ; K f, r -he n r ;. v‘,': l.y-dh.. by the i-onting ■ ''“■'J .'”' 11 11 T-. 1 /' smi w.-ts Lceivi ; !g C s !lji"an i o ' t ■ . ■ - - ; 'Gn-e Iti.dicai ft,.l.at,, Memfo, thil'c- m.t'rvi ikii " til Vi? * s,cv's-u/.a/,cc w -;’ It'aSace h.r. \i r.'.i.aci: tli.-.uktd tl.c tr.cc'.in? for the cordi ■mty at.d wan.un with wl.i.dt they responded to the 0.K., ~t.d ,e t sorry J, e p-.f been so fortunate as to be l-.tgliest on t.te Pull, as if placed him in lhe awkward position ol returning thunks for bis senior companions, n tlO ,.\ ere niore worthy of prominence than himself. He fob the necessity, from the late hour of the evennig, of brevity ; but as the public were not aware of I what occurred in the course of the campaign in the Country lfi,t,icts. as ,ao reports of lhe various meetings were given hi the fiapers, be hoped the meeting would bear with him while he shortly adverted to tl cir progress there. The Country bisuicts had been reerred to as one ot the strongholds of the Provincial Covi-rnou-itt—-a place tluy co-ald always depend upon tor the return of tln ir own creatures—and lhe Reform parly ntd strong tntsghhigs < f thiir success. Evetyr.c :y t.-.c t.-: ; in it was too daring, tn fact it was represented lie 1,1 .as a very Croustadt. However, they rush, rd m. m a ailur al! they did m.t f .d it such a strong aim wv.l .utplird fortification as they anticipated". Jhey found it l.' e ton.c of thr.se Russian ports our I sat r.i> .ei.tai m t.:c baltic, where dishonourable go- | y iaimswcrc in charge. They found sham shot and , inunagid ommumt.nn, wo men bails irstead of iron. [ Cii.ptys.wtb ti nt wouldn’t co c!T (laughter.) Instead cf ■ t!, ; . f ou „j ,i : ,,, “ Vilemisrrpresenta- | tions. m lies”.about '.V.-.kcfield and llm--1.--sl, I ‘i'-i"?■' " !: ,liat < Gail! ! '■■ rr -"gbt against them. 'fj' 3 " is > ‘‘° " ;!> C> lell the simple story of 1 .-.ilntal lefimn. mid jppannlly it i-iiari-.md the people into be,i I. ir.r lin-y gate satisfactory evidence ot their cr.'dcriceby riturniug three out of the tire. It was uinieuh s:-.y what was the teuton of lii.it- success, w. r t -.a.- owii.e lo being raw lei.-ruits. for none of then. !*:i! evt r at <i: p’.i d a fii-ld before: thev ‘‘were un.-ccti-Omed to pubhe Fprakhig,” far fess to dispute with vi-tirnns. Against :hem were five disciplined veterans, ihc lender a doughty champion of the Executive. Tley (the Reform party) had no assistance; they had no V. akvfieid to back them with his eloquence; peihaps the preverlia ly Li nd courage cf young tioops enabled Dem to mount io victory over the ramparts. He was sorn he could not show an unbroken rank, as the City andlke Hutt could ; two of the party had fallen, but he tn.-tcil that now three had been placed in this famous sronghold, they would hold their ground, ant] make it tin hot for the enemy to continue there much longer. (Cheers.)
_ Air. S-okes Legged to propose the health of “Air. Vafentinr Smith, member of the House of Representatives for the Hawke s Bay and AVairarapa District,” and at tbit late Lour would only add one <;r two observations t» ensure for the toast'that cordial reception wi.i< h it k-j-erved. In proposing the health of Mr. V. . n.iih he would remind ttam that he was the only member ipresenting ibis Province in the House of k< pi esenaiives whose sympathies were heartily allied with thei: own, and who was anxious to co-operate with then in acron plhbing lhe. objects they wished to carry cur; for what pait in this matter have Dr. Featherston md Air. ChlTerd, Mr. Fitzherbcrt, Mr. Fox, Air Dudty Vi aid, Gr Air. Bevans, the othermembeis? Ail of than were their inveterate opponents, every one of them vho had appealed to the electors in the late elections had sustained a signal defeat (cheers). He asked tj;en to drink Mr. A T . Smith’s health as one of their fellow woikers, and he wished to associate with his nene the Hous • of Representatives of which he is a iiieinaer. to mark their desire that a spirit of conciliation should pievail, their anxious wfeb that those ij:« udl; am: harmonious iriatious should be est::bii>Lcd bttwicn th.s and lhe ('ll.er Pruvinca s and lhe General fhiviri inci.t <4 the Coh ny—aye, am! i < tween (he dift. ient p;.ns of this laoiince which Lave been so giievcu• iy Ht'crrupted, if in son e instances tiiev have nut v i E i,ig|i ku distroycd by Dr. Featherston and his ciJcgi-vh. «!.(j h ,-.c med «•;( trust committed to them
ca.iy ; s a mcnis in (ii.ddc tb.emlo grasp moi’’, powerful il.cib: i i\es.> it had Inn s< mt times asked Ly their <;p] oiHiits i. the Jadcf.uhdciit, uhy »id not Mr.' .Smith resign ? rncily because they wanted u» get one of their own set in ps place. In this way they had got rid of Mr. Dillonand in this way they hoped to get rid of Air. A . Snnth, but they bud been mistaken, and now that the c-p.itiims of the electors had been so clearly expressed, Jgw that the tables were so completely turned, he (Mr. S./ would be much mistaken if the question generally asked will not rather be—AA’hy do not Dr. Featherston and Mr. Fox, Air. Fitzherbertand A*r. Revansresign their seats in the House of Representatives, aid make way for men who will use this trust, not for the attainment of their own selfish objects, but to profcotc those harmonious relations between this and theioiher Proxinces and the Gem rid Government, which would lend to make New Zealand a great, united, and fr urisbiug Colony (cheers). Three cheers. Air.— ’ihe J.ast Hose of Summer.
Air. A’alejtine Smith begged to return his sincere thanks for the Lind manner in which his health had b< en drank, tenneeted as Lis name hud been with the ■Rnernl Asset! Lly ; he was willing to believe that there were oilier nitmbcis of lhe House of Representatives in other purls of die Cufouy to whom they would desire (hi irg(H>d wifi.t * Kuxtind. I he wind had been pretty well taken otit ot his sails by previous speakers, and although l.e eoti’,l still dwell at <-('n dtlciiiLh* length upon mutters ol inip-rir.nce relating both to the Gt-ncrnl and 1 tovincial Governments lie preferred to postpone such renmiks to rtiu'jti r pnLlic occasion, lie eouhl n<H, however, fn iti idluding Lrit I'y to the extraor dinary conrse’oi' events which bad placid him in hi: present isolated position. »s the only im tuber ol tl.c House of Reprorninlives of this Fiovim e ti.iicjre sent, and he h:,<; Inen Imril 'iy nmlmhil of a nfeu net made to himself not very long ago in the li t lUng/on lit d<] (ndei.t ns’the •‘Lust Ruse of Summer." In oiu sense, ut nny rt te, the metaphor was nut innpplicftble,for
111? Ills “lovely eompiinkn-.5,” it WW ],l u-.pear, U cix-f rt-.-illy -ni.lc.l ami gone. ' f).an“l,t. r.) A i-uriou.-. i '-..oct proilneed by the rem-nt elections for tlie Pinviti-1 ent Cotinril seems to have be -n that of having creoted a strong desire on the pun of many of lhe defeated candidates to proceed in vaifotis directions upon their ,r *’ v ‘‘ta. First, there was his Honor the Speaker, hose poitly form he greatly missed upon that ueca -ion hiend had told him that he had very recently seen .dr. Clilford at Canterbury, and that i.e read tlie • xaet state of lhe poll j tl his countenance long before '''diimtnced to tell the tale. Then there were Dr. H xliu rston, M.ILR. for the Town, and Air. Ward, ■d.H.R. for the Country Districts, who had vmy lately stinted on a fjjj) to Ahuriri to acccomplish no doubt a .ditie business of their own by the way; it would perhaps not be a yeiy great public misfoittme if they ically had gone altogether about Iheir business in every sense of the expression (Cheers.) Then there was the Provincial Prime Minister, Air. Fitzherbert, he had net yet Mailed upon liis travels, but it was rumoured that he also might possibly soon take a trip to Wanganui, hr was still t<, be seen flitting between Wellington and the Hun, out “ mutatua ah iilo Hectare!" Then <X ’ l^ift u ’‘* n ’b< r for Wanganui, who, it was said, hud been galloping backwards and forwards between that place and Wellington until he had inade a broad and clear track of his own ; how was it that he was .absent on the present festive occasion ? Possibly recent cvent.i had somewhat impaired his appetite, ami the roast beef of Radical Reform was rather too strong n •bet for his digestive powers (Laughter.) He would wish V ' <sr, l in , re l el < -nceto the alleged neglect on the part of theGeueral Government towards this Province; if such were the ease, whom had they lo thank for it but the late 1 rovmciul Executive ? He remembered in one of Dr. I'catherston’s orations to the Provincial Council, w.indi no doubt others present also remembered, a misof the words of Burke, in tlie following passage: “ J say my chief and most earnest praver is, ! i y n ‘‘ ef< ' : he policy of tlie General Government o«..u<sjhc Provinces may be * a wise ami salutarv Whether this line of Provincial policy to'V, s Ge ” erftl Government had been “wise.and Hjiitaiy or unt, they were themselves the best judges. He could not conclude without an expression of °adliiiriinon at the excellent style in which the present entertainment had been got up. It had often been said int amongst Englishmen a good dinner was indispensably necessary to the celebration of any great cause or the carrying out of any great work; if the goodness of t ie dinner was any sign of the goodness of the cause there cnuld be no doubt that lhe cause of Reform in t ns Province would go a-hcad in a marvellous manner. (Applause.)
• ' ll , Allen in brief and appropriate terms pro- ’ * of the Province who voted for ; natlica! inform.” (Cheers.) j A: r— iS7cA c In z-p stairs. ! Air. Atchison rcq.cnded to the toast. j -‘ir. AA AKEFiEi.D said, I wfohtocall your particular , attention to the toast 1 am about to propose to you. 11:< r e sit; here by my side the Chief E Puui, as honorable a gentleman as I have ever had the pleasure to know (cheers). I have known him for more than 18 years ; and during the whole of that space of time I have never seen or heard of an action on his part that could reflect on his character as a high-minded gentleman. He, and many other natives, are on the Electoral Roll 1 grieve to say that his name was placed on Dr. Featherston’s Hutt Committee without his bein«consulted on the subject (cries of “shame”). When I saw his name there 1 wrote to him, and asked him to consider whether he could reconcile it to his notions of a chieftain's true nobility of behaviour, to vote for the nead of a party who. by favoring monopoly of the land, were doing an injury to the more numerous and more helpless class ? He came into town on the day of polling ; assured me that he had in no way authorised bis name to be used; explained (hat he hardly understood enough of the questions at issue to give a conscientious vote; and asked me if I should think ill of him for not voting at all on the occasion. lat once told him, by all means to abstain from voting. Since then I have explained the questions to him as much as possible, as well as to other maorfes, I find them very apt at understanding the question of monopoly of the public JaoG«, and much opposed to any system which would favor such monopoly. E i’uni and his people attended the nomination at the Hutt; and after hearing what Mr. Fitzherbert there said against “ the AA akefieltis,” and what I said to the natives in their own language from the hustings, he has warmly adopted our cause, and not only he but nearly all the Maori electors have voted for the Radical Reform Candidates (cheers). Since then, they have been treated with much harshness of manner by some of the Government officials and their followers. I (rust you will, by responding cordially to the (oast which I now propose,—(lie health of “ The Maori eL ctors who voted for Radical Reform,” —shew them ibdt their conduct has gained them more and warmer liiends than it has made them enemies The toast was drunk with great applause. Air The king of the Cannibal Islands. E Pt’Ni returned thanks, in his own language, and Mr. R. J. Deighton interpreted his speech. He’said: My friends, it is kind of you thus to drink our healths and wish us well. These are my reasons for agreeing with the AA’akefit Id party. Before AAfokefield and his uncle came in the ship Tory, we were living in a state of darkness. Our only white associates were whalers, who took little pains to enlighten us, or improve our condition. The AVakcfirlds brought a different class of white men, whose customs were new, and good towards us. Through the course of years the fathers of Wakefield and Hunter have behaved kindly to the natives, and done all in their power to advance their interests, and the sons do the same. I do not understand much yet of these new arrangements ; nor can I understand much of what has been said to-night because 1 do not know your language: but 1 know that my friends ANakcfield and Bunter have not invited me here to take a ; art in anything disgraceful: 1 rely on them as protectors for the natives, whom we love. Aly heart is grateful to you all for your kindness towards myself and the other natives, (cheers). Air. King in a. short and appropriate speech pro" posed— ’• The health of Dr. AA’elch.” (Great cheering.) Air— For he's a jolly good fellow.
Dr. WEi.cn thanked the Chairman ami the company for drinking his health as the unsuccessful candidate nt lhe clecticn of Superintendent of the Province, lie considered the term unsuccessful us inappropriate, for his efforts had been more successful than he couhi possibly have anticipated. A proof of it was exhibited in the splendid banquet that had called such a large number together that evening. In fact, when he first commenced his political innvenicut, which had been alh udrd with such important success, he had never imagined for one moment that he should be elected as Superintendent; he should have been a fool to have believed it; nor did he intend to stand in the wav of a better man, if one could be found, who would be 'more likely to displace the man who was as bad as the profligate system he upheld (cheers). At the same lime he said that his supporters were increasing to a considerable extent, far beyond what he at first believed he should have had ; and it would be only a fair consideration to place before them, whether his cwn interest and support should be turned over to another. He had everv reason to believe that since the elections, his supporters had numerically increased, and many of those who op posed him began now to think be was the best man of lhe two : still, the offers of support could not blind his reason to the fact that there were Letter nien than himself in theProvir.ee, and men more likely to obtain popular support. lie believed this without any disparagement of his own pretensions, and should willingly ami heartily give way if the gentleman who had been prominently alluded to could be prevailed upon to come forward with a policy the public could support. Be had no ambition for the office, nor had he any objec- ■ lion to be called a warming pan. or a locum* tenons; it was only another addition to the villanous abuse with which he had been assailed, but it Lad as much to do with his movements us his grandmother’s cat with a new moon. Bis great object was to place the present political chief upon the stool of repentance, ami if he could not do it, bo was very willing and would be glad lo support an older inhabitant who would be more likely to effect it. His friends would see, with himself, the pi li y cd giving way, ami many would think it gave additional chums to their future consideration, should he make imy cull upon them, which was probable. From the very cummeiiccmtnit he had never fought for ! in.self, I ut for the community at large, and he was not, when t liars were in the road to success, going to be an ol stacle to it (Cheers.) Al the same time, any one coming forward for popular suppoit must have some proI ission of public policy that would entitle him to it. lie hud no more to say than that measures were as im--pdrturt us mcu,und lhe coming man that Lad been al-
' luiiwl to. „„ t 0 a( . cunil , l i ! ’ 11 I that which he had commenced, lie did not positiv c j pledge Liinseif by what he said, but there was no doubt tnat th: man to take hi.< place for a contest would not find the camp divided in opinion and interests (cheers.) Air. Carpenter proposed—” The Unsuccessful Radical Reform Candidates.” (Cheers ) Ait— Three jollu pr,sl hoys, Air. i ’ ugiies briefly returned thank®, and exposed the incorrectnc-.s of the Independent's report of the Atairarapa election, as far as it related tn himself. .'lr. Too.math rose to propose a toast which he felt convinced would elicit from every one in the meeting a hearty response. As the hour was late, he would, without furihcr preface give them the health of Henry St. I Jill, Esq., the principal Returning Officer for the Pro\mce of \\ ellington, a name which he felt assured would at all times command respect from the merit alone of him who Lore it (cheers). But nt this particular time m our history ns a Province, he could not let the opportunity puss without offering a few reasons, and thev should be but few, in support of the toast which he had just proponed, lie would remind them that upon Air. St. Hill had fallen the onerous task of performing the duties of Principal Returning Officer during the four jears which had just elapsed of the inauguration of our Representative Institutions. He would call to their remembrance the untiring zeal, ability, and strict impaitiahty which had marked that gentleman’s conduct m the performance of his arduous task, calling forth as they did upon eveiy occasion the thanks alike of the successful and c f the unsuccessful candidates. Ami it should not be forgotten that those duties hint been performed without cither fee or reward. Nor could he refrain from pointing out to them the industry and iiHegrity with which Mr St. Bill had discharged his duties as chief Magistrate of the Province, combined with several other offices of minor importance, all requiring a man of sound principle and strict impartiality (riieers). And now he would assure them that he had not said all this to flatter that gentleman, for all must feel that his private character and official worth were too well known to admit of if, but, because, if the old saying were true, 'that forthcoming events cast their snadows before them,’ the time was probably not very distant when such a man would be of the utmost value to the Province (cheers). Dr. AA'dch’s manly avowal had left him (Mr. T.) at liberty to pursue this subject a little further. And fortunately, too, Mr. St. Hill himself I** s Ci ' sl ’ n o votfi the Wairarapa in favour of Air. Borluse—taking into consideration the reasons which he advanced for so doing—given us to know that he holds decided views upon political matters, and that -*e not been an unobservant spectator of passing events. And now for a moment or two he would change his subject and introduce another actor upon the stage of events m order to enable them to understand clearlv tne object at which he was aiming. Dr. Featherston m his speech at the opening of the Provincial Council, about four years ago, said, amongst other
“/folding, as I do. the opinion that no Representative Lc-gi.-tdturc can ever work satisfactorily viih an irresr.or«ib’c .Execu ivc—believing that the Act under which we ere L.ed would render any attempt to combine the two utterly fu--I'e, 1 at once declare my intention to carrv on the adininistraj.on of ifo Govc-nment of this Province, 'as far a< practicable. E'means of a Responsible Executive. I shall, therefore, in accon.ance with the practice of the British Constitution, select my c.iici Ex-cutive oliicers from amongst the members c.f this ouncil, who shall lir-icl office only so long as their central auminis’ration of shall meet with your appmval and support.”
He would now beg them to compare with this the declaration of the Superintendent upon the Hustings a few days ago, in which that gentleman lashed his opponents with an unsparing hand and declared he could not, and would not, call them to his Executive Council. Lo such an unconstitutional attempt to dictate to them whom they should return as their Representatives they gave a spirited and an unrnistakeable reply. It now remains to be seen, should the Governor sanction Dr. Featherston s return as Superintendent, whether lie will bring the affairs of the Province to the threatened dead lock. Should he do so, or in the event of his election being disallowed, it would be imperative upon them to be prepared with a man who possesses the respect and confidence of the comniunry, to take the helm of affairs. Such a one he had taken the liberty of naming to them (cheers.) He had named one who has shown himself able to control his own feelings and opinions, and impartially to peiform his duties. He need hardly point out to them how absolutely imperative these qualities were for one who, as the head of the Province under Responsible Government, should at all limes hold the balance between contending parties with au even hand. He would not pursue this subject further but leave what he had said for their future consideration (cheers). 3ieauwl]ile he asked them to unite with him in heartily responding to the toast which he had proposed.
The toast was received with great cheering. Air— Fine Old English Gentleman. Air. Ashton St. Hill returned thanks for his brother, and acknowledged with pride and satisfaction this evidence of the degree in which a man by a career of honesty and rectitude could secure the esteem and good will of his fellow-citizens. (Cheers) He urged upon the electors to continue their support of the veterans in whom they had declared confidence, as otherwise the raw recruits like himself would be sadly dis couraged in their efforts to help the good cause. (Cheers.) Air. Lun l am, in a speech with excellent taste, proposed—“ The Sister Colonies/’ (Cheers.) Air,— Will you love me then as now. Air. AA’akefield, in proposing “the Ladies,” said : —I hope this toast will be received not onlv with all the courtesy, but with all the enthusiasm, which it deserves at your hands. You all know how generally “the ladies ’ have sympathised with the Radical Reformers in their efforts, and how powerfully they have contributed toTmr success (cheers). From verv careful observation. I am convinced that net only “the majority ” of the fair sex, but also by far the most agreeable ar.d charming among them, have wished us well, and helped us all they could. You must all have noticed how many bright eyes and swefit smiles greeted every one of our triumphs (loud cheers.) At the same time, we are not so ungallant as to exclude from our best wishes for their health and happiness, such cf the most charming part of creation as thought it right to employ their persuasive powers in canvassing against us. Jam not sure, indeed, whether if I had fallen in their way, I could have resisted their arguments for a moment. lam afraid I should have turned traitor at once, .and given up my colors at their bidding (laughter). Luckily, I fell in with so many who were ofcur opinion that I preserved my allegiance, both to the cause and to the sex. And having escaped so great a danger, I can do no less than ask you to drink all “ the Ladies,” without distinction of party (cheers) You all know that the ladies are said to work the greatest *• Radical Reform ” upon us. I believe I could easily prove to yon that the ladies must approve cf every one of our prepositions; but I have only time now to excuse myself from the suspicion of being but a poor Radical Reformer, since I have not yet submitted myself to that pleasing process. I plead guilty ; but I fully intend to take the first opportunity, when I can find a real right down Radical Reformer who’ll have me, of falling down at her feet and proposing myself as a candidate (cheers and laughter). In the meanwhile, I know you will show the ladies that the Radical Reformers are not deficient m gallantry, by drinking their health with the heartiest honors. Three times three. Air — Here's a health to all good lasses.
Dr. Welch in a short and excellent speech proposed the health of—“ The Chaiiman,” which was drank with great cheering. Air — Auld lang syne. Tn reply to his health,—The Chaiunan said,—lt was so late he must be very brief. They would till believe him that he felt most grateful fortheir kindness in so warmly responding to the toast, and for the kind sympathy and support they had afforded him throughout the evening. It ever had been, and he hoped it ever would bo his pride to deserve the good opinion uf liis Icllow-coloiusts, and with his heart as full of kindly feelings towards them as his glass with wise, he drank a full bumper to them nil (cheers). The company ihcn departed, the band playing tlie National Anthem. '1 lie entertainment passed ofl’in the most agreeable manner, and it is only due toMr. Horner and Mr. Laing to add that all the nriangcrnents were in the best possible taste and reflected the greatest credit on those by whose good management' the entertainment had been provided. It was about hall'-past 'two o’clock when th'f guests left tlie room.'
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Bibliographic details
New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume XII, Issue 1285, 25 November 1857, Page 2
Word Count
15,264REFORM BANQUET. New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume XII, Issue 1285, 25 November 1857, Page 2
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