MINISTERIAL MOVEMENTS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 554, 9 February 1878, Page 2

MINISTERIAL MOVEMENTS.

OPPOSITION TACTICS. [FROM OCR OWN SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. J New Plymouth. February 9. The Ministerial party arrived by the Hinemoa at 8 o'clock, and landed at 10 in the surf-boat, which was carpet ted and fitted up for the occasion, with the Union Jack flying. A Large crowd assembled on the beach and cheered loudly.. The party were received by the Mayor at the head of the Reception Committee, aud . were conducted in carriages to the Beach House and the Masonic Hotel, where they are staying. A large triumphal arch spanned Brougham-street at the intersection of Devon-street, formed of evergreens, and drooped with flags of all nations, with streamers stretching across, bearing the inscription, " Welcome Sir George Grey." This arch was the scene of an exciting incident last night, when Major Atkinson's brother (Decimus Atkinson) and his relatives (the two Hursthouses) led a party to cut it down at midnight. Hints had been given to the police that a " strong mountain breeze " would blow during the night and imperil the arch, and constables Loche and Ryan were on the lookout. About midnight the party sallied out, including the above-named j

gentlemen, also M'Donogh, an accountant in the Bank, two business people named Humphries and Williamson, a chemist, and others, attacked the arch. Richmond Hursthouse, the member of Parliament for Motueka, Nelson, had mounted by a ladder, and was astride of the arch, fastening a rope, for the purpose of hauling it down, when Sergt. Dnffin appeared on the scene, and ordered him to come down. Hursthouse replied that he was a member of Parliament, and warned the sergeant not to interfere with him. Duffin told him he should be ashamed of himself for being in such a position, and said that he did not care whether he was a member of Parliament or not; he must come down. In the meantime, the others, including Mr. Wilson Hursthouse, Engineer of the local railway, and in receipt of a salary of LSOO a year from the public funds, were engaged in demolishing the base of the arch, and assaulting the police with branches, etc. At length, the sergeant, seizing the ladder, was pulling it down, when the hon. member f' r Motueka descended from his perch, and the others, overcome ly the p-lice, were driven from the arc'). The following is the police rep'-rt of the transach'on. which we have been permitted to copy from the p' I : ce report-liuok : —A wilful attempt to damage the arch erected for the reception of S'r George Grey and the H'ih. Mr. Sheehan, to- k place at about 11.4:0 p.m. on the 7th February, IR7S.Some 20 men attempted to pull and cut down the triumphal arch erected for the reception of the Premier (Su- Ge"rgc Grey) and the Hon. Mr. Sheehan. Constables Li'che and Ryan, through great-exertii.-ns, frustrated these men's efforts. Sergeant Duffin arrived on the spot, and with the assistance of the constables, quelled the disturbance and dispersed the mob. The names of the principals in the affair are as follow : William Humphries, Edward Humphries, Wilson Hursthouse, Richard Hursthouse, Decimus Atkinson, Joshua Hoskin, Lewis M'Donogh, William King, George Newman, James R. Williamson, William Ross, and Robert M'Donaghe. It is not yet known whether the police will take any further steps. One of the police was knocked down and dragged by a rope by Humphries, when the latter was being taken to the lock-up. All were allowed to get off on condition that they would turn up at eight o'clock in the morning ; butnoue have since shown out of their houses, Atkinson himself being also apparently in hiding, as he has not shown up to-day. Everywhere there is the strongest indignation felt amongst people at the conduct of Atkinson and his connections, and at the cowardice in attacking the arch at nrdn-ight when they were afraid to touch it in daylight. Several deputations on matters of local concern have met the Ministers. The Ministers, accompanied by a large number of the ; r friends and a reception committee, &c., went out by a special train to view the cradle of New Zealand's sorrow, the Waitara. On their return, a banquet was held at the Oddfellows' Hall at four o'clock. The hull was beautifully decorated, and over 70 persons sat down. Archdeacon Govei t occupied the chair, in the absence of the Mayor (who was prevented from being present through family affliction) supported ou the right by the Premier, F. A. Carrington, Esq., M.H.R., and the members of the Ministerial party; on the left by the Hons. J. Sheehan, J. T. Fisher, and T. Kelly, Esq., M.H.R., &c. After the local toasts had been drunk, the Chairman proposed " The health of Sir Geo. Grey," who briefly responded. Col. Trimble, Chairman of the County Council, proposed "The health of Mr. Sheehan/' who replied. Mr. F. A. Carrington proposed "The health of the Chairman." The speeches were all very brief, and merely complimentary, in consequence of the public meeting which is to be held at 8 o'clock to-night, and at which the Premier and the Native Minister will address the people. The party leaves for Wellington in the Hinemoa to-morrow, with the Native Minister, who, with Messrs. Grace and George, proceeds overland. A large and enthusiastic meeting was held last night at the Oddfellows' Hall, to listen to the address of the Premier. The building was crowded in every part, and the gallery and platform occupied by ladies. Fully 700 persons were crammed into the building, and a large crowd was outside unable to obtain admittance. The chair was occupied by Captain Wilson. The Premiea was received with great applause. After referring to matters of local concern, he spoke generally on his policy, which, judging from the demonstration of applause continually repeated, met with great approval. The Native Minister, in response to loud calls, addressed the meeting on the intention of the Government in native matters, and repeatedly applauded. The meeting was exceedingly harmonious and enthusiastic, and at the conclusion a vote of thanks was, on the motion of Councillor Strott, carried by acclamation. A number of deputations were received to-day, and the Hinemoa leaves for Wellington direct to-night.