PUBLIC MEETING.

Otago Witness, Issue 8, 24 May 1851, Page 1

PUBLIC MEETING.

A Public Meeting was held in the Schoolhouse, Dunedin, on Tuesday evening, 13th inst., at six o'clock, p.m., in terms of a Requisition signed by 46 inhabitants of Dunedin. On the motion of Mr. James Macandrew Captain Cargill was called to the Chair. The following Requisition calling the Meeting having been read : — * 1 A Public Meeting is hereby requested to assemble iv the Schoolhouse of Dunedin, on Tuesday evening, the 13th Jnst., at 6 o'clock, P.M., for the purpose of requesting WHlinra Henry Valpy, Esq., not to accept his nomination to be Member of the Legislative Council of New Zealand ; it being inconsistent with the feelings nnd principles of the Otago settlers, ns unanimously expressin their Resolutions at the public meeting of the 3rd December last, to have anything to do with an exclusively Nominee Council, or that they should have the remotest APreAßANcfttf-beingroprcsentedrWitlidut theiractually being ho.' : . • Herd follow the Signature?,

The Chairman begged.to state at the outset his conviction that every one present would concur with him in the expression of the highest respect and esteem for the gentleman referred to in the Requisition; and that there was not a man in the colony who would not delight in shewing honor to Mr. Valpy. (Applause.) The Chairman then stated : — It was not my intention to have taken any part whatever in the present meeting ; but about half an hour since a letter was put into my hands which has overruled every objection, and compelled me, under a sense of duty, to yield to its demand. He then read the following letter :—: —

To Captain Cargill.

Slß,— With reference to tho Meeting to he held this evening in the Schoolhouse. we, the Undersigned, considering that the subject thereof is one which deeply affects the interest* of the Colony, beg respectfully to request that you, as leader of the Settlers and founder of the Setaeraent, and as representing the Otago Association, will occupy the Chair at said Meeting. Here follow 19 Signaturos. Under all the circumstances in which I am placed, I shall abstain from any remark or explanation whatever on the subject to be introduced. lam here for the sole purpose of maintaining regularity, and securing a full and candid hearing for any man who may wish to address you ; and in which I feel confident the Chair will be duly supported ; and farther, that you will come to a dispassionate and rational conclusion upou the subjects to be proposd. From the paper put into my hands, I beg to call upon

Mr. Napier, who said : — I think it will be almost unnecessary for for me to say a word on this subject. It is one which speaks for itself. You have all no doubt a clear recollection of the meeting which took place on the 3rd Dec, 1850, and the resolutions which were then so unanimously passed. Allow me to say that I think we should prove ourselves guilty of a great piece of inconsistency were we, after such meeting, to sanction or countenance in any way the adoption of a system so diametrically opposed to the nature of those resolutions, as that of Nominee Representation ; and I would fain hope that they who expressed their opinions so decidedly on that occasion, will do so on this. The question about to be discussed — and fairly, I hope — is one you will all agree of vital importance to this settlement. It is a subject which should urge upon every thinking individual the necessity of looking closely into, examining and judging for himself, and of coming boldly forward, unbiassed in any way, and uninfluenced by any circumstance or position of whatever kind,

and expressing those sentiments and feelings which,

after a calm and deliberate consideration of the subject, most naturally suggest themselves to his mind. The present is an eventful era in the history of this still infant settlement, and I trust it may prove a bright— a glorious one. However widely different the views on the subject of New Zealand Government, and whatever the various opinions on this allimportant point may be, I hope the course to be followed, the system fixed upon, will be such as will ensure the happiness and prosperity, not only of this particular settlement, but of New Zealand at large. Let me urge upon you, therefore, not to allow any personal motives to interfere with the duty which every settler in the place owes to the other in thoroughly investigating a subject which so nearly concerns us all; and although at the time of the last meeting nothing had occurred which might have prevented some from expressing themselves as they did on that occasion, I trust our present position in reference to one who cannot but demand our admiration and esteem, will not prevent us from speaking our minds and judging impartially betwixt those two systems by which we must either stand or fall. He then moved : — 'That the Colonist* of Otngo have already recorded their opinion in favor of Legislation for theiv political wants, by means of v. Council sitting on the' spot, at least two-thirds of which should consist of Members elected by them.' Seconded by Mr. Bain. Mr. Robison addressed the meeting to the following effect : — He said he had observed that the pur-

pose of the meeting was to request Mr. Valpy not to

accept his nomination, as his so doing would be inconsistent with the wishes and feelings of the settlers, as expressed at the meeting held on the 3rd Dec. last. He regretted that the conveners of the meeting now assembled had plunged at once into the abstract question of the benefit arising from a Representative Government, in which all agreed, instead of considering what was best to be done under the present system. That the Otago settlers at least had received nothing but the firmest support and assistance from the Government ; and that it would be bad policy on their part to attempt to thwart it by untimely resistance, when Sir G. Grey had only a very short time before given them his Provincial Legislative Council Bill to discuss, and with but very slight modifications it had received the unanimous approval of the whole body of settlers ; that the Council as at present formed was beyond their control, and even that of Sir G. Grey ; that Sir G. Grey's Reformed Constitution could not come into force until sanctioned both by the Home Government, and further, by the Nominee Council in New Zealand as at present constituted ; and that, thereforest was desirable the Nominee from this place should be present to watch over and be ready to support the interests of the Otago settlers, when the

Constitution should come to be discussed. In addition to the foregoing, the business to be gone through by the existing Legislative Council was of an unusually important nature, and comprised questions of vital interest to the Otago settlers ; that the substitute, in case of Mr. Valpy's refusal, likely to be made at the eleventh hour by the Government, would, in all probability, be some one at Wellington totally ignorant of and indifferent to their wishes, possibly hostile to the success of this particular settlement from already elsewhere directed interests ; that whatever violent means they should adopt, they could not for a moment delay the sitting of the Council, nor hasten the introduction of Representative Institutions ; their opposition would only tend to embarrass and retard its operations, and lessen its usefulness. He then proceeded to state that they would not now be stultifying their decision of the 3rd Dec. last, that meeting only having reference to a prospective Bill, not yet in operation, and the existing state of affairs being foreign to the business of that meeting. He concluded by remarking that Mr. Valpy possessed the entire confidence of the settlers, and that Government from this selection proved the wisdom of its choice, and its desire to accord with the wishes of the inhabitants as far as possible. He proposed the following amendment : —

'As under the present constitution of New Zealand the Members of the Legislative Council must be nominated by the Governor-in-Chief, it is the opinion of this Meeting 1 , that it is more to the advantage of this Settlement that one of the Members of Council be a person deeply interested in its prosperity, and nominated from this Settlement, than that the place should be filled by a stranger who could not have tho same interest in watching over any proceedings of the Council affecting the general welfare, which would undoubtedly be done, should Mr. Valpy decline to accept his nomination ; therefore he be requested to allow nothing to interfere with his being present and taking 1 a part in the proceedings of the Council.'

Seconded by Mr. Kettle, who rose amidst a volley of hisses and made a few remarks, repeating the arguments of the previous speaker. This was the only expression of personal feeling displayed against any of the speakers throughout the evening.

Mr. Cutten begged to remark that Mr. Robison's arguments did not apply to the subject before the meeting; that the amendment was not an appropriate amendment to Mr. Napier's resolution ; for that Mr. 'Napier's motion merely resolved that a certain act was done on a certain day, whereas the amendment went into detail of the whole subject to be brought before the meeting ; and he (Mr. Cutten) suggested that the amendment should be withdrawn, and ths first resolution allowed to pass unnoticed. The amendment could be moved at a further stage of the proceedings, as a resolution was to be proposed to the meeting to which Mr. 'Robison's amendment would be a decided negative. This conrse having been declined, Mr. Cutten proceeded to urge the meeting to reject the amendment, the effect of which, if carried, would be to close the proceedings of the meeting without the matter being fully discussed. That every person would agree with the Chairman and Mr. Robison in bearing testimony to the excellent qualities of Mr. Valpy as <x colonist; but that was not the question they had come there to discuss ; it was not a personal question, but a question of principle — (cheers) — whether they should by their silence or assent allow Mr. Valpy to proceed to "Wellington with the appearance of being their Representative, without his actually being so. (Cheers.)

Mr. Macandrew followed on the same side,

The amendment was then put, and rejected by a very large majority. Several voters for the amendment appearing to doubt the state of the vote, Mr. Macandrew proposed a regular division, which was not accepted. The resolution being put by shew of hands, was announced to be carried by an overwhelming majority. Mr. Lloyd, in the midst of much confusion, proposed (in lieu of a regular division) a separation of the voters. The meeting proceeded to divide in this way, the voters for the resolution passing to the right of the house, their opponents to the left. This being quickly and facetiously done, the two parties stood for some time in ludicrous and mirthful attitudes, cheering and laughing at each other ; those on the right being about 300 in number, those on the left about 50 The shew of hands being again called, 35 hands only were held up against the resolution, which was then carried.

Mr. James Macandxew proposed the next resotion, and expressed his hope that the meeting would consider the subject which had brought them together with the calm deliberation of intelligent men ; and that they would shew that, by governing themselves, they were fitted for the self-government which they conceived themselves entitled to. He disclaimed being actuated by any desire to embarrass the Government, or to oppose Mr. Valpy, towards whom he entertained the highest respect. Mr. Valpy, from his position and standing in the settlement, from his extensive employment of labor, and I as a high-minded and Christian gentleman, was entitled to the regard of every one present ; but he (Mr. Macandrew) did entreat, that the meeting would not allow any feelings of respect towards an individual, however worthy, or any feelings of delicacy towards the Government, to deter them from asserting a great principle, and vindicating their rights as free men— men born in a free country men who had left the land of their fathers in the full confidence, and with.eyery assurance', that they were to live under and enjoy the privileges of the representative and responsible government, for which their forefathers had so nobly struggled. If asked to choose a Representative for the -Legislative Council, Mr. Valpy would be the man for whom he would vote, — that is, after having ascertained his

opinion on certain very important points, — but he could not for a moment think of standing silently by and seeing Mr. Valpy, or anybody else, going to "Wellington in the character of his representative, when he the represented had no say in the matter. Trusting that the meeting would take the same view of the subject, Mr. Macandrew concluded by proposing the resoltion, which had been put into his hands : —

4 That it is essential that there should be no pretenca for supposing that those political wants crtn be represented in a Council sitting at Wellington, composed entirely of official nnd Nominee Members, by any person whom the Governor-in-Chief may select without consulting the Colonists.'

Mr. William Stevenson, in seconding Mr. Matandrew's motion, briefly stated his concurrence in the observations which he had made He had no objection to Mr. Valpy's nomination as far as bis personal feelings were concerned ; but he looked upon the subject as a matter of principle. The resolution was put from the Chair, and carried by a large majority. Mr. E. J. Wakefield, — Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, it is quite necessary that I should give my reasons for venturing to address the inhabitants of the Otago settlement, in which I am not a resident myself. In the first place, a resolution has been, put into my hands, and I have been requested to support its substance by some of the inhabitants themselves, whom I consider entitled to some consideration on account of their station and influence in the place. Secondly, that part of the subject now under discussion which is contained in this resolution applies to the other settlements as well as this one, and relates to a matter of the strongest interest to every New Zealand colonist. And 1 hardly consider any person to be a good colonist, who does not form a decided opinion one way or the other, and maintain it publicly, on subjects of vital importanceto the whole colony. For my part, it is not with any wish to boast that I tell you it is now twelve years since I first took a part in the colonisation of New Zealand ; that I have had some share in the founding of every settlement within this province ; that I have during the whole of that time had scarcely any other subject than New Zealand earnestly at heart ; and that I hope some day to lay my bones in some part of the country. (Cheers.) A gentleman residing here has been summoned to take a part in the deliberations of the General Legislative Council, which is to make laws for the whole of New Zealand. The same process as this is probably going on in the other settlements ; they are expressing their opinion as to how far Nominees can represent them. The opinion of this settlement will, ere long, be compared with those of the others. It behoves you to express it, one way or the other, decidedly enough not to be mistaken. (Cheers.) f it ill read the resolution which has been put into my hands :— r _, >"

' That the Governor-in-Chief is able to enact iaw^ without supporting them by the mockery of Representatives from the different settlements* j and that His Excellency's legislation will be more effective and worthy of respect, if acknowledged to be, as it actually is, his own work, than if put forth as the joint work of himself and pretended Representatives of the Colonists. That the Nominees to the General Legislative Council of New Zealand have no opportunity of consulting the Colonists as to whether they can fully and conscientiously represent the requirements of those Colonists in that Council ; and that they are therefore placed in a false position by the acceptance of such an office. ' I must strongly disclaim any intention of disrespect to His Excellency the Governor-in-Chief, or to any other officer of that Queen, for whom, whatever may be our different opinions as to the exact form of government best suited for us, I am sure that we have all preserved the most fervent loyalty and attachment. (Loud cheers.) I must also disclaim any intention of shewing the slightest disrespect to Mr. Valpy It is hardly necessary for me to dwell on that gentleman's excellent qualities. I can only say that, although I have not enjoyed so many, or so good, opportunities as many of you of becoming acquainted with him, that I agree to the utmost extent with everything that has been said in his favor by former speakers, and that no one can respect and esteem him more than myself. (Loud cheers.) I am as ready as any one to allow that Sir George Grey has done a good deal for New Zealand. He is 'exceedingly prompt in administrative details ; and he is rapid to meet an emergency, even though he may not always do so in the manner most satisfactory to the majority of the colonists. (Cheers and murmurs.) Add to this, His Excellency possesses great personal amiability of character, and a most winning! manner. (Cheers and laughter.) And I would also point out that Mr. Valpy has one especial claim to your gratitude and respect, in his undeviating allegiance to the ' class ' principle of the settlement. He has, at least, never in the slightest degree opposed it. (Cheers.) But all this is not the question. My opinion would be the same if His Excellency were the most perfect Governor that ever sailed from England in a frigate, and if Mr. Valpy had already been tried, and fonncl to be a most perfect Representative. My opinion would be no stronger than it is if His Excellency were the most foolish and tyrannical Governor that ever was sent to torment colonists, and if Mr. Valpy had proved to be entirely unfit to be your own free choice. It is, in fact not a personal question at all ; and the characters of Sir George Grey and Mr. Valpy have nothing to do with it. But the real qucstiouis this. Men who have been bom and bred under AngloSaxon institutions are particularly attached to one thing, namely: — the making of laws by the real Representatives of those who pay the taxes. You yourselves are attached to that principle : you have not been long enough away from the old country to forget your love for it. Moreover, those of you at least who are members of the congregation of the Free Church are trained to similar institutions in your present Chnrch discipline. Yon have there a very complete and efficient system of local selfgovernment ; and it is , found to work admirably. (Murmurs.) You have recently elected 22 office- ' bearers with perfeot harmony and* quiet ; so quietly, indeed, that strangers would hardly. know.that.sucV an election had taken- place. I say,- then, vyotr, must' be attached to these representative institution's fland just in' proportion, to the' attachment - bear them, do they object to anything lika«.mockery£.*

of representation. For my part, I confess that I share in the firmest attachment to the reality, and also agree in the strongest objections to the mockery. I therefore call upon all who have preserved their attachment to those revered and loved institutions of the land of their fathers, to express that attachment now. (Cheers.) If you can patiently bear with me, I will try and shew, briefly, that not only this Council, but all which, like it, consist of only officials and Nominees, are a mere mockery of representative law-making. In the first place, Nominees cannot consult the Colonists ; and, therefore, cannot represent their opinions. How will Mr. Valpy, if he goes to Wellington to-morrow, know what are your feelings on the matters he is to help in discussing ? I will tell you whose opinions the Nominess represent: — those of His Excellency who selects them. Secondly,, they have no power to carry measures, or to prevent the carrying of measures to which they may object. Supposing Mr. Valpy to be thoroughly able and willing to represent your opinions, he would be powerless to obtain effect for them. The measures are proposed without time to consider them. Even those mentioned by Mr. Robison as having been published in the Gazette have only been Icnown here at all within the last week or two, by those who have access to the Government Gazette. And these are only the measures which Sir George Grey chooses to publish beforehand. There maybe many others, of even greater importance. There is sure to be one — a Money Bill ; a law to enable the taxes to be collected. And that is, in fact, the principal object of this meeting of the Council. The Provincial Council of New Munster can no longer be worked : the Governor's watch will not go. (Cheers.) It was necessary that a certain number of nonofficial members, or Nominees, should sit in that Council, in order to make its acts legal. But, with the exception of one member on his way to England, they all, for various reasons, resigned. No others could be found. The Money Bills passed by them have nearly, I believe expired ; and it became absolutely necessary to pass new ones in some way. That is why the' General Legislative Council of New Zealand, which used to sit at Auckland, has been summoned now to sit at Wellington and make laws, for the making of which the former machinery was gone. Now this Council consists of four Government officers, namely — the Governor-in-Chief, the Colonial Secretary, the Attorney-General, and the Colonial Treasurer, of New Zealand, and of the three Senior Magistrates on any general Commission of the Peace, — that is, the three Senior Magistrates on either the Commission of this Province, pr that of the Northern Province. After them, the Gover-nor-in-Chief can name any one he likes. But there was, some years ago, a curious way of working the list of Magistrates, — taking them from the top, and putting them at the bottom ; for the Governor can of course take any name off the Commission. In this case, I don't know whether Mr. Valpy is summoned as one of the Senior Magistrates, or as one of those whom His Excellency likes afterwards. It is at any rate certain that Mr. Valpy is not the Senior Magistrate in this settlement ; for the first four appointed were Capt. Cargill, Mr. Lee, Mr. Kettle, and Mr. Garrick. It is possible, certainly, that some of the Magistrates have refused ; that is not an uncommon case ; and these gentlemen are not bound to tell us whether they have been asked, or what is their answer. So it is just possible, that Mr. Valpy is one of the Senior Magistrates who have not refused the honor. (Cheers.) I have ,said that all the Nominees in the defunct Provincial Council resigned their seats. Some did so because the Council had not assembled at the right time, and they had not been told why. (Laughter.) But three of them resigned in a body when I was at Wellington in August last, because they thought themselves degraded by a rap on the knuckles frona Lord Grey. He wrote as follows to the Governor-in-Chief about the Civil List. I read from the Gov9frm4Kr Gazette of sth August, 1850 : — ' The Instructions provide ' that the Civil List so appropriated shall be applied 4 ' as the Lords of the Treasury shall direct.' — It is ' obvious that this provision will only become of real ' importance when a popular Legislature shall be ' created to which the power of controlling the whole ' public expenditure, except that portion reserved as ' a Civil List, will be entrusted. In the meantime ' while the whole Colonial Revenue is appropriated 4 by yourself with the aid of a Legislature nominated ' by the Crown and acting under the directions of ' Her Majesty's Government, with respect to the ' salaries to be assigned to the various public serv ants in the Colony, it is practically immaterial 4 which of these salaries are nominally charges upon ' the Civil List under the Lords Commissioners of * Treasury.' The fact is, after all, this was no rap on the knuckles ; but it was honestly shewing the Nominees their true position. The settlers had often told them the same thing : but Lord Grey was the first official who told them without concealment that they were powerless. (Cheers ) There will be very likely no members in this Council representing the other settlements ; for a great number of Colonists there, including niost of those distinguished by talents, property, and independence, have repeatedly refused the honor of a Nomineeship. But, as the Governor-in-Chief must obtain his complement somewhere, it is exceedingly probable that there may be some members in it not entirely actuated by public spirit. Thus the Representative of Otago, even if he be the best Representative the people could obtain, and well acquainted with all their wants, will be in a minority. But whetheriit or not, he is sure to be put forth as your real, Representatative. (A voice, ' so he-is.') I can only say that Mr. Valpy has not yet been elected by you, and therefore can hardly be called your Representative. (Cheers.) And then, it will be said, that all he does, and all he says, is by the wish of 4he Otago colonists. And if, whether from ignorance of your wants, — for he has had no opportunity of ascertaining them, — or from a conscientious difference of opinion, — since it is quite possible that his opinions and yours may be utterly at variance on sortie important subjects,— if, I say, on either of these accounts he does support something quite against your will, what can you say on his return, when the mischief, if you think it so, shall have been done ? He is not responsible to you, but to the Governor who appoints, and who can dismiss him. (Cheers.) He may very fairly say to you, ' Gentlemen, I did not ask for your opinions, I was not bound to support them.' (Cheers.) But at any rate, depend upon it His Excellency will pass what laws he likes through the Council, whether Mr. Valpy likes it or not; whether Mr. Valpy in supporting your interests opposes the Governor, or sacrifices your interests in .supporting him. (Murmurs and cheers.) Ido not mean to say that Mr. Valpy will take either of these courses : he may sit still and do nothing. (Murmurs and laughter.) He may find himself in a very perplexing situation in the Council. . Some measure may be proposed, in regard to which he feels that he is ignorant of the opinions of the Otago Colonists ; and in such a case I maintain that a conscientious man would sit stilL and do nothing. (Cheers.) The Governor will then, I say, at any rate pass what laws he likes ; and you must obey them ; and you will do so, whatever they may be ; been use, notwithstanding your opinion that you ought as at home-to-:have ayoice in making your own laws, youare still of thatJpjal and law-respect-ing-iace which has extended; round- the world- those peculiar and admirable qualities. (Cheers.) ;-. Ijuthe' same way, if the laws passed be satisfactory, you

will hardly have Mr. Valpy to thank ; your thanks will be due to Sir George Grey as before ; who will profess to consult the so-called Representative of Otago, and then — do just as he would if there were none in the Council. (Cheers, mixed with disapprobation.) 1 would again draw your attention to what is now going on in the other settlements. At Nelson the inhabitants, after long consideration, held a numerous assembly, which lasted for thirteen hours ; during the whole of which time they calmly, carefully, and deliberately discussed the laws under which they wished to live At Wellington the same kind of thing occurred ; and at both those places an elaborate report was drawn up of the system of Local Self-Government desired by the great majority of the Colonists. At Canterbury, the newlyarrived Colonists have hardly got roofs over their heads ; but depend upon it they will lose no time in considering those dear rights and liberties which they did not wish to leave behind them. I would point out to you how earnestly the Wellington and Nelson people have considered the subject. At Nelson, during the thirteen hours, scarcely ari angry word or noisy interruption was intruded : they did not, in disputing over so vital a matter, excite laughter by the schoolboys. (Cheers.) And you, too, when you have had out the short laugh which these useless ebullitions provoke, will do like your fellow-colonists ; you will calmly sit down and deliberate upon the kind of constitution under which you desire yourselves, and your children, and your grandchildren to live. (Loud cheers.) And do not fear but that your wishes will in the end prevail. A powerful Association of Members of Parliament and others, — the Colonial Reform Society, — is daily receiving important accessions to its numbers, and energetically fighting your battle at home. (Cheers. ) At this very time the principle to which they have pledged themselves is being supported by them in in Parliament. That principle is, that Colonists have the same right as those who remain -at home to manage their own local affairs themselves, and as far as possible in their own way, (Loud cheers.) I call upon you to respond to their efforts. I appeal to you not to countenance a great ' sham.' Let the Governor make laws, and let us obey them ; but let it be well understood that they are made by His Excellency, and not by any persons who can fairly be called the Reprerentatives of the voice of the colonists. (Loud cheers, mingled with some disapprobation. Seconded by Capt. Blackie. Resolution put and carried, the minority decreasing at each resolution. Mr. Cutten being called upon by the Chair, said : — In rising to propose the resolution in my hands, I need hardly say anything in favor of Mr Valpy personally, to whose excellent qualities every speaker had borne testimony ; and I doubt not he would have been called on as our Representative had we had the power of electing. In calling this meeting, therefore, we are only doing justice to that gentleman in letting him know what are the wishes of the community, if, under existing circumstances, he should accept a seat in the Legislative Council as the Governor's Nominee, from his high station amongst us

he would have the appearance of being our Representative, without actually being so. The idea that we are obstructing the Governor by inducing Mr. Valpy not to accept his seat in the Council is erroneous. The Governor can carry any measure in defiance of his opinions if he do go ; if he do not, it will make no difference. Sir George Grey can nominate any pei'son he pleases who would suit his purpose as well, and which would have the advantage not give us the appearance of being represented. Now, gentlemen, were Mr. Valpy to proceeded to the Council without our expressing our opinions, we should allowe him to fall into a false position, his attendance being useless. And although Mr. Valpy may have possessed the entire confidence of the settler's hitherto ; shoudhe accept his nomination contrary to their wishes, he might find on his return that he no longer possessed their confidence. As I said before, I need not enlarge on the good he has done, but will conclude by reading the motion placed in my hands :—: —

'That the Colonists of Otago entertain n high opinion of the integrity, benevolence, and zeal for local interests evinced by William Henry Valpy, Esq., nnd nlso great respect for the manner in which he has discharged the duties devolving upon him in conseqnenee of his social station and large property in tho Settlement, they would thcrnforo earnpstly entreat that gentleman not to accept the false position which he will fall into if, ns a mere Nominee of the Governor-in-Chipf, he should be put forth as the Representative of the Otng-o Colonists in the Legislative Council of New Zealand.' Seconded by Mr. Healey. Mr. Lloyd rose and moved the following amendment (we were unable to hear his remarks), which was seconded by Mr. Barr : —

'That this meeting desires to express their perfect confidence in Mr. Vnlpy as a Member of Council, feeling assured that he v/ill be jruided and influenced by principles of honor and integrity, and that jiny meHsure he jnnv sanction will be for the benefit of the community ; und that he be requested to allow nothing to interfere with his accepting the office.'

The Chairman remarked that this amendment was nearly the same as Mr. Robison's which had been rejected ; he would however, if required, put it to the meeting. He then read the two amendments together. Mr. Lloyd made some angry remarks "which were inaudible. The amendment was put and lost. Mb. Langlands said : — Before the resolution was put to the meeting, he wished to make a few observations. He meant to give his support to that resolution, which, without an explanation, would doubtless be considered,an inconsistency. Yesterday a paper was sent round to the inhabitants for signature, purporting to be in favor of Mr. Valpy's representing this settlement in the Legislative Council of New Zealand. He (Mr. Langlands) had but lately come hither, and was unacquainted with the nature of the Government arrangements for the colony, but deemed it a full and just system of re presentation; and besides actuated by feelings of the highest respect for Mr. Valpy, and believing him qualified for the position of Representative for Otago, he had signed that document. Subsequent enquiries, however, had convinced him that, according to the present system, it was impossible there could be any proper representation made of us in the Legislative Council, and he therefore would support the resolution, notwithstanding having attached his name to that paper. Further, he (Mr. Langlands) was confident that there were not a few who having signed that document in similar circumstances with himself, were equally desirous of withdrawing from it; and thought with a previous speaker, that .the Chairman ought to afford them an opportunity of expressing themselves. Much noise and confusion followed Mr. Langlands's remarks. The resolution was put, and carried by a large majority. , Thanks were voted to the Chairman, and the meeting separated.

TO CORRESPONDENTS. Mr. James Macandrew, Mr. Valpy, The Committees of Resolutionists Reply to Mr, Valpy, and ' ' William CaTgill, in otw next.

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