SEPARATION. GREAT PUBLIC MEETING IN THE PRINCESS THEATRE.

Otago Witness, Issue 685, 14 January 1865, Page 5

SE PARAT ION. GREAT PUBLIC MEETING IN THE PRINCESS THEATRE.

A public me; tir g. co» vened by His Honor the Superintendent, in complisnce with ar.umerouslyriguea requisition, was held in th? Princess Theatre on tb.p 6th in«tan% *• to take into eneidei ation the formation of a League, having for its o! feet the Separation of the Middle Island from tha Northern." The Theatre was densely crowded.

The Superintendent (J H. Harris, E*q ,) took the 'hair ; and there were present nrnontrst those on the stage- Messrs T. B. Gillies, late Postmaster-General ; J. Vogel. M.P.C. M H R. ; J Hughes, M.P.f\ ; Horace B wtinga, M.P.C. ; H. D. Maddock, W. W. Wilsor, J. A. J. M'Gresor, J. Millar, J. Lazar, D. F. Main, W. Shnw, J- Crate, *c

The ' uperinte*»di:kt said : Gentlemen,— l willirg'y accede to the requ. stmade to me to preside over this meeting ; nnd *iofc the less so, that I cordiaUy agree with its promoters, that the time bas come when it be'toves eveiy man in^this Province to enter his solemn prott-st agiin«t the disproportionate amnunf of its revenue which the Province contributes towards the expenses of the Genital Government of the Colony, and to help in the initiation of s->me movement by which that disproportionate payment niny be made somewhat less oppressive.— (Applause) This is the third meeting that has been held in this place, during the last three yenrs, having for its o>j ct the Separation of "the 3Mid<!le Island of New Zealand from the Northern Island. The first of those meeting* was held about three year* a?o ; but, owintr to illness at the time, I was unable to attend it. One of the results of that m eting was the formation of whit was called a Reparation League ; and for some time that League worked very energetically, and to some extent successfully, in its attempts to carry out the purpose for which it was formed. However, there were obstacles thrown in the way of tho?e who sought Separation, which, in any attempts wp may make now towards effecting the (=ame object, it would be well to bear in mind, in order that, as far as wo can, we may avoid the difficulties experienced by that League. One main difficulty, to which I may now allude, with which the Separation League of rago tad to contend, was the supineness manifested by the other Provinces of the Middle Is land. Tt is well known that the men who lead public opinion in the neighboring Province of Canterbury, were from the first opposed to the movement ; and that the leading men in the more northern Province of l v ekon saw no great rea?on why they should be joined, in a movement of this kind, with Canterbury, Otago, and Southland, and be cut off from the Province of Auckland, with which, probably, their commercial transactions were more immediately connected. One of the chief reasons', I believe, for the opposition of Canterbury, or her leadinn men, urose from afeeling of jealousy towards Otago. This Province had then risen very rapidly in the scale of Provinces, and the people felt and I think there was no wonder that they felt —that Ot?go, which had, until recently, been inferior to Canterbury in point of wealth am population, had suddenly acquired a much more commanding position, so that, in the event of Reparation, the seat of Government tor the Middle Island must inevitably be placed in tago, so that Canterbury would only play a secondary part in the affairs of the Middle Island. That I believe, was one of the main reasons that mdd ced Canterbury to oppose the League from the commencement ; and, perhaps, another reason migbt be found in the fact that the leading men of that Province were not consulted in the matter until a decisive step had been taken in Otago. However that may be, the fact remains that the League received great opposition, both from Canterbury and Nelson. Nmtbland never took any decided step, one way or the other. There vras another great difficulty to be contended with, and that was, the want of harmonious action on the part of your representatives in the Provincial Council and the General Assembly. —(Hear hear.) Several of your members in the Assembly opposed the movement strenuously from the commencement ; and many of the members of the Provincial Council have done the same. Had there been ■united action on the part of your members, in the .Assembly and in the Gouncil, from the day when the League was first established, Separation of -the Middle from the Northern Island wonld long before now have become an accomplished fact.— ("Hear, hear," snd applause.) If Separation be a thing to be desired— and I hold, undoubtedly, that it is you have, in a great measure your own representatives to thank for it not having been realised !— (Hear, hear.) I am not aware pf the nature of the resolutions to be submitted to you to-day ; and if I were, it would not be my duty as your chairman, to enter into details. lam very glad that the Separation movement is being resuscitated — (applause) ; and I hope that practical steps will be initiated today, which will end in the accomplishment of the object you have in view. There are difficulties in the way of obtaining that result, and I have no doubt that they are apparent to all the gentlemen ■who will address you. There are difficulties that did not exist when this question was first broached here. Had energetic and united action been takes in the Assembly, immediately after the first meeting here— had your members been unanimous on the subject— there can be little doubt that, by a decision of the Assembly, Separation would have been gained : and if it had been bo, the financial position of the Colony at that time would not nave presented those difficulties to an adjustment of revenue and liabilities between the two Islands, which now, in consequence of the large expenditure incurred with reference to the Native War, will be found to exist. Still, although the difficulty of a financial adjustment of liabilities between the Islands will be greater now than it would have been three years ago, that alone does not byany means present an insuperable obstacle. For instance, even if it were possible, which I doubt, that the Provinces of Otago and Southland would have to be debited with a million sterling, as their share of the liability incurred by the Colony in consequence of the Native War, and otherwise, it would be cheap to accept Separation on those terms. A very short reference to figures ■will, I think, convince you beyond mistake on this point. I will chow you that even if Otago alone demanded and obtained Separation, with its owe Governor and supreme form of Government, the whole expenses of that Government, fee payment of interest on, and providing a sink-

| ing fund for the repayment of, a million Bterlin.fr, would be almost as nothing in comparison with 'he great demands made on our revenue, through our connection with the General Government of the Colony. By reference to the financial returns published by the General Government for the year ending the 30th June, 1863, it will be found that the total Cuat ms Revenue of New Zealand amounted to L4BB 749 15s 64, of which sum Otago nlone contributed L 215/222 8s 2d, beinsr only 158 301 19* 21 less than was contributed by the whole of the rest of the Olony together The fame thing is repeited. only in a rather worse form ia the rear endinar June, 1854, when the contribution of this P nvinoe, from "ustoms Epvenue, w> L243'173 12s ; thushowing that the Customs .Revenue of the Province, if we had the whole cornman'l of it, would put us in possession of something like a quarter of a million sterling, yearly, with which to meet the expenses of Go vernment, without considering the other sources of revenue we have to look to. Supposing that this Province and Southland were to take upon themselves the repayment of a portion of the Hebt of New Zealand, amounting to one million sterling, and were to be relieved from any further connection with the rest of the Colony, we should find that by setting aside about L 70.000 a year, it would provide for the interest on a million, and a suiklng iund by which the whole capital would be redeemed in less than 40 years Take L7O 000 from L 240,000, and you will find that there would be a tolerably handsome bnlance remaining in the Treasury of the Province. — (\pplause.) I could pursue these calculations ad injinitum, and could show clearly, if your time iind my position allowed of my doing so, that not only upon this point, but upon various other items, we should be gainers to a vast amount by -eparation from all the other Provinces of New i Zealand. There is one point upon which, per haps, I hold opinions somewhat different from those entertained by the gentlemen who requested me to call this meeting When Separation was first mooted here, it took, naturally, the form of a Separation of the Middle Island from the Northern Island ; and I admit, that, were such a thing practicable, it would be far preferable that this should be done, than that the Colony I should be split into lesser divisions. However, I have seen enough during the last three years, of the opposition met with in this matter, through the adverse opinions held by the Canterbury and Nelson men, to make me sure in my own mind

I should be very sorry in any way to damp the ardour of those who may engage in the work, j but I feel convinced on the pomt — that If they ! set to work to try to get. a Separation of the Middle from the Northern Island, they will fail. My own conviction is, that the proper way to set about the task is this— to insist upon Separation for ourselves as a Pro vince.— (Hear, hear.) That I believe to be the only practicable way ; and, let rue add, there is one thing in favor of this view, besides its practicability. It is this — that by such a scheme we should avoid the expense of a double Government. We all know what the effects of a double Government is to this Province already— that we are very nearly ruined, financially, through having to maintain the heavy expense of the General Government, and at the same time to keep up an efficient Provincial Government. If this can be avoided, it is surely to be desired. If we got Separation as a Province, we should be in the position of merely transferring the expense of our present Provincial Government, to the expense of what would then be our sole Government. The addition that would have to be ma c to the salary of our Governor, &> compared with the salary of the Superintendent, wou'd with a few other exceptions, be nearly all the extra expense in connection with our new governmental administration. I feel sure that the moment we again appeal to Canterbury and NelsoD, we "hall meet with the same rebuffs as we met with before ; and that years will be required, before anything like Separation can be accomplished, if it is oniv to bn got by union with those Provinces But if they found that we were determined to obtain Separation on our own account < 'anterbury and Nelson would, in all probability, begin to discover that their connection with Wellington would be attended with very great inconvenience ; and, on the principle ot " better late than never," would gladly offer to join with. Otago for a Sepa-ation of the two islands. But to begin with an effort to get Separation for the Middle Island will I bslieve, be beginning at the wrong end ; while if we begin by ('emanding it for ourselves, I believe that we shall end by securing it for the whole Island. There ha?, as you are all very well aware, been lately a very strone co operation between Canterbury and Wellington, for the purpose of forcing a removal of the seat of Government to Wellington, and which has been successful. But I look upon that result as by no means a final settlement of the question ; and I have no doubt that, before long, the eyes of the Canterbury people will be quite open to the faot, that they have not made the best bargain in the world by joining with Wellington, to defeat the interests of the more important Province of Auckland. I may state, for I like to be as practical as possible, what my views are as to the course which you should adopt in this matter— that is, if you are really anxious to obtain what the League is to be re-formed to seek for. Your first step should be one which I have no doubt will be submitted to you presently — to pass practical resolutions bearing on the subject. But you must do much more than that to create unanimity in the Pro vince in support of your object, for until you do that you will not succeed, whatever else you. may do. If one portion of the Province is divided against the other, you will, as you have already done, send to the Assembly men of whom one half will vote, on one side and the other half on the opposite; and so you will never get Separation agreed to ty that body. I believe if the question were fairly brought before every section of the community, both in town and country, there would be an almost unanimous dec sion in favor of Separation. But there are districts, in which the question has never been fairly and fully brought before the people. It has been before the people of Dunedin far more fully than it ever has before any other section of the community, 'which fact accounts for public opinion in Dunedin being more decided on. the subject than it can possibly be in Country Districts. If the League that is to be started te-day is to do any practical good, it must send intelligent agents through the Province, so that, wherever there is a settled population, the question shall be fally and plainly stated, and co-operation enlisted. There is another mosJ) important point— that you should secure members in the Assembly and in the Provincial Council ■ who will vote for Separation, aad will act

vote against it.— {Applause.) I may be asked how I would propose to deal with those gentlemen who are members of the Assembly, and who have, on a recent occasion, voted; I believe, adversely to this measure, although in doing so they went in the face of a resolution passed almost unanimously in its favor by the Provincial Council, of which they are also members. What i would do is this : expect the Governor to pay us a visit In a day or two. I would recommend you to get a memorial and E should b» happy to sign it myself sinned by as many inhabitants of the Province as possible, eilling upon His Excellency to dißsolve the Assemb'y.- ( A.Dplau c c.) Then y>u will bay* the oprjortunity of sending up new men, pledged to carry out your views on this vital matter.— (Applause.) If you want Separation, this is one of the main steps necessary to enable you to secure it. — (Hear, hear.) There are other steps, of course, upon which it is not necessary for me to dwell. One of them is a memorial to Her Majesty the Queen ; and another is, bringing the subject, in every fair way, before the notice of His Excellency while he is here. I will now only add, that I trust that in the discussion of this question you will give to every gentleman who comes forward to address you, a fair and impartial hearing, and that you will in every possible way assist me is preserving that order and decorum which should always characterise a meeting of this kind,— (Lou'l and continued applause.) Mr Vogelj : I may say, unfeignedly, that T wish the resolution that has been placed in my hands to propose, had fallen to some one more capable of doing ifc justice. It is a very important resolution which has been given to me ; and it was given only at a late hour yesterday afternoon —at an hour which, according to my idea of the importance of the resolution, has not left to me sufficient time to study the various details connected with it I would also ask your indulgence on the ground that I am not accustomed to address meetings in so l-.rge a place ns this ; and 1 have some doubt whether I shall be able to make myself clearly he^rd. I hope that this will plead for me, so as to insure me your indulgence, if I should fail. The resolution which I have to propose is one that touches at the ver j root of the question of Reparation, as. you will see at once when I read it to you. It is — " That in the opinion of this meeting the time has arrived when the Separation of the Middle from the North Island of New Zealand wou'd be attended with benefit to the Colonists of both Islands." Before going into the question, I wi3h to explain that in appearing here to-day as the mover of this resolution, I do so simply as one very much ii terested in this question of Separation, and who desires to contribute his humble mite in aid of the object. lam not here to-day in my character as a member of the General Assembly. I propose to take some other opportunity of discussing with my constituents what has taken place in the Assembly during tbe late session. At the same time, it is quite likely — in fact, the very nature of the subject demands it - that I shall have to refer a great deal to what has taken place in the Assembly ; but, as far as I am able to draw the distinction, it will be my endeavor to put on one side as much as possible my individual action in the Assembly, an<i in referring to any of the proceedings there, I shall do so simply as the mover of this resolution. This is the third separation meeting which has been held in this Theatre, and I have attended them all. The character of each of those meetings has very materially differed. In the first instance, those who were anxious for Separation came before you with only brilliant prospects in view, and only brilliant present facts to tell you of. They came to you as those who saw looming in the distance the necessity for Separation ; and as seeing also, perhaps, the possible dangers and difficulties which have in reality overtaken you. This is a brief but correct description of the original movement, which was inaugurated at the first meeting in this Theatre. At the second meeting, things by no means wore so brilliant an aspect. There were then very apparent difficulties in the distance. It was clear, that a ?ery powerful political clique had been formed, the object of which was, at the expense of the rest of the Colony, to promote the interests of Wellington. I think that this is only a correct description of the feelings and opinions of those who took part in the second Separation meeting. Now, we are again met with all our supposed difficulties and dangers, more than realised; we are met, with positive, unmistakable difficulties staring us in the face— (hear, hear) — to propose Separation as an absolute measure of necessity I do not say that tbe future of the Colony, as a Colony, depends upon this Separation being carried out. I cannot for a moment allow myseff to suppose that for these two fair islands, with their innumerable resources, there can be anything in the long future but a career of prosperity. But we have now to consider, not the future prosperity of tbe Colony, but whether that future prosperity shall be linked with, the names and the fortunes of those who have hitherto associated themselves with the Colony. The question is, whether those who have made the Colony — who have colonised it and settled it— are to* be content to see themselves forced to retire from the field in favor of an entirely new race of Colonists. We have had instances of the waves of adversity rolling over a Colony, dis"placing the old settlers, and leaving an entirely new race in their places. And the whole course of legislation and of public events here, duriug the last three years, points but to this one direction— that, as individual Colonists of this Island, the great mass of the older settlers will, one by one, be forced from tbeir positions forced to give up the fruits of their almost life-long toil, and their hopes of leaving to their children the evidences of their exertions— forced to find themselves fading out of view, and to retire in favor of a new set of persons, who will take advantage of the adversities that have overtaken the Colony, and which favor the progress in wealth and importance of those who had nothing to do with the Colony in its earlier day*.— (A. Voicb : What has that to do with the Province of Otago 1) This is the question. I say that we have now to consider —not tbe future of the Colony, but whether those who have settled the country are to have the fruits of their labours. In the remarks lam about to make, I shall single out Obagp from the Middle Island Provinces as an example of the effects which I consider have been brought about by the (purse of. legislation and public events ; but in doing so, I must be understood as thinking that whsfe, has happened to Otago, and is happening to U> is more or less hapDeoißg*. and ka& happened to all, the. oilier. Pra-

vincea of the Middle Island. What is this position to which Otago in reduced 1 It is matter or notoriety that, for a very considerable time past, . its revenue has been unequal to meeting its expenses—or, rather, the revenue which has been allowed to foil to the share of the Provincial (Jovernment has been so; and, consequently, the load of debt has been continuously increasing, until the Province is reduced to a state of considerable embarrassment. We know, and you all know, that a large share of ihia is due to rlie fact that securities authorised by the Provincial Government, and which received the quasi a«s nt o1o 1 the General Government, and to chat extent the endorsation of the General assembly, are altogether unmarketable, and that, in consequence, wi have been snbjected toall the effects that arise from a want of means— that we have had, almost entirely, if not quite, to suspend public works. In fact, we know this, that, without reference to our present position, but looking only to our position before the Assembly last met, the resources of the Provinces were so uncertain, that it has been absolutely almost a question how long 4he Government could continue to make its payments in money. We knowthat in Southland the Government was reduced to much worse extremities — that its position was one altogether of a most disastrous nature ; and we believe —at any rate, we have considerable evidence to entitle us to believe— that the other Provinces of the Middle Island were all more or less involved in difficulties, on account of their want of means, and of their securities being unnegotiable We know that from one end to the other of the Middle Island there has been a. practical suspension of public works which the resources of the Island would otherwise have justified being carried on. What was the effect of the ''meeting of the Assembly, from which so much was looked for? Through all the dangers and difficulties that for many months had embarrassed the Provinces, there was this hope— "We will wait until the Assembly meets. The Assembly will give us relief.'' But what did the Assembly do? There was absolutely nothing: whatever done to aid the Provinces ; but. on the other hand, a great deal was done to further embarrass them. The only direct allusion to the subject was one made to the difficulties of Southland, and that was made simply in the direction of those difficulties being turned into a joke. One gentleman got up and referred to the fact that it was supposed bailiff's had taken possession of the Provincial Government offices and property in Southland, as accounting for the absence of the Superintendent of that Province from his seat in the House, on the ground that the bailiffs might have seized his clothes — ( Laugh ber ) That was, I believe, the only direct allusion made during the session to the difficulculties into which Southland or any of the other Provinces had fallen. On the other hand, there were a great many sneers directed against Otago in particular. The Colonial Treasurer, in his Financial Statement, made a point, wben he referred to the moneys owing to Otago by the General Government, to say, in very sneering accents, that there was every reason to believe that Otago had great necessity for the money, and would be very glad to> get it. I pass on to notice the absolute proceedings of the Assembly, in order to show that the action taken, instead of aiding the Province?, simply increased their difficulties One step adopted was to increase the rate of interest upon Colonial securities, thereby practically making the Provincial securities more unmarketable than they otherwise were. Ido not say that, to some extent, or even altogether, it was not a wise measure, to increase the rate of interest on Colonial securities ; but while increasing it, the fact should have been recognised of its action on the Provincial securities, and some provision should have been made in consequence. But thab was altogether a matter of indifference to the Assembly. I now come to the question of that very violent measure, the sudden increase of the Tariff— (hear, hear)— without any notice whatever being given not only to those who would be generally affeoted by it, but even to the members who were asked to support it. In one night, the Government insisted, with a strength which it was impossible to resist, upon increasing the Customs Duties from oue-third to one-ha'f, upon most of the articles of cimmon consumption which are used in the Colony. — (Hear, hear.) I am not now prepared to discuss the question, whether the needs of the Colony did not necessitate some amount of extra taxation ; but lam prepared to say that it was a shameful and most iniquitous thing, that that extra taxation should have taken the direction of increased Customs Duties— (applause)— because, if there was one evil, more than another, under which the Colony languished, it was that of the excessive amount of its Customs Duties. — (Hear, hear.) I say, and I have said it before, that increased taxation should have taken the shape of an Income Tax. —(Hear, hear.) I believe that supposing this increased Tariff to be productive of anything but smuggling and adulteration, which is somewhat doubtful, — supposing it results in an increase of revenue— the result would be simply to to drive out of the Colony the industrial portian of the population, and to leave those who have capital unable properly to employ it. I believe that, for all classes, it would have been far better that extra taxation should have assumed the shape of aa Income Tax.— (Hear, hear.) It will be said» perhaps, that this increase of the Tariff is only a temporary measure. Well, that question was tested. The Government were asked distinctly whether they would limit the operation of theincreased Tariff to a single year; but they declined to do so. Late in the session, a member who is well known to you, who has long taken a very active portion in public affairs, but who 13 bow shut out from taking* that part, on account of the opinions which he holds as to the Government making a Ministerial question of the seat of Government— I mean, Mr Stafford— endeavoured again to plea* on behalf of the industrial classes, for a revision of that measure increasing the Tariff, and in favor of an Income Tax. He brought forward a resolution, which went to say, that the increased taxation should take the shape of an Income Tax, and calling upon the Government, during the short recess which, is now passing, to prepare a. measure for imposing such a tax in substitution of the increased Customs Duties; but the Government declined, and in fact they told him as much, as that they considered the resolution a Ministerial one. From' this fact, you have evidence not only that you are subjected to these increased Customs Duties, but that, aa far as the Government is concerned, there is very little intention of again removing the burden.— (A. Voicb : Come to Separation. ) I am just informed by a paper whisb has been kaadeitc me— and it shows tbe

amount of consideration which th s Province may expect to receive from the General Government-— thatflince the Assembly was porogued, an application for a small amount of LBO3O owing to the Provincial Government, was met, not only by a refusal on the pait of the General Government, but by an expression of surprise that the Provincial Government should even have made the anplieaiion- for money due to it — (Hear, hear ) I have traced the course of the action of the Assembly; and I now come t? the consideration of the position to which Otago is presently reduced. But, before I co on I may ■say that! am afraid this subject is not a very interesting one. Probably it would not be interesting in the mouth of any speaker f and, for n-y-ef, I am sorry to say that I am not able to pive it thar adornment and illustration whifh would probably make it more acceptable to you. But if you a r e earnestly and anxiously zealous in aiding this movement, you must submit to hear a pood many dry details — jou must submit, in fact, to listen to a' great deal of dry matter, in order that you may mutually help in carrying forward thp movement which you have at heart -that of Separation. So 1 trust thai those who may be inclined to complain that I am not making my remarks ye y interesting, will believe that i am endeavoring to do so as much as possible, and will believe also, t 1 at some of the lack ot infere t in form is attributable to the really dry nature of the subject.— (Hear, hear.) As to the present position of Otago. we know that the Provincial Government only a few days ago, in view of the absolute want ot money were forcrd to take a measure which I ••uppose no one will deny was a most; violent one. By a proclamation, tlie Superintendent, by and with the advice of his Executive, has. in effect, upset the value of lani — thrown it down neary or quite one-half That, 1 say, was a most violent measure, which has, a« one of it* effects, the effect nf lessening the value of property throughout the Province ; and it was a measure which nothing but absolute necessity would have led the Provincial Government to takp. I say. that this fact should present the subject of Separation in a very serioua light -in the light to which I have before referred ; tbat there are not only your collective interests to be considered as Colonists, but your individual interests as resi dents and holders of property. You must see that the efiect o what is going: on is to lessen the value of property — to reduce not only the public wealth, but the private wealth of every individual of the community. Otago has been compelled, by force of the legislate n adopted by the Colony 83 a whole, to find itself unable tr> meet it 3 o^n Provincial obligations. Many persons will, peih-ps, contend, that mu^h of what I have said has a revolutionary tendency that I am ignoring the obligations which Otago owes to the Colony as being pirt of it; but 1 contend that Otago is just as much a Provincial entity as it is anentitvwbichispartof the Colony. Th^ same Constitution that made it a pnrfc of tbe Colony also gave it a Provincial exi-tence ; and it would he as disgraceful to the residents of Otago, if they were forced to repudiate, o r were unable to meet, the engagement- entered into by the Province itself, a° it would be to bo so circumstanced as part of the Colony. You have resting' upon you a double responsibility— one which the Province owes to itself, and the other which it owes to the Colony ; and I would say that one jut as imperatively requires your attention as the other. I am obliged to say this much to show that while I may seem to be referring to most violent measures of agitation, I am simply pointi >gf out the duty which must devolve upon the residents of the Province, to fulfil the obligations which have accrued to them as residents. " After these introductory remarks, Iwill proceed to deal with what tho«e who are aiding this movement considerate be the remedy for the evils I have described— that is, the Separation of the two Islands. Those who propose this remedy contend that it will be effectual -tha' the Separation of the two Is'ands will be beneficial not only to one but to both— that it will aid both in attaining to that position to ■which their natural resources entitle them. The resolution which I have proposed, goes, in fact, distinctly to that point. It says that the time has arrived when the Separation of the Middle Island from the North Island would be attended with great benefit to the Colonists of both. I will first refer to the effects of Separation ou the North Island. Auckland has now become an exceedingly prosperous and rich place, and indubitably the Province has immense resources." I believe there cannot ba a Soubt that if Auckland only possess?d tbat measure of Governmentwhich it requires, it would become a very important •Colony, especially if it was connected with the other > rovinces of the Northern Island. I refer, however, to 4uckland in particular, because, as far as population and development are •concerned, Auckland may almost be considered as the Northern Island, for our present purpo'e. I dp not desire to utter anything like a taunt to the residents of the Northern Island ; but t think we may say this, and take it into consideration, that if that island had to depend upon its own resources, and could not look for immense contributions from the Middle island, we might be aure that there would be no Native War \ of an unnecessary character. The Northern Island would, if so placed, feel that the responsibility, and the consequences of any wars it entered on, would fall directly upon itse'f ; and there wonldthuß be a guarantee that there would be no unnecessary Native Wars.— ( Hear, hear.) But. we know that, instead of there bei g a Government at Auckland 3 for the Northern Island, the panacea has been proposed of having"the General Government at Wellington. I shall be asked, " Will not that removal aid towards the efficient Government of both Islands?" I reply, that so far as I am able to ascertain, Government from Wellington mean?, the misGovernment of both islands— (tfear, hear.) There will be a great deal said, I have no doubt, about our wanting ," to leave friends in distress." We shall be accused of wishing to cut ourselves 1 away from the North Island, at a time when, having entered into a large war, it has great necessity for our aid. The answer is, that so far aa Auckland is concerned the North Islan i desires to see Separation carried out. Almost aa one man, the people ot Auckland are desirou* to see ended tbe partnership which they, at present, recognise as disastrous to both islands. They will not accuse us of leaving th"m in distress, but they will be extremely grateful to us for doing anything to secure the result which they so earnestly desire— the Separation of the two Islands. I come now to consider what may be expected to be the result of Reparation to the Middle Island. It is not necessary for me to go - at length into the matter, for you all know that Ate ifisourooß of the Middle liland are so great,

that if only left t> such a Government as would be useful to it, it would necessarily become a piosperous Colony. If left to itself, there would be no need whatever for its continuing in , embarra'sment; for the power would bs at once given to it to p°y off its debts and to make it« n-curities negotiable. While oar Provincial securiiiesarenow selling at2spercentdis«ount, I find that securities of the Queensland Government, bearing the same rate ot interest, are negotiated at 103. Tbeie i tt tbus a difference in value between the two securities of L2B on every L10 1 ) No one can doubt that if the M'ddle Island were a Colony in itself, it wnuld command just as much credit as Queensland commands, and perhaps more. I undertake to say that what took place with Queensland, after it ceased to be Moreton Bny arid had separated from JNew South Wales, would take place here— that we are debarred from receiving that laige amount of immigration which we have a right to expect, because people do not like to come to a Colony where a Maori war exists ; but that, if there were Separation, this Middle- Island would become a fivorite field for immigration — that it would, in fact, be almost rushed by immi erants— and that there woulii be a lame amount of capital brought into it. which would be availahle for the development of the resources of the Colony, and for the use of the Colonists generally. {Hear, hear.) There would be this other tff-ct. t take lewe to say, although it may, perhaps not be a popular sentiment. I believe that the expense ot the numerous Provincial Governments presses most heavily on the resources of the Colony ; and that were the Middle Lland one Colony, we should be able to get rid, to a great extent, of the expense* of the five or six separate Governments which now bear most hardly upon the means of the residents in the Middle Island. I believe that a good central Government in this Island would have for one of its effects, the doing away with all theae petty Provincial Governments, and that the means thus saved would give a lsrgp balance in our favor at the end of a term of years. I do not know whether the movers in the present agitation have in view, a« one of the remote contingencies connected with it. the object of doing away with Provincial Governments ; but I point to it as a possibility, that if this island was constituted in'o a separate Co'ony you would probably be able to do away with, at any rate a very large proportion of the Provincial Government expense*. I have now to consider what are the obj°ctions likely to be raised to Separation, hecause I cannot disguise from myself that there are many persons in the Province who I think are simply prejudiced in the matter, or who have interests which they think may be prejudiced by Separation, and vho are likely to do what they can to oppose this movement. I have already disposed of that objection, which will no doubt be tireed that we are leaving friends in distress. It is enough to say that those friends are quite ready to give up the partnership, and think that we are really aiding them in what we are doing, We shall be told that the Imperial Government will object, and that we are simply pursuing a chimera — that we are trying to do what we cannot possibly accomplish. In reply' to that, I have to state my belief that it will be found that the Imperial Government wi 1 be quite willing to allow reparation. I do^pot know that I am exceeding proper limits ia saying that it wps generally believed in Auckland, that indirectly the suggestion of the suspension of the Constitution in the North Wand, and the establishment of a s°parate Government in the Middle Island emanated trcm the Queen'a representa ive. At any rate, I be lieve that there Is no doubt tnat the Q >een's representative was in favor of it that it woulJ have had his earnest support— that probably, in the meanwhile, instead of waiting for advices from home, he would hive used the power he is supposed to possess of appointing a Lieutenant Governor ia tlie Middle Island, Hut that proposal which came from the Auckland members was knocked on the head, simp y because the majority that favored Wellington was able to do it. If your members had pulled together, this proposal would hive been carried, and you would have found that that Separation which we are now aivocating, would have been given effect to that the Assembly would have affirmed it — that theQieen's representative would have accepted it, and that if he could not at once have put it into effect, there would be now going home over the stas, earnest representations intended to induce the Home Government to grant st However, the measure was lost in the Assembly, bur, what took place is an indication that tha Imperial Government is not likely to oppose Separation. I will go further, I believe that the Imperial Government will consider that the Separation of the two Islands, would he a guarantee against any unnecessary Maori war. What the Home Government fears more , than anything eke is, that if left to themselves the Colonists would enter npon a desolating war of extermination, which would be disgraceful to England which first undertook the civilisation of the Maoris. But if the Imperial Government saw that the whole weight of any such war would be thrown, npon the Northern Island alone, they would recognise in that fact a gaurantee that there would \n no unaecessary native wars. A great deal of bunkum, I think, has bren talked about the Separation of the two islands preventing the Colony becoming in future a large and independent kingdom. The answer to all that is, tbat while they are conjoined, instead of ad vancing and realising an independent position, they keep constantly falling into greater difficulties. I do not think that there are any of us who desire to see this country separated from England, at any rate for many generations to come ; but whether or not we do so, Ido not Buppo^e that any one can deny that when so organic a change was carried out as Separation from Kngland, it would be a very trifling matter to secure the junction of the two Islands again. I maintain that the Separation of the two Islands should not for a moment be allowed to be considered in relation to the possible future of an independent and great kingdom. I will tell you what I believe is the real reason at the bottom ot the opposition to Separation- that many of the leadingjmen in the Colony, and in the Middle Island especially, consider that public life would be beneath them unless they had the management of native affuis to look after. I heard one of the most brilliant speakers in the House. Mr Fitzgerald, state only a few weeks ago, that the consideratioa of native affairs educated colonial statesmen— that all other affairs here were scarcely worth considering ; but that this native subject had educated public men, and made them capable of shining as Colonial statesmen, if not as English statesmen. Even supposing all that to be true, I say that w* are

paying very much too dearly for our whistle Very nearly three millions of money will bav<! gone in native wars during eighteen months; and I think that for that sum we could find a much cheaper way of educating publio mcD, For very much has than that sum. we could even go so far as t& sen -I some of nur public m^n lmme and get them introiuced into the Imperial P«rliiraent; and if the orject, were to treat the Colonists occasionally to a few brilliant speeches I have no doubt, seeing that there are gentlemen h>re who cater for our amusement by bring me out the champion cricketers and the champion billiard player, that some of them for a very small fraction of that extravagant sum of three millions, would be able to bring us out some ot the best Eng'ish speakers, to star it through the different provinces of the Colony.- (Laughter ) I say that it vs altogether a fallacy that idea of these native affairs aUingr in the education of our public men. I would much rather see those public men directing their attention to the dryest subject that was really of domestic, interest, than hear them deliver the most flowing orations about Native affairs But you may deneud that there are men, and men too who have a grea 1 deal of power in the Colony who really believe, and whose opposition to Separation is bas»d on the belief, that if they had no longer native affairs to manage public lite would be beneath them. — ( Heir, hear ) I think I Have succeeded in establishing 1 that tha union of the two islands at present is not to the advantage of eithei — that I ha*e succ eded in showing that that union has brought the Middle Island, at any rate, into a position of great^distress. I have shown you further that there is no reason ti doubt that the Imperial Government will accede to the request f-^r Separation. I will leave it ta those who come after me to point out the machinery by which an agitation for Serarationmay be successful y brought shout. But I may, without entering into dctai's of that maehine r y say that you must not expect that a change of this kind will be effected in a very easy or rosewater manner. You must put your shoulders to the wheel and ute vigorous s>ction. You must not be afraid to tread on personal feelings, or suppose that those who are oppose I to you will yield readily to your opinions. You must not be deterred by those who have no hope of success There never yet was a movement of the kind initiated which was not opposed by a few who endeavoured to daunt those who were inclined to take it up, by telling them. " Oh ! there is no hope of success - the thing is hopeless." V v must expect to hear that, and you must put no faith in it. And you may rely on this, all history teaches it, that movements ofihis nature which draw their inspiration from the hearts of the great mass of the population, are always in the long run, if persevered in, successful.— (Loud applause,) Mr Wilson would not trouble the meeting with a very long speech, for the subject had been pretty well explained by his Honor in his opening address, and by the proposer of the resolution. He had great pleasure in taking part in tbe movement, and thought from the numberpresent it was a popular one. Some peaptehad an idea that Separation was necessarily a painful parting. To tome extent it was so ; bu' partings must take place— parent from chiM — brother from sister — friend from friend. Nearly all present had parted from relations at Home, and why should not one portion of the Colony separate from the other if it were for mutual advantage? He considered ! tago quite able to walK alone; and if it came to the point, the Province had out-ridrffn its brother of the North— it had outstripped him altogether. But whether it were brother or father or mother, it was quite time Otago was loosed from the aoron string. (Liuehter.) The arguments of Mr Vogel were all to the point, and his Honorthe Superintendent had goneinto figures. For his part he would put it thus -Otago paid the General Government twelve shillings and six pence out cf every pound of revenue collected, to support the bantling they had got in Auckland, the native war. No doubt now that the Seat of Government had gone to Weilincton, they would want a native war there too, and this Province would have to pay the piper. He did not see any of the old co'onists present, and from their absence it was fiir to conclude thp.y were opposed to the movement (No, no.). He would say then it did not look well on their parts to absent themselves from a movement like the present, presided over by His Honor the Superintendent. It did not look well of the Carerills and the Joneses and the Patersnns and the Dicks, to be absent (^reat cheering, which continued for some time) He might say that applications had reen made to three gentlemen to take part in the meeting, but one made excuse that he had the face ache: another that he had made a resolution some time ago not to take part in the movement, and he did not see any cause to depart from it, and another made a similar excuse Those three gentlemen were members of the House of Representatives— (Cries of name.) He would name them as he was asked, they were Messrs Dick, Paterson and Reynolds. And now having named them as requested he would ask the meeting to do something, and that was, as the constituents of those gentlemen they should ask th<=m to eive an account of their stewardship, and if they did not give a proper account, ask them to resign unless they pledged themselves to support Separation. The practical difficulty in the way of Separation was the war. Ir was for that the money was wanted. It was to pay for the pomp and pride and circumstance of war. Let the North have those if they wished it, and would find the funds. The present was not the time for increasing taxation. Every hat paid a duty of something like ss, every pair of moleskin trousers worn by diggers paid at the rate of five shillings a cubic foot. (And then there's the blankets ) Why had the extra duty been put on ? It was to maintain the little bantling of the war. As long as Otago had to pay for it there wnuld be a native war. Auckland had never been so prosperous as lately, and as long as the people of the Province would pay, they would have to pay. He did not say we ought not to do something towards the war. although innocent of it ; for being in partnership with our brother. Otago was in honor bound to pay its portion of tbe expense already incurred, but there was no use for paying longer than necessary, and, to use a vernacular expression, he would say, " Let us go in for the whole hog, and nothing but the whole hog," and if we did not get the who'e animal, we might get a flitch of bacon or a ham. A great deal would have to be done before Separation was secured. It would not be done by merely signing a requisition and merely attending a meeting and listening to speeches^ The people would have not only to work by those meaus, but with their money, and he wa9 sure in j ' a matter of that sort the sinewa of warwonldi

not, be wanting He w*s quite certain every crown spent in that agitation, if it were successful, would be aeavine of ten shillings per annum to every one contributing, fo long as. he resided in the Province. He would therefore ask then* to pit their shoulder to the wheel and let the movement he p^rfectef. He might conclude by saying with Shakespeare — " It 'iwpre done — wh"n 't'were done — Then 'twere well if 'tVere don*- quickly," He was glad to second tbe resolution just proposed, (l-oud app'au«e.) The Superintendent then put the resolution, which was carried unanimously Mr T. B Gzlues said : Mr Chairman and Gentlemen — Tbis is not 'he firs% nor tbe second, but the third time that. I have addressed a meeting in this place, on this same subject in behalf ■>f Separation. Th<s first occapi >n waa between two and three years ago There were many oooonents and many doubters as to the advisabili'y of The meeting was large, but not so hrge ai this. On the second occasion, I remember locking, as I now look, into a very dark vista, In which appeared a nu>nber of faces, wh 8° features I could not distinguish. It was darkness t.h u n, and it looked dark for tieparatioa ; but like the lieht which is now thrown into every oart of this baildine, I may hope that light has been cast noon the minds of many who were oituosed to Separation, from the circumstances which since thit time ha*e occurred. I come before thi > meeting a 9 an old colonist, one of that clasß which t'je pec-ding 1 speaker regretted did not take an active part in this measure. I come before you as a colonist, at least of twelve years standing, and tbat period .comprises the greater part of the history of Otas;o. I come bet 're yoc, not as I did on tho former occasions. . On the first occasion I came before you as one of your representatives to the House of Assembly ; nn the second occasion I came not only as a member of tbe Assembly, but of the Government, but now I come before jou only as a ciloni«t nf Qtogo. having resigned ray seat in the General Assembly, because I cou'd be no longer a party to ihv in'j"s'ice which was being perpetrated on the Middle Island because things were carried on by a tyrnnnous majority who were deiernn'ned to'- carry out the rem >val of the se«t of Government to Wellineton, frona some fancifnl views— certainly not for the benefit of Otagn. There was a Separation League organised on the first occasion. It worked hard, and Bient a goo.l deal — I do not think of the public money -but of their own money. They sp-^nt a good deal of time and money in endeavoring to secure the orject you are now, I | presume, endeavoring to secure. That league was unsncc°s*ful. It was perhaps unfortunate that it did not succeed, but it was fortunate that it existed, for it has sown the seeds of a movement in favor of Separation in Canterbury and other Provinces. It was unsures-ful because at that time there was a season of prosperity, during which the people of rhis Province and of this Inland thought very little of being generous. They realised so much rhat they really thought to be generous to the North Island was a dury. They had a great deal to sp re, and they thought it should go to their brother in the North Island. Tbat was a very good feeling too. but the reason hi< passed awayThey have nothing now to spare from their own, necessities. Another reason was that the war ia tbe North shortly af'erwards broke out, which threatened to devastate the North blind. It was therefore felt it was not the time to press forward thp question of Separation, and that if we conld by any means put down the nativeinßurrection, it would render the No'thera Js'and as prosperous as we have been. It was felt it was giving aid to colonists like ouraelvesi, and that, therefore, it would not b6 well to pjess. f irwird epa r ation. The League failed from the defection of many of its members -of members of the Assembly win took an active pan in the fir-t instance. Many gr"W inactive, and I regret not to see present to day many who once acted ! harmoniously together in thN cause. But we have met now to form another league and that is ! j ust the proposition I hive to bring before you. It is ! well 'or us to 1 am frm the past what objectionsI were urged against Separation in former times. eo> as to be able to meet them now. There were tw* classes of o'jectora to tbij movement. One class consisted of those who saw no reason for Separation, and they indulged ia very high flown, anticipations respecting the future of the Britain of the Soufh, which was to be something great in their eyes. The second class was those who said this is not the time for it- whenever thetimem<w be, this is not it— a dangerous class or objectors these. I will shortly point out the necessity for this Separation, and give reasons, if possible, to Bitisfy these objectors. In the Srsfc place, there is a very strong financial reason far this Separation. We have had our resources burdened unnecessarily, not merely by tbe directexpense of this war, but by the indir.ct expense — by the expense of government in theVVar -Department. We did not object to the expense of the war so long as there was a prospect of its termination, and of tha opening up of the North Island tor colonization; but we see the war has been drivelling on for years. With an army not only sufficient merely to beat, but to eat all the natives of New Zealand— an army of ten thousand trrops, supplemented by ten thousand volunteers and militia, to beat what* Why. they have never yet met an army of five hundred natives in the Northern Island. We have been paying for this war, not to any large or appreciable extent for the troops —we have been paying for the militia, not to any large or appreciable extent yet — but we have to pay for them ; for although the money has been up to this time obtained out of the loan raised; we have to pay for that, for the mnj >rity of your representatives in the session of 1868 determined to throw away every safeguard —they resolved—" We are generous, ar.d therefore we will say nothing about adjustment now, we will talk abont it at some future time." We must make up our minds in Otago that we have to pay a large proportion of the expense of that war. But there is another reason which comes home to every oneof you why Separation should tahe place, and that is the increased tariff imposed on thi- 1 , in common with the other communities of New Zealand. I cannot sufficiently express my indignation with regard to that tariff. I, for one, endeavored to put a stop to it, and succeeded in stopping tor one hour the suspension of tbe Standing Orders, which was proposed in order to carry it through the Heuse. I consider that tariff not only unjust but unnecessary. I consider the difficulty might have been met without impeding that tariff. That peculiar portion of it by which duties are charged ou imported goods by menswie-

meet, wapp imposed in 'the firs'; instance, with the spemt view of catcMng the Maoris, and making them contribute townrd« the revenue of ike Colony. It was tepec'ally so - thtt four shillings p»r foot duty — for the vi^ori*, ns they took scarcely any goods liable to 'uty, exeunt blankets ; and now their contr'bnri^ns »o t'>e revenue haw nearly disappeared, wvl tit • working men of t 1 is island contribute that io .r «htl!iutrs »fo >t ( ' Tfoice : Tea.) The- tlu'y on t*« svk* >-wry»bin i OTcept spirits seem* t» hay» bee>i r {<ed to the prejudice of this i-Und, and that oa t-pir'u-to the encouragpment of smuggling, rather than to cause the expense of the war to tall on those by whom it ought justly to b» borne- Above all, we ought not to forget that one gre»t m >tter in regard to Reparation if, that this Middle I«'and never has hud, and never can have, so long as the seat of govern raent is in any portion of the Northern Island either at Auckland "or at' WA lington its fair share of legislative attention. The greater portion of the time ot the Assembly full two ihirds or three-fourths of it — is spent in discussing native matters. It is not devoted to the consideration of the •gold fields of this Isla .'I- the source of •wealth to this Co'ony. Two sessions, during which it was known that there ww great necessity lor legislation with regard to the gold fields have passed, but nothing lias been done, and so it will be to the end of the chapter. Few people in thp North know or nppre iate the state of thing* in the Midd c Islanrf, especially of Otaso. They consider the Maori war is the great thing to be considered. And I conf SB to the feeling when we get up there and find men in terror for their homes, who have ■been patrolling all night as Militia men in terror of the natives attacking them, that it is a home subject and we are apt to forget i hat the cold fields of Ofcasro require as much attention as the natives. And so it is that the native, question is considered the principal branch of legislation, and so ie will be whether the seat of Government be at Wellington or Auckland. It is no use to say to th° people of Otago : We will Temove the seit of Government to Wellington, it will be nearer to you th^n. I maintain, with Mr Vogel, that the removal, me ns not a better • o vemmf-nt for the Middle Inland not a better Government for Otago, but misgoverntnent of both of the largest por ions of the Colony- of both Auckland and "tasro. The Government will have to do not with Wi Tako and his friends they will have Wanganui— they will have to do not with a WHitarabutwitha Wtdtotara, and they will have their difficulties is Wairarapa, and other places where the na'ives are spread. Tb'-y will have a native difficulty, and a Government expenditure, and troops wil be ju^t thrown from one paint of the Isla id to another That i>> all the difference the rem >val of the seat of Government to Wellington m°ans. It means mi=gaverjment to both North an 1 South, but we have got to pay all the same — for miseovprnment- 1 sympathise with those who hold opinion* in favor of the future greatness of New Zealand ; I once indulge! in them. There is no Oniony in th" Southern which has such a prospect before it as New Zealand, I believe. N>t Australia, for those magnificent vJolonies are deficient in sea board and secure and cipacious jjarbors, lut New Zealand has harbor* distributed throughout its ■whole length— it has a climate peculiarly adapted to the constitution of Englishmen' —and it has inexhaustible mineral tesources; but I do not believe that New Zealand is to be maile great by tying the two Islands in a dissatisfied unTon . I believe in the two islands acting their own parts. The Middle Island pursuing itsc mmprcial pursuits, wiil tend to it* achieving greatn 1 ss much sooner than the Northern island ■will. I believe although I dare say some will be offended with me for saying so— some will not agree with me -I believe the Northern Island will some day att in to a much higher position thsu the Middle Island, but it will have to go through many phases' before it arrives at that elevation. Let them go their own way and work their own greatness ; the time will come "when, both being greit, will again unite as it is now proposed to unite together the Northern Colonies of America. The time will come when our interests will be similar — when the North, having got rid of the native difficulty, will say ''Let us unite once mor6." In the meantime we are entitled to demand that we shall not be tied to them— that they shall not operate as a drag to us. < 'ur greatness will come m -re quickly than theirs, and the time will ccme when we shill be united again, bu r i» the meantime it is better to sep irate, and each work out its own greatness in a separate w->y. I wiJl only allude fora moment to those who say " Itv» not time to c eoarate from them during a native war— it is not handsome to leave them to their own resources at such a time " The clear answer is that they ask it themselvesa hrge mpjoiity demand it on their own account. That has been said over and over a^oin. They say " The Southern members dragged us into the war. It is you that -would rot let us settle the matter with tbf natives in our own sugar and flour wny. You have always been urging u» to maki j them submit to Briti-h law " Ido not say it ib.jusr to t>unt the South in that way ; but in ihe tace of that they say, s we Bsk for i?e>iara'ion, ami we say <if this is **your idea of what we have done for jou, the stoner we conclude the Union the better. You do not like our forcing you to do what you do _ not like, —do not make us do wh&t we do not likethat is, making us pay for your Native War." F n the formation of this League, a large amount of work nquires to be done bef'Te we can expect to obtain Reparation. The work must be done carefttliy and well, and much time and money mu-t necessarily he spent, and our claims set forth by every possible means. It is not hy going to the Government, nor simply by petitioning the Queen, but by all wise means disseminating information throughout the Colony, »• d setting forth the reasons on which 'we claim Separation. I had some hope that not only would Ot^go ask for Separation, but that Canterbury would join us, for although iheir members voted against it, 1 was glad to find the seed sown two years ago was not without its fruit I was glad to be told that among the people of Canterbury Separation is a popular thing with the ma*-s of the people, though not with their representatives. And, we must appeal to 'he people, wlio are the source of power in this Colony,- not only to hold public meetings, not on y to propagate their ideas, but to support the League by giving their assistance in every. possible way,, for I believe it will not succeed until men go Home from the Middle Island of New Zealand to England to create a public opinion in favor of Separation there. And it we get men to-lead public opinion

in England and show them there that it. will be a profit to them to separate the two Mandß, though the work is great, I hope those who have urideitakeu it, will accomplish it. In conclusion, as ab encouragement to that hope, we may adopt the sentiments ofßtTon. and -ay — "For Freedom's la tie once n">.9nn, B c queatheH fom hleeiline; sin* to son, Though b' ffl -d oft i< r-vr won " (Prolonged upphuse ) I hive great plpa^unj in moving — '•Thaf a» Association be formed to c rrv out the object embodied in tlie last ra*olutio ■, t> r>*> called the " Southern Separation L » ?« ."

Mr Horace Bastings. m.PC. nwi to ipcond the resolution. The previous speakers had left (jim very little to say to tas motion. He vas most sanguine of the success ot the League which was ab at to be formed, when he found in the chair of that meeting his Honor the Superintendent, who acred as very few chairmen did, but who almost regretted that he was Chairman, and entered heart and soul into the object of the meeting. (4pplause) This augured well for the success of the movement. He regretted tliat Many of the older residents had not come forward on that occasion, but he felt proud of the example which had been shown them, and of the action which bad been" taken in this matter by their old representative the hon. Mr Gil!i"s. It was useless for the meeting to dismiss and go home without taking any fur ther a tion in the, matter for which they had met, because it was* impossible for any number of gen letnen to carry out those objects without the hearty sympathy of the public. — (Applau-e.) But if they got that sympathy which they bad a right to expect, they would be able to agitate this question throughout the length and breadth of the Province, and to carry it to a successful issue. He would not detain the meeting any further, but simply Content himself with secondiug the resolution. (Loud aDplause.) The Chairman then put the resolution to the meeting, when it was carried unanimously. Mr J Hughes, M.P C, said a resolution had been put into his hand, on which the meeting wou'd have to take some action themselves. They had already pa«sed reso'utions, to the effect that it was for the well being of this Province that we should be separated from the Northern Ishnd. The advantages to be derived from that Separat on. and the necessity for so doing, had been fully entered into by various ?peakers», who hai gone before him. His resolutions had no practical bearing on the reasons why we should separate from the Northern Island, but it was his duty to ask the meeting to assist the gentlemen who had originated the present movement, by taking some action themse yes. He was very happy to be able to take part in the present meeting, because he bad o f ten said that sooner or later the people of this Province would be called on to take more active measures than they have done oa the question of Separation. (Hear, hear.) They must all be aware that a very great amount of labor and expense would necessarily be incurred in carrying the movement to a successful issue. His Honor the Chairman had stated in opening the meeting: that it would be necessary to send some very active and intelligent agents throughout thp Province to disseminate the objects with which the League wil 1 have to do. There would be a Ur^e amount of exrefise infurred in so doing. He believed there had been very little agitation on the subject of Separationtf roughout the Province as a whole, and that throughout the country districts very little had been said on it, while they were aware that a very large amount of their representatives came from the outlying districts, and it was therefore necessary that the public feeling should be stirred up in these places. He had much pleasure in moving the following resolution :—

•• That to initiate this movement, a subscription List be at once opened, and a Committee appointed to form the nucleus of the League." (Applause,) Mr J. A. J. Macgrkgor had much pleasure in seconding the motion. At that late hour in the afternoon, and after the most happy and eloquent addresses of the gentlemen wlio had preceded him, he thought he need say nothing except to draw the attention of the meeting to the absolute necessity of having some money to go on with. —(Hear, hear.) They would have to send agents throughout the Province, and agitate, agitate, agitate ; and it was neressary that, they should grease the wheels by their contributions. Other gentlemen had couelude.i their addresses by quoting the poets, and lie would conclude by quoting Daniel O'Connell - " Hereditary bondsmen j know ye not, who would be free himself must strike the blow."- (Loud applause.) The resolution was then put to tne meeting and carried unanimously. Mr 1). F. Main said that as he entered the precincts of the house a resolution had been placed in his hands, so that any remarks which he might make on it would be extempore, and of a very practical description. Wext to funds energy was required, and he questioned very much whether it would not have been more practical to have placed energy first and funds afterwards, but both were absolutely necessary in carrying on any cause, whether good or bad. (Hear, hear.) Little did he contemplate, 15 years ago, when he took a very humble part in the question of Separation which was then agitated in Port Phillip, that he would now be standing on the boards of a theatre taking part in a Separation movement here. It was now more than 15 years since this same question agitated the fair country of Victoria- He had the pleasure of bang a colonist of that country for many years, when it was under a sub-vice-regal Government, a form of Government which was such a farce, that latterly the members returned from Victoria to the Sydney Government were dumtnieß- Lord J. Bussell and other impossible representatives— in order tv show that the Government was a perfect farce. The resolution which he had to submit to the meeting was as follows :— " That a petition be drawn up for presentation to Her Majesty the Queen and the Imperial Parliament, setting forth our grievances, and praying for Separation." Next to money they wanted energy, for depend upon it, the gentlemen who sat round that stage had taken work of no little magnitude on hand. (Hear, hear.) The work of Separation eonneated with Victoria took five years, and years of some heavy labor, to work out. A lew gentlemen did it, but they were men of energy and courage, I and they exercised that energy to great purpose, for they carried out the work. (Applause.) When he was a resident in London the question of the Separation of Queensland was agitated. Being an old colonist he took great interest in that agitation, and attended meetings in the House

.of Commons wfien the suhj j et was discussed, and he then gathered the feeling which existed in the Home Country against splitting up thee Colonies into innum«rable atoms. At (fo.r.e the> could not' understand the difneu t : es of o<ir position, but he knew that there wn d jreit in disposition to allow the Colonies to bn riivi toil into small parts (^lear, hear.) Th>y>ubi^of Auck'a ii had shown the people ot < »u/'> h c<>'"i °xample by drawing up the msnomi to th^ Qn™en which had that dr.y appeared "» 'h" Daily Ti % nes He'thouyht we initfh' vnn-ovp ■hi rhat memorial and set forth all the num ruus grievances unrter which we labor, -(Hear, hear) f -one sDPC'ai feature of which would be that we only eet 7- 6 1 out of evpry pound of our own revalue. ( vpplause ) We were well accustomed to dividends in these day* of failures - (a laugh*) — but he did n&t think that this Province Bhoald any loneT accept a dividend, when it had within itself al! the resources of a great and prosperous Colony. (App'ause.) He felt sure of this that when we placed our grievance before the Throne we »hould receive a favorable and proper reply. The gent'emen who had unde taken thi*'work would rt quire to work, and the pubic would have to work also ''his matter would take two or three years .to accomplish, for the "quest on of Sepa rating Qieentlaml to)lc four years to settle. New Z^ land wa3 looked upon at Home as a vftry small co'ony. and there was no doubt that Her M>j sty's advi-ers 'would be very loath to sanction jt3 bring broken up into smaller pieces.' H3 had not spoken of the necessity of Separation, but hail assumed that necessity all along The gentlemen who had preceded him had given some very cogent reasons as to the necessity ot Separation from .the Northern Island, and he would content hiuvelf with trespassing no further on th ir time than to take a fleeting glance at public ■ pnion and the apppearance of the Province at thp present moment When he asked the reason of the^e appearances, he gathered from the answer that the General and Provinicia" Governments hal got into a mess, and Separation wa- npcesHary for the prosperity of the whole Colony (tpplause) What caused him to read in the public prints a proclamation by his Honor the Supea.'tendent that the Government would remit a land tax imposed by the Provincial Council % That told him that thi> was a measure of necessity taken to meet adverse measu-es. ci<t upsn us from another quarter ( He >r, hear ) A. stranger looking at the appearance nf the Province at present would believe that the General and Provincial (-Jovernmentswere, to use a vulgar won), at log»erheads. It was plain chat there was some rent it) the Constitution which required mending. (Hear, hear ) He wa« told tbat we were in a monetary difficulty. Assuming that fact, he watched the pruceedings of the late meeting of the General Assembly to see if they wou'd take into consi lerati-m the question of pro vinfial loans, and he was utterly astonished to find that i o notice whatever was taken of it How was it th-it our interests were neglected in this manner by tho«e who represent us? ftotone single act was done or step taken on the recent meeting of the Assembly with regard to these leans. The que>tion was a difficult one.it was true, bur the reason was stronger that it should be taken into c m3ideration. (Applause) On the question of he tnriff, which had recently bsen increase l by one-third, he woull ask if we were to contribute this amount to the general revenue to carry on a war with which Utago had no sympathy whatever. (Applause ) ft would take th- whole of this increased revenue to remove the seat of Government to Wfel.ingtm. for the Government employes were each to receive a bonus of six months' piy in cons quen< c of h ing removed to Wellington. He consMerei it was high time that ttis Pro vince. and ir p s-ibie Southland, and perhaps the new Provinae of Timaru, should separate ftorn the rest of New Zealand, and become a Colony of itself. He thought there would be no difficulty in coming to t c resolution which he had read to the meeting. (Loud Applnuse.) Mr Bpkjamin Smith seconded the motion. The meeting h-id beard the facts stated, and there coul i be no doubt that action was required. Tne matter non hy entirely with the public, and he hoped that they would carry it out with pirit. Mr J. G. S. Grant spoke at considerable length in support ot the resolution. TheOHAiRMAK put the resolution to the meeting when it wa^ carried unanimously. Mr C^atb moved the last resolution as follows: — " That a Committee be appointed, with power to add to their number, to consist of the gentlemen whose namei are attached to the requisiti in calling the meeting " These gentlemen had agreed to serve on the Committee. Mr Grey seconded the moion', which was carried unanimously. On the motion of Mr Crate, a hearty votß of thanks wai given to nis Honor the Superintendent, for the kind and courteous manner in which he ha I c>ud acted the proceedings. His Honor in a'knowledaing the compliment paid him, tnanked the meeting for the very orderly manner iv which they had conducted the proceedings. This spoke well for the result ot thf, movement It afforded him much pleasure to be (jres^ut at all meetings, having for their | object the good of the Province, and he hoped that bef-ire long— before the time mentioned by j some of the speakers — they would meet to con- j gratulate themselves on the successful issue of the movement now eet ojn toot.— (Applause.) Three cheers were then given for his Honor the Superintendent, and the meeting dispersed.

"Notbs." — Of all the dust thrown in men's eyes, gold dust is the most blinding. - The Chiuese never use the letters d and r ; they say Eulope for Europe, and Ye-me-li-ka for America. — Jood natured women are angels. P.S. Always supposing them to be good-looking.— The tale bearer and the tale hearer should be hanged up together, the former by the tongue and the latter by the ear. ou should never chew tobacco in the society of a young lady, because it is a violation of the classic maxim, Ne gvid nfcnis : — Sweet memories and beautiful hopes are the angels iv heaven of th' soul- Happiness abounds most among the lowly ; there are more blossoms in the valleys than on the hills. — Every mui> deems that he has precisely the trials and temptation* which are the hardest of all for him to bear; but they are so because they are the very ones he needs.— The most tender-hearto; man ever heard of was a sboemaker,|wh» always shut his eyes and whistled when|he|nui|hiß awl into a sole.