GREAT MEETING AT DUNEDIN.

Colonist, Issue 1165, 4 December 1868, Page 5

GREAT MEETING AT DUNEDIN.

A LAiiaE public meeting wa3 held at Dunedin on Tuesday evening last 3 and the following account of it ia taken from the telegraphic intelligence of the Wellington Independent: — Dunedin, Wednesday. A large public meeting was held last night in Dunedin, at which over 1,000 persons were present. The Superintendent wasTn the chair. The following resolution was proposed by the Rev. Mr. Stuart and seconded by Mr. J. Giilies : — " That this meeting expresses sincere sympathy for the families of the slain settlers, and those driven from their homesteads, and that with a view of rendering the assistance necessary a committee be appointed to raise subscriptions." Mr. Reynolds, M.H.R., proposed and Mr. Wnson seconded the next resolution :— " That it is the opinion of this meeting that a great deal of responsibility for recent occurrences rests with the mismanagement and want of vigour of the Q-overnor's advisers ; that the well-being of the colony demands the immediate dissolution of Parliament, in order that more effectual means may be devised for the punishment of outrage and the preservation of the peace in the North Island." Proposed by Mr. E. B. Cabo-ill, and seconded by Mr. Main. " While recognizing the necessity at the present time for the adoption of vigorous measures for the protection of life and property, and the punishment of the late atrocities in the settlements in the North Island, this meeting emphatically protests against any further prosecution, beyond what is strictly necessary for sucli purposes of the war, which has already involved the colony in an enormous expenditure of blood and treasure without any beneficial result, and its continuation can only end in ruin to the colony." Mr. G. S. Grant moved the following amend ment, which was carried :— "That it is the opinion of this meeting that the British Government is under moral obligations to take the North Island under its own wing, to exterminate the savage race, and restore order and loyalty within its bounds. That it is now time to withdraw the existing mongrel constitution from New Zealand, and abolish Provincial Governments until rebellion is effectually stamped out; then England should confer a rational constitution upon this quack-ridden colony." The further consideration of resolutions and memorial to the Governor was adjourned. Mr. Redmayne proposed — " That this meeting; recommends to the Superintendent the advisability of organizing and equipping at the expense of the province, say fifty volunteers for four months' service, to co-operate with the Superintendent of either Hawke'a Bay or Wellington." Curried, though not acted upon, as the actual sense of the meeting was not taken as it was just breaking up. The Times thinks it was mucli to be regretted that the political element was so largely introduced into the discussion. Evidently foreign sympathies and even good taste would have dictated the entire suppression of such topics as must necessarily involve a division of opinion, as unanimity is essential to success at such gatherings. If its success is not such as might have been desired, the reason must be sought in the political flavour which was given to certain of the speeches delivered.