THAMES LIBERAL ASSOCIATION.

Thames Advertiser, Volume XII, Issue 3469, 12 November 1879, Page 3

THAMES LIBERAL ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the Association was held last ovening in tho Hauraki Clnb Boom. There wns a thin attendance, only twenty members being present. The President (Mr Brassoy) occupied the ohair, and referred to tho apathy displayed by the members in not attending. He questioned the advisability of those present proceeding to discuss tho items on the programme. Captain Small thought tho meagre attendance was duo to the holiday of the previous day, and the excitement in tho sbaremarliet. Mr Buttle thought it highly necessary there should be a large number of members present todisouss the important queslionsof the programme. —Mr Wm Wood proposed that a telegram be sent to Government asking what were their intentions in regard to the Thames "Valley Railway; —Mr McGowan approved of the resolution, as he thought it would be well to know whether the Government intended to commence the railway at the Waikato end, and leave the Thames end alone. Ho thought Government should be urged to push on the railway at this end as quickly as possible. He moved that a telegram be sent to the Govern- j ment urging upon them the completion with vigour from this end of the' Thames and Waikato railway.—Mr Wood withdrew his resolution in favour of that of Mr McGowan.—Mr Buttle thought the interests of the district were being lost sight of by its two members, Sir George Grey and Mr Sheehan, in their desire f6r power. He suggested that any telegram from the Association should be sent through the representatives of the Thames.—Mr Leydon seconded the resolution, which was unanimously agreed to. —Mr McGowan moved that a telegram be sent to Mr Sheehan, asking him what is the position of the railway, and whother there is any danger of the line bein? discontinued at Sliortland?— Mr Leydon seconded the resolution, whioh was carried nem. dis.

. The meeting then proceeded to discuss the second item on the programme, viz, " Native Affairs."—The Chairman said the question was a most important one, and deserved careful consideration at the hands of the Association.-Mr Leydon proposed that Mr Sheehan be asked to inquire of the Government what steps tbey intend to tako in regard to tho Pukohanga outrage, and for what reason Mr James' Mackay was recalled.—Mr Wood seconded.—Mr Cumber moved as an amendment that the Government be urged to arrest the wouldbe murderers and hand thorn over to justice.—After discussion, Mr Cumber withdrew the amondment.—Mr Denby proposed and Captain Small seconded tbat a telegram be sent to Mr Sheehan asking him what steps have been taken to bring to justice tl<e men who attempted to kill MeWilliams.—Mr Denby withdrew Ms amendment, and the resolution was carried.

Mr Eoberfc Gordon moved that the Executive Committee cease to hold office from this evening, and in doing so said the absent members of the Committee had treated the meeting with" discourtesy by not sending apologies for their absence.—Mt McGowan thought Mr Gordon should give notice of his motion, and allow the question to be decided by a full meet* ing< He suggested that the members of the Committee should go by a rule that if they were absent for, say two meetings, (hey would have to resign.—The Chair, man said the meeting had been called for a certain purpose, and he moved that they would not deal with Mr Gordon's motion. —Mr Gordon then gave notice that he should move his resolution at the next meeting.

On the motion of Mr Gordon it wa\ resolved that every committeeman who absented himself for two conseoutive meetings should cease to be a member. The meeting then adjourned till Monday.