PUBLIC MEETING AT DUNEDIN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 168, 25 November 1868, Page 3

PUBLIC MEETING AT DUNEDIN.

Dunedin, This Day, 1.45 p.m. There was an open air meeting held yesterday. The Superintendent occupied the chair, and about 600 persons were present. The Key. Mr Stuart moved the first resolution—" That this meeting desires to express its sincere sympathy with the families of the settlers slain in the North Island, and with the settlers who have been driven from.. their homes by the atrocities of the Maoris ; and that with a view to render any necessary assistance, a committee be appointed to raise subscriptions." . : The resolution was seconded by Mr ( John Gillies. Mr Reynolds moved the second resor lution — " That in the opinion of this meeting a great deal of the responsibility for recent occurrences in the North Island rests with the mismanagement and want of vigour and ability of the Government ; that the wellbeing of the colony requires an immediate dissolution of the Assembly and the convening of a new Parliament to devise means for punishing outrages and preserving peace." The resolution was seconded by Mr Wilson, barrister. An amendment was proposed by Mr De Carle—" That as the English Government haa failed to cope with the Native difficulty, the French or American Government be invited to purchase our interests in the North Island." This amendment was received with laughter, and was not seconded. Among other speakers were Messrs E. B. Cargill and D. E. Main. Mr J. G. S. Grant moved an amendment to the effect that the British Government be requested to take possession of the North Island, to appoint a Military Dictator, to exterminate the Maoris, and abolish General and Provincial Governments till the rebellion is stamped out." This amendment was carried. The meeting was rather a failure, chiefly from the introduction of the political aspect of the question. A final amendment was carried to the effect that the whole be referred to a future meeting.