PUBLIC MEETING AT LAWRENCE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume I, Issue 11, 25 April 1868, Page 3

PUBLIC MEETING AT LAWRENCE.

RESIGNATION O* MR. INSPECTOR MORTON. Mr. Bastings was unanimously called to the chair, and in introducing the business of the meeting, said that it. was to take into consideration tho resignation of Mr. Inspector Morton. Mr. Morton, he understood, was to be severed from them, and he believed the meeting had ,ori<nnated in a spontaneous desire on the part of the public to retain if possible, Mr. Morton amongst them. He was not aware that Mr. Morton himself knew anything whatever about the meeting. He believed several resolutions were prepared to be laid before the meeting. Mr. Herbert then stepped forward, and eaid that the first resolution had been placed in his hands. He had known Mr. Morton since ÜB6l, and in all the responsible duties which he had to fulfil, he iaever knew of anything against him. He believed the same was the opinion of many who had known Mr. Morton as long as he had. He had therefore great pleasure in moving '• That this meeting views with extreme regret the action taken by the Government in reference to the resignation of Mr Inspector Morton, who has so long and faithfully served it in the capacity of Police Inspector." Mr. Griffen had very great pleasure in seconding the resolution. Mr. Robertson thought it would place the meeting in a more satisfactory position if the circumstancefl of the case were known. He had never heard or known anything about the meeting until he saw the posters intimating that a meeting was to be held. Mr. Morton was a man te held in respect, but he would like to hear from those gentlemen who were acquainted with the facts of the case, if Mr. Morton had been paid away, or if there had been any underhand work in &c matter, or what ? as it placed them all in an awkward position not to know the <e»se. Mr. Herbert said he waa not prepared to state why Mr. Morton had resigned. Rumor had it that there was some misunderstanding between him and the -Commissioner. The broad fact, however, stared them in the face that Mr. Morton had resigned. The Chairman then alluded to an enquiry on police matters held in the Court-house, but as that investigation was strictly private, nobody was supposed to know anything about it, They had therefore no correct data to go upon. Mr. Morton had told him that he had been asked to resign. Mr. Bennett thought that an explanation could be found in a letter which appeared in the "Tuapeka Press" some time back reflecting upon the Commissioner who had supposed the letter to be 'written by Mr. Morton. He saw no reason why they should lose Mr. Morton. Mr. Michael stated that Mr. Morton had been away on six week's sick leave seeing his friends, and the first news he heard on his return was to resign and take twelve month's pay. He thought ♦^A very queer conduct on the part of 4&s Government, He (Mr. Michael) VBew of no other reason why Mr. Morton should have to resign unless it were for doing his duty. He (Mr Michael) saw no reason why compensation should be given if there was sufficient cause for Mr. Morton's dismissal, but he thought the very fact of the Government giving com* pensation prayed that there was nothing against him. . Dr. Halley moved, as an amendment, ft That this meeting, having full confidence in the Executive, should not inter- ,_• ffre in the matter." < ■WTTlie amendment was seconded by Mr.

Before putting the amendment to the meeting, the chairman said the meeting should be guided by a desire to do justice. When a man had been employed in the Civil Service as Mr., Morton had been employed for many years, he underwent a course of discipline which it took a considerable time to overcome, and it did seem hard that he should have to resign after such a long period of service. The resolution was then put to the vote, | when it was carried all but unanimously. Mr. Michael then rose to propose the second resolution, and in supporting it he stated that he had known Mr. Morton for seven years. He was the pioneer of the police force. Wherever there was a new rush he had to escort the goldf which in many' cases was encountered with danger. He had never heard any one say a word against Mr. Morton. He had therefore great pleasure in proposing " That this meeting is of opinion that Mr. Inspecto>Morton has been asked to resign his appointment, not in consequence of his having done any act" calling for such a course, but in consequence of his having done his duty in his position, and having fearlessly done his best to expose abuses and vindicate right against might." Mr. M'Nickle seconded this resolution. Mr. Robertson had no doubt that Mr. Morton had undergone many difficulties, there was no one qxiestioning that part of the business. He respected Mr. Morton as much as anybody, but he thought the meeting in passing such a resolution would be wandering on a slippery path. Mr. Griffen said Mr. Morton was a man he had known for fourteen years, and as he had been a faithful servant to the Government, they must not lose him. The resolution was put to the meeting, when only two hands were held up against it. Mr. Donovan, in proposing the next resolution, said that some outsiders had questioned the propriety of getting up that meeting. If sufficient reason had been given to him to ventilate the mat ter, he saw no reason why it should not be done. He thought that as Mr. Morton had been so long in the force he would • not have been treated as it appears he has been treated^ Mr. Morton had gained the estimation of all accepting two or three. He (Mr. Donovan) had no interest to serve in the position he was occupying in the meeting. He had not spoken fifty words to Sir. Morton for three months. He was aware there was j an investigation made lately, when two j black sheep were found in the force. There was good proof that they were men whose word was not to be relied upon, and if they had in any way contributed to Mr. Morton's resignation, the Govern- j ment should be made aware of it. He believed Mr. Morton to be a man of j higher spirit than to go and beg for his i situation. He, with others, looked upon the Government as their servants, and as Mr. Morton had spent so many years in the service, they had a right to know why he should be asked to resign. As a general rule it was not go. d policy to interfere with heads of departments, but he thought the case before them was an exceptional one. The resolution he had to propose was as follows : — " That being of such opinion, this meeting expresses its conviction that Mr. Morton ought to be reinstated, and with that view appoints a deputation to His Honor the Superintendent to represent the matter, and to present the following memorial." Mr. Webb_^ seconded the resolution with reference to a deputation to wait upon the Superintendent. It was agreed that two gentlemen be appointed. Mr. Herbert and Mr. M'Nickle were elected for that purpose. The memorial was laid on the table for signature, . and a good many present at ' the meeting signed the same. The meeting then ctesed. [Mr. Morton having been at the Mataura -when the above meeting was held, on his return, we are informed, thanked the deputation and the inhabitants for their great kindness, and requested that no further action be taken in the matter, as it was his intention to leave the Province.]