MR. BONAR'S MEETING.

West Coast Times, Issue 605, 2 September 1867, Page 5

MR. BONAR'S MEETING.

A crowded public meeting of electors aud others was held on Saturday afternoon, at three o'clock, at the Prince of Wales Opera House, for the purpose of hearing Mr J. A. Bonar, the newly appointed Secretary for the Goldfields explain his views on the leading political questions of the day. Amongst the gentlemen who appeared on the stage as supporting the candidate were Mr Cassius, M.P.C., Mr G. W. Harvey, Mr Gilles, Mr Mowat, Mr Shaw, Mr Browne, Mr Klein, Mr Binuey, Mr Mr Cleve, and several others.

- On the motion of Mr Binjtev, seconded by Mr Mowat, Mr Cassius was called lo the chair.

The Chairman said that they had me)-, there for the purpose of hearing Mr Bonar, who had recently been appointed as Secretary for" the; Goldfields, explain his political view 3 and state tlie reasons why he sought their suffrages. He (the Chairman) considered it to be perfectly consistent ■with his previously expressed views that on the present occasion he bad determined to support Mr Bonar, and he did so not only because lie highly esteemed that gentleman as a private citizen and an uprigh honorable-minded man, but because, in en deavoring to secure Mr Bonar's return as a member of the Provincial Council, he (the Chairman) thought that he was only doing his duty in endeavoring to advance the interests of Westland. He was also endeavoring to carry out the wishes which had so often been expressed by the general community. It ■would be in their recollection that during the last session of the Provincial Council, an the Westland members endeavored to urge upon the Government to appoint a Responsible Minister for Westland, such Minister to have a seat in the Executive, and also in. the Provincial Council. For reasons best known to the Government, and with which he (the Chairman) for one found no fault, that office was offered to Mr Bonar, who deemed it to be his duty to accept the same, and he (the Chairman) was at a loss to understand, unless indeed it was for private reasons, how any man could find fault with that appointment. He considered Mr Bonar to be a man peculiarly fitted for the office, and he was at a loss to understand how any person could come forward and oppose Mr Bonar, merely because that gentleman had accepted the responsible post of Goldfields Secretary. He had heard an objection raised against Mr Bonav because he was a paid officer. Now, it was contrary to the spirit of the British Constitution that any responsible miuister should be an uupaid man (Hear, hear.) A man who was responsible to the people through their representative coull not be an honorary officer, and therefore it was quite right that Mr Bonav should be paid for his services as Goldfields Secretary (cheers.) Not a word could be said against Mr Bonar ; but if anyone was prepared to bring forward charges and prove them — charges affecting Mr Bonar's private character, he (the chairman) would at once withdraw his support ; and moreover, if he found Mr Bonav flinching one iota from his duty with regard to the interests of "Westland ; if he found him joining with Easfland men against the interests of Westland, he (the chairman) would be one of the first to oppose and call him to account. (Cheers.) But, considering the good qualities which Mr Bonar possessed, considering that there was no actual difference of opinion between the two candidates, both being good and true men, he thought it would be unjust and impolitic not to give Mr Bonar a fair trial in the present transition state of affairs, for it was certain that they ■were on the eve of a very great change. He ¥ (the chairman) most distinctly stated that the gentleman who occupied the office of Goldfields Secretary was entitled to a fair trial. (Cheers.) It was due also to the Government of which he was. a member to see how far they would be, influenced by his counsels and advice (hear, hear), — and this trial was necessary, in order to see how far the newlyformed Government would answer the expectations that had been formed of them. (Hear, hear.)- With these remarks he begged to introduce Mr Bonar to their notice, and he trusted that they -would not only give him, bufc every other gentleman who might address them, a fair hearing. Mr Bonae then came forward, and was received with loud and prolonged cheering. He said that he had the honor to appear before them on the present occasion for the purpose of expressing his views on most of the matters affecting the interests of the distinct ; and, also, for the purpose of learning their views, so as to guide him in his future cai'eer. i (Cheers.) This was not the first opportunity ! he had had of appearing before the electors ; j but he could assure them that on no occasion did he feel the urgent necessity of their support so greatly as at the present time. He looked upon the present position of Westlaud as somewhat critical ; there was no doubt that they had suffered great injustice — that was admitted on all hands, and the point to be considered was what was the best remedy to be applied for this state of things. There was no difference of opinion as to the fuefc that a remedy was absolutely needed, the difference was as to the nature of the remedy. He (Mr Bonar) would state very briefly what his views wero on the principal points which were likely to come before the Government aud the Legislature ; he would do this briefly, because he did not care to surround his remarks with a superfluity of words (cheers), and firstly he would state that his principal reason for coming forward at this time was that he considered it imperatively necessary that the Secretary for the Goldfields should hold a seat in the Provincial Council, where he conld be called upon by the representatives of the people to give an account of his action's, and where ho would be able to initiate suclt measures as he conscientiously believod would benefit all the interests of the "West Coast. (Cheers.) Without holding such a seat his position would be a very peculiar one for he would be wholly uncontrolled, and might perhaps unwittingly act in that way, which was not calculated to advance the views and interests of the people of Westland. Taking these matters into consideration he thought it was of vital importance that the Secretavy for the goldfields should hold a seat in the Provincial Council of Canterbury. (Cheers.) That such a responsible officer should be appointed had been most strongly urged by the Westland members, and knowing this and believing it to be the wish of the people of Westland, he had willingly come forward determined to carry out in all its integrity ,«i system of responsible government ibr Westland. Perhaps he might be allowed' to say a few words with reference to his acceptance of the appointment. From the earliest settlement of the district a great want had been felt of the necessity of a local control over the administration of the affairs of the Government. They were entirely dependent on the eastern side of Canterbury, all their officers were appointed from there, and everything had to be referred to Christchurch. True they had a Commissioner, and that gentleman did his duty faithfully and conscientously, but at the same time lie was not a responsible officer of the government. It was of the utmost importance that the gentleman who administered the affairs of Westland should be » local man, on» who was intimately acquointd

with the wants and requirements of the district, and acting in accordance with those j ■wants. The office of Goldfield Secretary was one they had been aiming to obtain for a long time past.- It was earnestly sought for in the Provincial Council by the Westland representatives, and their opinions on the subject were endorsed by the Westland Commission. True the boon so earnestly sought for was somewhat tardily granted, but still he thought that they ought to be glad that it had been acceded. He had viewed with considerable interest the progress of the matter, but at the same time he did not for one moment think that the appointment would fall upon him, neither did he ask for it, but he felt at the same time that if the position was not occupied by one of local experience, they would be in a worse position than they were before. When he was first communicated with on the subject he felt considerable difficulty respecting it, and it was not until after the most careful consideration he resolved to accept it, and he did so because he believed the position was offered to him because it was thought that he enjoyed *the confidence of the people (cheers). Believing this to be the case, he thought that a serious responsibility would attach itself to him if he declined the office, and so he agreed to accept it (nheers). He had heard that it had been stated that he was now in direct coalition with a clique whose interests were directly inimical to, Westland (cries of — " we do not believe it"). He most distinctly and emphatically denied that such was the case (cheers), and he could hardly believe that such an assertion would have been brought forward against him. He did not think that he had done anything to forfeit public confidence as he had always been one of the first and readiest to endeavonr to promote the interests of Westland ; he had always been willing to lend his assistance, such as it might be, to every progressive movement. (Cheers). There was, however, one consolation, and that was that he thought very few would be found to ratify the unjust statements that had been made against him. (Hear, hear). He did think that by such a statement an injustice had been done to him and his hon. colleagues in the Executive Council, for he did unhesitatingly affirm that the present Government were most favorable to the interests of Westland, and were most anxious to forward those interests. But the fact was, that the opposition to Westland had not arisen with the Government, but with the members of the Provincial Council. (Hear, hear.) In "the reductions which had been made in the Estimates, in the sums set down for the formation of roads and public works in Westland, the Government had steadily and manfully fought with the Westland members against the course pursued by the Provincial Council ; but they had been overpowered by numbers, and he therefore thought himself warranted in assuming that Westland and Westland interests would receive every consideration at the hands of the Government. He wished to be clearly understood as to the position he held in the Executive. He did not, by occupying such a seat, give up his individuality as one having the interests of Westland at heart ; but whilst he possessed the confidence of his colleagues, and whilst he felt confident that they would unite with them in endeavoring to promote West Coast interests, so long he would continue to act with them, but when he found that by remaining in the Executive he could no longer benefit Westland, he would at once resign. (Loud cheers.) It had been urged that if another person was elected to represent Hokitika in the Provincial Council, he might secure a seat elsewhere, viz., -for one of the Eastern constituencies (loud laughter), and thus the interests of Westland would be strengthened. This, however, appeared to him to be most absurd, and moreover he felt that if he appeared in the Provincial Council other than "as the representative for Hokitika he should appear in a false position. (Cheers.) To be, however, able to effect any good for Westland, he Bhould require the cordial and earnest sup> port of the whole community. There was another point to which he desired to call their attention. At present Westland was in the minority in the Provincial Council. They had but few members, and they could not by force carry the measures which they thought would benefit Westland j it was not therefore, by running directly contrary to the rest of the members of the Provincial Council that they would forward their views. It would only be by carefully prepared and sound arguments, and by conciliatory means that they could hope to carry their measures. That appeared to him to be the only way in which they could accomplish that end. He had net had any great opportunity of hearing the views of tie members on the other side, but he believed them to be men of common sense men who had erred more from their ignorance of the wants and resources of Westland than from any other cause, and he thought if these were fairly put before them in a mild, temperate, but firm way, that they would view matters in a different light. He was strengthened in this, because he found that those gentlemen who had visited Westland from Christchurch invariably returned with a favorable impression of the district. (Hear, hear.) He would now briefly allude to a question which had lately been occupying the public mind to a considerable extent. He meant the question of Separation, and upon that he desired to say a few words. He must say thnt generally, he considered the formation of an additional proTice to be a bad thing. (Hear, hear.) He did not think it desirable to have a large number of additional Provinces, for the laws passed by each Province being of a different character frequently clashed with each other. Again, they had the General Government laws to look to as well as those passed by the provinces, and all these circumstances occasioned a complication which, it was in his opinion, better to avoid. There was, however, little doubt but the Provincial system had accomplished great good in New Zealand ; in fact, he looked upon this in a great measure as having been the means of" settling the country to a very large extent, but he thought that, in a great measure, their mission was accomplished, and at tho same time Le could but see that the form of Government adopted in New Zealand was most expensive, and one for!which the people had to pay largely in the shape of taxation. He thought that some more simple form of Government might be adopted than by creating a new province. What he understood was principally wanted "was to obtain the local control of their own revenues, and it was with the view of obtaining this that he had accepted .the office of Goldfields Secretary (hear, hear), because the creation of that office did give to the people of Weßtland a certain control over a portion of their own revenues. To obtain Separation for this place would be a somewhat long and difficult task, and therefore he thought it better that they should obtain a certain benefit at once, and then wait for a longer time and obtain what might be a larger and more lasting benefit. But the appointment of Goldfields Secretary need not affect the question of Separation, as it was not a question for the Provincial Government to decide, but the General Government and the Assembly, and, therefore, it would in no. way affect the carrying out of the important question of Separation. He thought that most of them were aware of his views upon nearly all matters relating to the district of Westland, yet there were some, however, that he should like to touch upon. One of the first of these was with reference to

the sale of Town lands, and also the desire to obtain a fixed tenure, and a crown grant. He might state, that notice would at once be given for offering these lands for sale to ths people at a price fixed by the Council. That would be done immediately, and if the holders did not choose to purchase, the land would then be put up to auction, at an upset price of L4B per acre. The only legal difficulty with regard to that, had reference to the valuation of properties on lands which were not taken up. The matter had, however, been referred to the Attorney-G-eneral, and would be decided before the time elapsed during which these lands were allowed to be taken up. With regard to the disposal of country lands, he might say that he regarded the settlement of this question as most important to the welfare and future prospects of Westland. It was indeed highly desirable that a population should settle permanently in the district, and that they should have an opportunity of purchasing the country lands. During the last sessicn of the Provincial Council the Government brought down a series of resolutions having reference to the sale of lands in Westland, and one of these provided that miners should have the right of entering on private lands to dig for gold, on payment of compensation to the owners of those lands. This was brought down to the Council by the Government, and they tried to get it passed, but the Provincial Council struck out that clause. In the face of that he did not see how it was possible at present to deal with the country lands. This was much to be regretted, for he believed that instead of so much money and many men leaving the shores of Westland, they would, provided they could purchase the land, settle down permanently, and thus the revenue would be increased. (Hear, hear,) He said that he extremely regretted that clause waa struck out, for he considered that instead of being discouraged, gold-digging should be fostered. He thought that the rights of the diggers should be protected, and "they had the experience of other Colonies to guide them, for in them the lands had boen sold without reservation as to the rights of the miners, and the most disastrous consequences resulted therefrom. He was decidedly of opinion that the miner should have the right to enter upon private lands to search for gold, on his paying a fair compensation for any damage he might do. (Cheers.) There was another subject to which he wished to allude — So long back as eighteen months they were promised thai tracks should be cut right through the country, and when the Superintendent came down here orders were given that the work should be proceeded with, and it was accordingly commenced soon after his Honor left. Well, the Provincial Council struck out from the Estimates the sum set down for that work, and it had consequently to be discontinued. Now he though that Westlaud had, and would suffer very great disadvantages from this very necessary work not being done. Had it been completed, he believed that a very great benefit would have resulted to Westland. It was most desirable that there should be the means of comparatively easy communication from one part of the country to the other, in fact," he thought it most important that communication should be opened up round the whole of Westland, and he, therefore, intended, if possible, to have those tracks finished as were already commenced (loud cheers) ; and also such others as he could accomplish. (Renewed cheering). Then, again, they were all aware of the very dangerous nature of their rivers, and in crossing them many valuable lives had been lost. He thought it well tlat ferries should be established, and he proposed to aid in the establishment of ferries on all the main rivers by subsidising them with grants in aid, so as to afford increased facilities to tl^ miner in searching for gold. He regarded the establishment of tramways as most important in developing the resources of the country,£and he was of opinion 'that the fullest possible protection onght to bejgiven to their promoters — protection of such a character as would stiinnlate and encourage the establishment of others. (Loud cheers). In conclusion, he would say that he came there soliciting their suffrages solely on his own merits and principles. Ec had no interest apart from Westland, he had staked all that he possessed in the district, and his interest was, therefore, identified with theirs, and, if returned, ho would earnestly endeavor to watch over and foster the future welfare of the district at large. (Loud and prolonged cheering). The Chaibman said that Mr Sonar would be happy to reply to any questions which might be put to him. Mr Robinson inquired what would be the nature of the qualification for voting at the election. Mr Bonab — That is a question entirely for the Eeturning Officer to decide. I cannot give an opinion on the matter. Mr Mack — Would you be in favor of carrying out the original survey of Hokitika? Mr Bonab was not aware that there had been any other survey than the one referred to. Mr Rees — As Mr Sonar proposes to re : present the Town of Hokitika, (a cry of " take olf your hat ! ") may I ask what he intends doing for Hokitika ? Mr Bonab — I intend Mr Rees to advance its interest in every manner I possibly can. (Cheers). Mr Rees— Will Mr Bonar be good enough to state what he intends doing with reference to protecting the port and river of Hokitika ? Mr BjONAe— I bavo sent to the General Government to allow Mr Balfour to come down, in order to advise us as to the necessary protection works, and also as to the best method to be adopted for keeping the bar open. (Cheers.) And, pending the arrival of Mr Balfour, I have already called for tenders for taking steps for stopping the South ChanChannel, as it is thought if this were done that the water in the North Channel would become considerably deeper, and greater facility would be thus offered for the ingress and egress of vessels. With reference to the protection of the beacli, I may state that the engineer is trying an experiment thereon, but I do not feel justified in ordering the expenditure of a large sum of money for that purpose, without having obtained the opinion of the highest engineering authority in New Zealand on the subject. Mr Rees— What proportion of the town lands does the Governmeht propose to sell ? Mr Bonab — I should imagine all the lands. Mr Rees — We don't want any of your imaginations. We want facts. (Groans and hisses.) Do you pledge yourself to devote the whole of the sale of Hokitika lands for Hokitika purposes ? Mr Bonab — Yes, I do. Mr Rees — Have you any plan for governing the Hospital ? Mr Sonab — I have long been of opinion that that institution would be better under the control of the people and the Governments. If a joint-committee of management was adopted, he trusted the people would come forward and take part in that, for he might mention that at Greymouth, where there was a similar institution, through the want of proper control it had so fallen off, that he had been compelled to take it under the management and control of the Government. Mr Rees — Do you propose to bring in (my measure for letting the public lands ? Mr Bonab— That is a question for the Government and the Assembly. I will, however, give the subject my best consideration,

but at present I must candidly state that my ideas are not definite upon the subject. Mr Rees — You ought to have definite ideas. (Groans and hisses.) Mr Mack — Are you in favor of an emergency hospital on this side of the river ? Mr Bonar — I certainly am, and moreover lam taking steps so that cases arriving in town when it is difficult to cross the river shall be treated here.

An Electoe — Are you in favor of reducing the fee for a miners' right to ss ; or would you allow a right taken out here to be available in all the three provinces ? Mr Bonae — I have always thought it hard that a miner proceeding from one province to another should have to take out a separate right for each Province. He did not think that the fee could be reduced.

AnELECTOB — Who is the Inspector of Wardens, because there are many of the Wardens very incompetent ? Mr Bonak — I am the Inspector of Wardens, and if any complaints are brought before me I will give them my most serious and mature consideration.

Mr Rees — Is Mr Bonar prepared to increase the representation of Westland in the Provincial Council ?

MrBoNAE — Yes, I am to the extent of three additional members, and if any person will introduce such a measure I will give it my support. (Cheers.) Mr Binney said that he had very great pleasure in moving a vote of confidence in Mr Bonar. They had had Mr Prosser in the Council before, and what good had he done — why positively nothing (cheers and disapprobation). He did not wish to say one word against Mr Prosser, nor to make any insinuation against him, but he considered those who had brought Mr Prosser forward had done wrong to the whole of the community (no, no, and yes, yes.) It had been stated that they were to be rushed by diggers, but he could tell them that if the diggers threw out Mr Bonar they would throw out their best. friend. He had known Mr Bonar as an estimable man in Melbourne and in Invercargill — they all kuew him to be so here, and therefore he had great pleasure in proposing that Mr J. A. Bonar was a fit and proper person to represent Hokitika in the Provincial Council. (Loud cheers.)

Mr Mowat, in seconding the motion, deprecated the remarks of the last speaker with respect to Mr Prosser, and said that he was sorry to see the element of personalties introduced. He believed that the appointment of Goldfields Secretary had been given under extreme pressure by Christchurch when they found that they could not help themselves, and this being the case, he should be sorry if the people of Hokitika seemed to set so little value upon this boon as to refuse to 'send the gentleman, who had beeu appointed to the office, to represent them in the Provincial Council. After stating his views on the Separation question, and pointing out the inconsistency of Mr Bonar representing any other than a Westland constituency. Mr Mowat concluded by contradicting a report which had been in circulation, to the effect that Mr Bonar's committee had been furnished with a copy of the electoral-roll before Mr Prosser's committee. Such was not the case, for he, on behalf of Mr Bonar, and Mr Mcc, on behalf of Mr Prosser received their copies at the same time from Mr Sale.

"Mr Rees amidst confusion said — that he rose to propose an amendment, viz. — " That Mr Bonar was not a fit and proper person to represent Hokitika in the Provincial Council (groans and hisses, mingled with faint cheers.) He opposed Mr Bonar on the following ground — in holding a seat in the Executive Council, he held it without any legal position, us the House had decided that aGoldfields Secretary should not be created. Then he considered that Mr Bonar, as Secretary for the Goldfields ought to represent the Goldfields in the Provincial Council, and not Hokitika, which had been withdrawn from the Goldfields. He complained that Mr Bonar did not give distinct and definite answers to the questions put to him, but dealt in generalities ; and he contended that Mr Bonar was not responsible to the people as they could not call him to account. He affirmed that the Westland people had been deceived by Mr Moorhouso, and the present Government — Mr Bonar's colleagues — and as .to Mr Bonar's suavity of manner, amel argumentative powers, obtaining more from the Provincial Council than the combined efforts of Messrs Bright, Cassius, and Prosser, he did not believe that would be the case for one moment. After complaining that Mr Bonar had given a very unsatisfactory explanation of the work necessary for the protection of the Town and Harbor, Mr Rees concluded by moving the amendment, and sat down amidst much confusion 1 .

Mr Button said that he should second the amendment, because now he felt satisfied that Mr Bonar was not a fit and proper person to represent them — the true and proper person being no less a man than his learned friend, Mr Rees. (Loud laughter.) That gentleman would, no doubt, have definite schemes for the very moment he entered office ; he would at once settle the question of the harbor works by immediately calling for tenders for an earthquake to throw up a bank in the sea, which would serve as a breakwater. (Roars of laughter.) After saying that, he did not for a moment wish to say a word against Mr Prosser, he (Mr Button) concluded by calling on the electors to return Mr Bonar, who was a man of* good common sense and sterling principles. (Loud cheers.)

The Chairman said that he could not put Mr Rees' amendment, for in reality it was not an amendment, but merely negatived the original motion.

The original motion was then put, and carried amidst loud cheering. A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the pioceedings.