MONDAY NIGHT'S MEETING.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXII, Issue XXII, 21 November 1867, Page 5

MONDAY NIGHT'S MEETING.

(to the editor of tub independent.)

Sir, — I am sure that a great many, if not the majority, of those who attended Monday night's meeting felt far from satisfied at its proceedings, and think that its results disappoiuted public expectations.

What causes can this be attributed to, and in what respecfc are the public disappointed ? So far as mrmberß "were concerned, there was no doubt that deep interest was felt in the objects of the meeting. The night was wet, accompanied .hj a driving nor'-wester, and yefc the Hall was filled. But except hia Honor, the " natural leaders of the community," who were referred to by Mr Pearce, were conspicuous by their absence. With deference I cannot help differing from his Honor the Superintendent, and think a mistake was committed in trying " to kill two birds with one Btone" on that occasion, by meeting "to express regret at the departure of Sir George Grey and the appreciation with which his services are regarded by the people of Wellington," — and also " to appoint a reception committee to make arrangements for the arrival of his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh." The first of these subjects demanded the undivided attention of a public meeting, and merited the fullest and unreserved expression of public opinion. It received neither the one nor the other. In saying this, I willingly admit that it is difficult to imagine anything conceived in better taste, or couched in more eloquent, jusfc, and Btirring language than the address of Dr Featherston in opening the meeting. He was, as ho is always on public occasions, the logician and orator; and it was expected that arrangements had been made for subsequent speakers to fill up the outlines of some parts of the history sketched by tho Chairman. It was thought the mover, seconder, or somo person in tho meeting would have spoken out plainly and intelligibly on the important issues which have been raised by tho Governor in his able defence of the colony with tho Homo Goycrnment, and consequently the protection of the interests of the colonists. It does seem most singular that the opportunity was not taken advantage of by any of the politicians of Wellington, and will doubtless excite surprise and comment out of this province.

However, for months past, if not for years, public meetings in this city seem to hare gone out. of fashion, and independent public spirit and public opinion seems nearly dead. No doubt the bulk of the meeting thought all had been well arranged before-hand, aa there were two members of the Provincial Government, with the Assistant Treasurer of the colony on the platform, besides the Superintendent in tho chair. The real debt of gratitude due by the colonists to the Governor for his powerful advocacy of their interests on many great qoestions during tho past year or two, ■were hardly noticed except by Dr Feathcrston. His affability and kindness of his private life were alone dwelt upon. All who spoke, but Captain Rhodes, were official personages, and this alone had a chilling effect. How much better and more gratifying would it have been to the Governor himself, if some representative of the working settlers had expressed their opinions, and also come of the old settlers, as well us Capt. Rhodes and the official Mr Woodward. From what fell from his Honor, it was generally supposed some resolutions would be proposed to request his Excellency to remain and accompany tho Prince to Taupo and through the interior. On tho former occasion of the departure of Sir George Grey from Wellington on resigning the Government, public dinners and other demonstrations were offered him, and afforded pleasure to the guest and his entertainers. Surely the people of Wellington have other modes of expressing their sense of respect and gratitude than by adopting a formal address at a public meeting. Is it too late to do it now ?

On high political grounds, as well as on the lower one of personal attachment — for the good Dame and intelligence of this the capital city of New Zealand. I earnestly hope something will be done and that without delay. Yours, &c, A Wellingtonian. P.S. — Aa respects the Reception Committee appointed at the meeting there appears to exist a very general feeling it would have been far better to have adopted the list prepared by the Superintendent, and out of that selected sub-committees, but this is a subject on which there is ample time for reconsideration and discussion.