PUBLIC MEETING.

Auckland Chronicle and New Zealand Colonist, Volume 2, Issue 46, 20 June 1844, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING.

A Public Meetiug was held yesterday* at the Mechanics’ Institute, for the purpose of appoiuting a committee to wait on his Excellency the Governor, and to remonstrate with him on the hardship and injustice of imposing additional (axes on Bread and Clothing in the present depressed state of the Colony. At the hour appointed, one o’clock, a number of the inhabitants were in attendance, when it was proposed««that W. S. Graham Esq. do take the chair.” Mr. Graham then briefly stated the purpose for which the meeting was called, and he would not detain them by any remarks of his own but would be most happy to hear any Gentleman on the subject for which they were called together. Mr. Montefiore proposed the first resolution in a short, but very appropriate, speech, which was seconded by Mr. Sinclair. Several Gentlemen spoke as to the great injustice it would be to the inliabi tants of New Zealand generally to attempt any further scheme of taxation,. The only speaker in the room in favour of the proposed taxes was Mr. H. Falwasser. Dr. Campbell proposed the second resolution, appointing the deputation. It was then agreed that the deputation should at once proceed to Government House, and wait on his Excellency ; among the deputation we noticed W. SGraham, Esq., J. I. Montefiore, Esq., Dr. Campbell, R. D’Oyley, Esq., M essrs. Mitchell, Williamson, Black, Marshall, McKenzie, Henderson, and McNair. On the arrival of the deputation at Government House several of the Mechanics, Labourers, &c., followed, being naturally anxious to learn the result. Mr. Graham, as chairman, informed the Private Secretary that a Public Meeting had just been held, at which two resolutions were passed, which resolutions he (Mr, Graham) wished to lay before his Excellency, and iuformed him at the same time that the deputation was in attendance who would wish to speak with the Governor when convenient. The deputation were shown into the library, and in a few minutes his Excellency made his appearance, when Mr. Graham rose to explain the caftse of their visit, but his Excellency claimed the privilege of speaking first; he commenced by saying he was sorry the gentlemen composing the deputation had not given him previous notice of their intention of waiting on him, as fie considered theirabrupt manner a breach of etiquette, and wanting in proper respect. He then asked were all the gentlemen present the deputation, on being answered in the negative, said, when the gentlemen retired whose names were not down as belonging to the deputation, he would then hear what they had to say. Upon this several fparties left the room, and his Excellency then commenced lecturing the deputation, when after listening for a few minutes, the whole of them rose up, and unceremoniously left the room, without waiting for any reply.