Political Extracts.

Anglo-Maori Warder, Volume 1, Issue 24, 5 October 1848, Page 2

Political Extracts.

WELLINGTON. THE CONSTITUTION. (From the Wellington Independent, Sept. 9.) PUBLIC MEETING. A Public Meeting of tho inhabitants of We!lia(?ton took place, in the Britannia Saloon, on Thursday erenin<r hat, called for the purpose of claiming fror-j hii Excellency tho Gowuor-in-Chiof, Riuieaentatire Institutions. The meeting was one of the most numerous anil respectably ntteiuled, which it has been our tot to be prtbent at, in Port Nicholson. (In tho motion of Mr. Lion, Dr. Dorset was called to the Chair. The Chairman briefly adverted to tlie objects of the

meetin*, and stated that a Memorial would be read which he trusted would meet with the approbation of those present. , . Mr. Fitzberbert, J.P., said—The object of the meetin* was to make a claim for ution!, to obtain which a large portion of the appeared desirous. Many peraonß had, however, endeavoured to construe their silence into an indifference on the subject, and it remained for the meeting to say whether such was the case or nut The Memorial was for BißDatnre, and if adopted, it was desirable that as many as coincided, should sign it once, in order to prove to his Excellency that unanimity prevailed on the subject. The M-moiial had been worded as respectfully, though as firmly, as possible. Mr. Fittherbfrt then proposed the following resolution—- " That the followiupr Memorial, or Letter, be signed as numerously as possible, and be presented to bis Excellency the Governor-in Chief, by the Chairman, and as maoy of the inhabitants as feel desirous of attending." To his Excellency Sir George Grky, Governor-in-Chief of New Zealand. Sir,—We, the undersigned inhabitants of ■Wellington, being deeply impressed with the advantages thßt belong to a Representative form of Government, and fu'ly aware of the strong claims to free institutions which we, in comrocn with other spttlements, possess; respectfully submit to you th« fanning considersdona *—- We beg to remind your Excellency that we at present exiit under a form of GoTernmtnt more absolute than that of any other dependency of the British ( Crown, with the exception of Norfolk Island. In saving this, we do not wish to assert, or insinuate, *' y Excellency has m'sused the exorbitant powers you, but. we must at the same time state our it it would be much safer that the extensive ' Government should be accompanied with I salutary checks. ■we readily acknowledge the present prosbe Colony, as compared with its condition rital amon.st us. and attribute its due share ulation of British gold, yet «e should be we permit your Excellency the ueuef that it had so ai'tetly corrupted ui, as to render us indifferent to the possession of Representative Institutions, We are aware that your Excellency's position renders it extremely d<fficult for you, unassisted by the Representatives of the main body of the sellers, to arrive at their genuine wishes; but we warn you against mistaking for indifference their silence at yoar unexplained postponement of Representative Institutions—a silpnce, which has arisen solely from the hope that you would, ere this, have volunteered some intimation to them of your intentions. The prosperity of this Colony is daily retarded, and labours under manv disadvantages, owing 10 the want of Representative Institutions : these impediments we forbear to enumerate, under the impression that, if your Excellency receives the present address, not unfavourably, you will court further enquiry of us ; but, should we be uufortunately mistaken, we must then beg you will at least consider this Address as a solemn pro'pst on our part aeainst the longer postponement of a Representative form pf/Governinent. We have the honour to remain, Your Excettgncy's most obedient servants. Mr. Fitzherbert, in conclusion, said, theirobject was to gain some form of Representation, but he thought it better rot to do anything unless unanimity prevailed. Mr. R. Hart, in seceding the mo ion, nid—There appeared to him three questions:—lst. Whether we are fit (or Representative Institutions:—2ud'y. Whether they are needful:— and, 3 dly. Wether we want ibtm. He thought iheir Beif-esteem would enable them to answer the first question in the affirmative ; bur, they bad »Uo the favoura le opinion of Governor Grey himielf, on the subject. As to the second queitiou, lie thought no om; could regard the large revenue of t'le colony, and its present appropriation, without a etrong suspicion th*t it might be better laid out He thought that e'reumstances which met their eyes daily proved that the inhabitants should have some control over th? expenditure, as Englishmen they had a right to have some control over their own afiihs. They might do right, or th<y might do wrong, but it was by experience only they could learn, and if they did not obtain R preservative Institutions, they would not be able to learn. It was ton much for ore man to take the responsibility of controlling their affairs. There was something repugnant in absolute power, and if, to the possebS'on of absolute power there be added a great degree of tact and dexterity in matters of business, there is also a temptation to disguise, and he could excuse the man who should fall into this temptation. It remained for him to ask if we want Representative Institutions ? He thought we were fit for them, and that they were needful, and that ihey would be a benefit to Governor Grey himself, for lie might be led on to the commission of acts owing to the possession of absolute powr, whereby he might lose the gcod name he had acquired. He would therefore second the resolution. The Chairman then asked if any gentleman present wished to make any remarks previously to putting the motion, when Mr. Roots rose to propose an amendment. He said you have heard Mr. Fitzherbert and Mr. Hart's hes. They were all veiy fine. They said aoms* about absolute power. There are, however, persons looking for little pieces, snd he thought bad belter leave Govenor Gey to himself. (ApO They had had a corporation, and what was suit? Instead of auditing iu January they dii June, they did not km»w the difference. God how (hey made out their accounts; but were we humbugged again by these institutions. He t Governor Grey hf*d done a 1 that lay in his to promote the int-iests of the Colony ; he would have his own way. and he (Mr. Roots) did not blame him. He would propose as an amendment that Governor Grey he pleased to eive us a Constitution when he thinks proper. (Applause and hisses.) He would ask who got up the meeting? {A voice 'The Iriends of the people.*) Ah! over a, wine bottle; would they put the printers' names ? (Voices, ' Yes, here it is,') It was one of their hole and corner meetings. (Hisses.) No one seconded the proposed amendment. Mr. Vincent said Mr. Roots had railed it a hole and corner meeting, t >n the arrival of Captain Grey it had teen stated that if he did not come forward to give, ss promised, a Constitution, u public meeting wuuld Le called. It was Mt that such a meeti D g was required that the people might express to Captain Grey their feelings. New Zealand was at present rultd, by despotism. The revenue collected in the colony might be expended to the greater advantage of the settlers, and was it not reasonable that men who had to contribute the revenue should have some control over its upenditure? They only asked for th-t which Govenor Grey had already expressed it as his opinion ttie settlers were ready to receive. Earl Lincoln and other Members of the House of Commons, and even Lord 6uuley, that bitter enemy to the colony, had expressed

but one opinion with regard U the fitness of the Southern Settlements to receive free institutions. Not only were they considered prepared to receive a constitution, but also that a constitution ought to be granted. It was stated in the Legislature that the inhabitants of the Southern Settlements were competent to manage their own affairs, and we now only claimed the fulfilment of the promises there made. Governor Grey in his ignorance (hisses), he did not use the term with reference to general matters, but merely in reference to local affairs, and it would be acknowledged by all that great assistance mi»ht be* rendered his Exeellency in brinuing forward measures, provided the settlers obtained an Elective Assembly ; for it was not to be supposed that the Governor, with so many claims on his attention, could possibly be fully acquainted with the peculiar local wants of the place. As it waß, this could only be considered as a preliminary meeting for the Deputation who waited upon his Excellency would have to come before their fellow aettlers to deliver the answer. It remained to be seen whether Governor Grey would grant their request. He hoped every settler would sign the memorial. The Chairman was about to put the resolution, when j Mr. Stokes directed the attention of the meeting to I the fart that the chief reason assigned for the suspen--1 sion of the Constitution, was its effect with regard to 1 the Native population, and the present state of the Land Question at the North, arising from tbe claims of the purchasers under Captain Fitzroy'e Penny an Acre Proclamations, which were still operating to the prejudice of the interests of the Southern Settlements* The object of the present meeting was to give expression to the general anxiety of the eet-lers for Representative Insritution*. which his Excellency admitted we were well fitted to receive, and which the leading members of all parties in the Imperial Legislature appeared desirous should be conferred upon them without any unnecessary delay. Mr. M'Donald proposed that the Memorial be read again, Mr. Hart read it accordingly. The motion was then put from the Chair, and carried unanimously. Tbe Chairman said that due notice would be given of the presentation of the Memorial to bis Excellency, and all those who wished to attend cou ddo so. The M moral was then laid on the table fur signature. About 150 signatures wrre attached to the Memorial, before the meeting separated.

[From the Wellington Independent, Sept. 13.] The follow icg gentlemen waited upon his Excellency the Governor*m Chief, yesterday morning, at 11 o'clock, with ihe Memorial adopted by the Public Meeting held at the Britannia Saloon, on Thursday evening, September 7 : Or. Dorset, chairman; Dr. Featberston, Messrs. A. M'Douald, W. Fitzherbert, J. Smith, R. Waitt, H. Wallace, A. de Brandon, \V. Dorset, R. Davis, J. Bligh, G. Grace. W. fc\ Vincent, A, Hornbrook, W. ». Loxley, F. Brady, T M'Kenzie,T. Waters, J. Greenwood, and W. L)un. His Excellency received the deputation in the most courteous manner. The chaiunan read the memorial, as printed, to which his Excellency was pleased to give the follow ing rep!) : Gentlemen.—la reply to the Memorial which you have preseuted to me, I have to obsprve in the first place that 1 am hardly aware of what is meact by the statement, —That you at pre ent *\ist under a form of Giverntnent more absolute than that of any other dependency of the British Crown with the exception of Norfolk IVand. In as far as 1 have any acquaintance with these subjects, this colony is under exactly the same form of Government as every other British dependency in this portion of the world wiih the exception of New South Wales. Al hough none of the accent Co'on'es pres*utthe feature peculiar to Sew Z-aland of bein» inhabited by a numerous, proud, and wdl armed native I make these remarks because whilst there is no real analogy between Norfolk Island and this Colony, either as regards their present condition or form of Government, I fear that the Memorialists have unintentionally used express ons which amongst those who are unacquainted wiih their incorrectness might produce strong prejudices and rouse hostile feelings and thus prevent the subject from being viewed in that calm and unimpassioued manner which its importance requires. No person can regret more than I do the extent of the powers with which I have been entrusted, and ihe heavy weight of responsibility, which hasbeeu thrown upon me, and this in relation to a subject which involves the welfare of two races, between whom but so recently collisions have taken place ; which involves farther the interests of so many settlements, and oi Great Britain, and of the adjacent Colonies, no less than those of the Ntw Zealand Sett'ements. I can only trust that, amidst so many and greit interests, and so many conflicting demands as will be made upon me, I may he enabled to exercise the powers conferred upon me in a maimer which may in the greatest possible degree promote the happiness and prosperity of all. 1 wdl at Wast to the best of my ability endeavour so to discharge the trust committed to me as to attain this end. Iu as far as the inhabitants of Wellington are concerned, I am suie that in judging ol ihe measures I may ultimately think proper to pursue, tbey will remember that under the most trying circumstances I have revr shrunk from toil, anxiety, or responsibility to promote tour intents, and thit I have hi'.herto, through both'peace and war, so conducted iheir affairs as to secure them a constantly increasing state of tranquility, security, and prosperity, whilot, in as far as I am concerned, neither time ur circumstances will make me forget the friendly assistance and support I have hitherto received from them, and upon -Abicti I still rely, for that favorable interpretation of those measures which I may have to adopt in reference to the future Government of this Province, which will be so essential to the successful working of such measures. G. GaEY. Government House, WelHrgton, September 12, 1848. His Excellency then stated that with regard to the last paiagraph of the memorial he should be happy to hear the vie«s of the deputation, or the opinions of any of the gentlemen piesent, with regard to the introduction of repiy&eulative institutions. Mr. Fitzherbert in repl> b< gjied to request of his Exceliencj a patient he.t.ing w luUt he endeavoured to remove from his Excellences mind any unfavorable impression which might have been created against the subscribers to the present addieos, or the mode in which it had been got up. Mr. Ftzherbei t, in the name of the deputation, begged to Übsure his LxieUencv, that nothing could exceed the retpect which thuse present enterteiued for tuanv cf his Excellences

proceedings, and that tbe firmness of tone manifested in the present address arose from the earnestness which the subscribers to that address felt on the subject, and was not fairly attributable to any want of courtesy. His Excellency observed that no one had poisoned his mind in regard to the signers of the address, and that if such an attempt had been made, he should hold the character of those present to be in itself a sufficient guaranteeMr. Fitzherbett then slated to his Excellency, that Mp instructions from the deputation wore to this effect, viz., to endeavour to elicit from his Excellency some dqfiaite reply to the tenor of the address, which consisted in a demand for some smt of represensative government. His Excellency would observe that the subscribers to the address had carefully abstained from entering into detail —they contented themselves wnh briefly making their demand for representation of some kind, some voice for the people in the government of this colony, leaving it to his Excellency to iufurm them of the degree of liberali'y to be granted to them in that respe't, Those present felt that they had come from their native country with untarnished reputation, and had, they believed, brought out with them the full rights of British subjects, and that, both'by character and education, they felt themselves justly entitled to a representative form of Government, as at present the immeasurable distance that exists between his Excellency and the colonists completely excluded the latter from all knowledge of what was going on. His Excellency in reply stated that he had never concealed his objections to the constitution, or his determination not to bring it into operation ; that he had mentioned his intentions to every member of Ihe Executive and Legislative Council, and to fifty persons besides; that his conscience would not have permitted him to confer a Constitution, which would in all probability have led to war between the two races ; that as to his intentions be could say nothing, until he had sufficient time to learn the general state of Euiopean politics, to ascertain w hat assistance he might expect from home under a different stale of affair*, and until he had seen more of New Zealand. Dr. Featberston stated that the statement that he had made known h's intention with respect to the Constitution, afforded the strongest possible proof that an immeasurable distance did at present separate him from the colonists, and that no organ of communication between his Excellency and tbem did exist, inasmuch as no one settler had ever received the slightest bint of such being his Excellency's intention. His Excellency stated that he had only had a short time to consider the memoiial, it having only reached him that morning. He then alluded to the many difficulties and dangers he had encountered in bringing about a state of tranquility, and he was happy to acknowledge the warm and efficient support which he had ever ieceived from the Wellington settlers. Dr. Featherslon, in reference to his Excellency's plan, that he was taken unawares,and theiefore unprepared to give a more definite reply to the memorial—reminded his Excellency that on a ptior arrival nearly three *eais a deputation uiged as the object which above all others they had most at heart, the granting of Representative Institutions—that the Deputation then expressed the opinion to the bettlers that his Excellency's answer was unsalh-factory that the Constitution (of Earl G»ey) ainved some months afterwards —that the setilers never received from his Excellency an) intimation that he was unfavorable to it, or intended to piociue its suspension—on the contrary that the proclamation of it, and the creation of numeious offices under it induced them to believe that his Excellency would confer it upon them, and then introduce into it the modifications—that when the news of its suspension at his Excellency's recommenda lion arrived, the settlers felt that an unfair advantage had been taken of them—and that they had been ptevented from taking those measures to counteract his Excellences lecomraendations which they would have dune. That with respect to the support afforded bis Excellency by the settlets in cjtrjing on his government, that support whilst having been in some degree passive.would have been tuemost cordial,enthusiastic, and powerful, ever afforded to a Governor, had his Council contained members elected by the people; that his Excellency ought to disabuse his mind of any idea,-if such existed, that any factious opposition to his Government would proceed from a Legislative Assembly. That with respect to the tone of the address, the signers were convinced thai they were claiming what they had never ceased to regard as their rights—if they felt that the inevitable effect of a despotic government was to render a community less fit for free institutions, to destroy the political education which the settlers bad all received—if they candidly believed and admitted that they themselves were becoming, and would every year midei the present Government become more u\tit for such lostitutioiia—if they were sincerely convinced that one of the main objects of the Government of Mew Zealand ought to be to piovide for the futuie population of these u-'unds, and that, to render it am active, it was above all things essential that those institutions most genial t<» the habits and feelings of Englishmen, should he conferred upon it—that after all they were pei forming, in claiming representative institutions, a duty not merely to themselves but to every member of their race. Mr. Fitzheibert pressed his Excellency for a definite answer, and on his Excellency observing that he did not consider it fair to press him altei the reply he had given, Mi. F., feeling that the reply was evasive, and that he had a duty to perform towauis those who h«d deputed him to express then sentiments, obiei ved that, hovrevei painful il was to litiu. he Has compelled tu tell his Excellency itut his i eply icas muit uiisatisjac* tojy.

To His Exitllf..ey (Jeobob Oiiei-, £. 9 mre, Goi-e>,„r-h,-Chief of Xew Zealand, it., .5.., -vc. We ttie nmk-MirilCii, iiilubitants of Wellington, boiug ikejily iiii|ne«L'J with the great ailvantajes aad

importance of nepresentntive Institutions, beR respect* fully to urge our claims to them mi ;our Kxcellency. While wc cheerfully admit the present improved staf of the colony, and attribute its increasing prospen tv in a preat measure to the suimd pol'cy of jour Excellency's admimst ation,and the discretion exhibited in the exercise of the extraordinary powers with which you Imve been imested, we ice! assured that your Excellency will be desirous to relieve yourself, in some degree, from these weighty lesponsibihtics, b* admitting the colonists to participate, by means"f Repioeirativc Institutions, in the diurhonof thur local and intern d ailair-, and we me the m re anxious to urge our claims m them upon >our Excellency's attention, lest our silence should be mis akeu tor indifference. From the increasing importance and number of the Southern Settlements, and the auxie'y felt by their inhabitants for these institi'tiuns, we" an-persuade 1 that any further delay would be injnriois to their interest-, ;—we therefore* hope your rxeclieirv may lie induced sreedily to confer upon us those Kelre>cntative institutions which it is admitted, we are well fitted to K-ceive, and of which, it is b heved,in our Father Land, wo aie in the actual enjoyment. S'gn d, &c, &C,

A Dpputation of thiity-five gentlemen waited npon His Excellency the Governor-in-Clnef oa Monduj, with the' Memorial, adopted by the public meeting held on Tuesday evening Inst, at the ttrilaiuiia Saloon, for the purpose of " requesting Governor Grey to cuniei upon the inhabitants Representative Institutions " His Kxcellency received the deputation in the must courteous manner, and thp ebaiiman, Dr. Dulcet, read the Memorial as printed, to which the Governor was pleased to give the following reply : Gentlemen,—l have so recently delivered a replv to a Memorial of th : same purport as that which you have now placed in my hands, that i tru*t I shall be excused if I do not on the present occasion, address you at auy great length. It may suffice f or me to say that in as far as eYpewU upon me, the Southern Province of New Zealand sh.il!, in the shortest practicable period of time, be in p.»>srssion of ■* Legislative Council, and that, should the constitution of that Council prove unacceptable to the colonists, it will afford me ninth pleasure frum time to time to modity it <;o as to render it su'i'ab'e to the adrancing circumstances of the colunyAt the present moment there is probably no portion of'he world m which life at d property are tiioro secure than m New Zealand, nor is there auy other couutrvr which holds out greater promise of prosperity and happiness to intending emigrants. The safety of yourselves and of your families, and r f the numerous British popuhitiun, so widely and thinly scattered throngheut the country, .u also the maintenance of the now rapidly increasing value of property, a>e neces-arily to me objects of such near and deep cone in that 1 weigh with the greatest, care and anxiety every sten I take which might disturb or interrupt the present happy ?tate of things. 1 thus perhaps, mav move more slowly, nnd cautiously, than sonin would desire; »11 1 however a*k of yjti rs, to attribute mv caution to the true motives, and not to any desire on my part to thwart those very natural wishes, which you have expressed in language for which I feel grateful, and which you «i new claim to every exertion upon my part to promote yo*ir welfare and happiness, and in so far as my duty [,crmits, to consult wishes. G. Grey. Government-house, Wellington, Septembtr is, is is.

On Wednesday, September 13th, Ranjih.ie.ita met his Excellence the Governnr-in-C'iiiel at Otaki. The Nati.es assembled in consnlei ablenumbers, whilst only tlnee or four gentlemen, accompanied the Governor. Rangihaeatn, who had a doeskin mat thrown, over Ins shoulders, a meii in his hand, and feathers in his hair, stood up to make a speech. He referred to the war, to his unions throughout, how he had fought his way like a man, until he had settled at .IJaua«atii. He then stated that he was tired of war, thungh prepared to resist, hut that he longed to live at Taupo, Porirua, which he considered as his place. Hi; Excellency then addressed the natives. He 4l urecated war, but would compel turbulent native, to respect the rights and properties of their neighbour. The Governor staled, that before Rangitmeata could live at Porirau, he must sun endei Petomi, the native charged with the murder of the boy Hobman; now living under Rangilueata's protection. Rnngihaeata, after some demur, consented to surrender Petomi ; aim then, after iecemn» the warme,t testllnoii ais of respect from Hie natives, the Guvernoi'-iii Chief left thu assembly.—ludedeudent, Sept. 10.

Kaparatehau, or E Para, a well knoivn chief in connection with ihe late war, arrived m torn on the 13th. It is st ite I, that come in s.i ne time next neei, Lil with linn Petonn, the accused lnuiderer of the hoy Hobman.—lb.

H. M. S. C A i.LirrE. Woll-ngtoii, nit Aug. 18-18. Sir,—l have the honor to acknowledge the rt-ceipt of jour Excluder's let'er of Up 19th ins'., enclosure; au eitrdct Irom tLe ruhu'es of the Executive Council of_ this Frounce, recori.llls the sense that body entertain* of :he va'ue ol my servi e», and uf those ol the Officers ana Crew of the ship under my command. In complmncetfi h vour Excellency's request, I hava conveyed to the (Ulcers and Mop's Corrpmy, jour thanks, andtku,eol the KiTutive Council, offered in audi pleasing: and cord,. 1 t-rnn for thur cener.,l conduct in the 1 er'ornnti.e of their respective duti«, iud 1 ara sure they all feel, a. I do, en this ocrasiuu, truly happy in having their semes sj hiijiily in. prr-eiited. Under sua circumstances. \ cannot bid you firewell, without Mir.ssiD.sii.uc!' repi-t nt le»vii,g thu Colmy, and rerjuertinu you ivill lie phased to occrpt uy best and narmrM ,v.shc> for the prosperity u.rd. h.ip,i.ie.s of your r;\cl!eiic\S Government, ar„| l i:r ihe nelf.ire uf tlrest've al S tllcillenti U'ideryour e ite ; the cjiiimeree 0. uhi.U cannot '.nl tofliuri-.h unil.r .1 Governor .0 truly ~n ■ ,t „ll tmes to its intere. >, ai well a> to ue we! Jie uf the coin.niiiiity at large. I have, &c. (Si;n d) C. SrANLKir, Captain. His Fsoellenpv Geobce film . Esq , Goiemoi-iu Lh.ef, ,\civ Zealand. [Hi- eurac- f-om 1I1: i»i»ur, of Council, onvcy. in;r I'rum I ot body the ejp e-M..n ol thur th i»1, 5 , 10 Captau Mauley, has been il«ady pub isUttl.—En.]