CANTERBURY— SEPARATION.

Evening Post, Issue 240, 14 November 1865, Page 2

CANTERBURY— SEPARATION.

On the Bth instant, a meeting of Mr. Cracroft Wilson's constituents took place at the Town Hall, Christchurch, where they were addressed at great length by that gentleman, after which the following resolution was adopted: — "That while thismeeting disapproves of the Masters and Servants Bill, they desire to record their senßeofthe valuable services which Mr.

Wilson has rendered in supporting the Weld Ministry." After which Mr. Fitzgerald, on being loudly called for, came forward, and said that on separation be would say a word or two. /fie was firmly convinced that many of those who were calling for separation, were walking blindfold into a trap. The land fund was under control of the General Assembly. The Provincial Councils can pass no laws affecting it. The Constitution Act governs all. The land revenue, when raised, belongs to the provinces. In 1866 the debt of New Zealand was divided unequally among the provinces. .£20,000 was to be born exclusively by the Middle Island, and the new £180,000 by the North Island. Tf now a part tf this compact is broken, the whole will become void. Mr. FitzHerbert a few days ago in the House of Representatives said "you may separate, but you wont take your land fund." I till you the same now. . Iqjthe North Tsland at^preaqnt, there are two VlgEStn'Hawke'sßay, ttelFTarinaki and nine in Wellington go with Canterbury .If by separation jgu thrawjthem over to Auckland, they in return will join with Aufekland and Otago, and vote your land fund away. Let us see what these provinces say. Mr. M 'Andrew proposed that the whole of the expenses of the war should be borne by the Middle Island, the annual interest being a charge on the gross revenue. Mind that — the gross revenue — land fund and all. Mr. Vogel also proposes that the entire expenses should be borne by the Middle Island. What does this mean. Why, that Otago wants to buy Auckland's votes with Canterbury's money. The land revenue to pay the piper. No other part of the colony has an estate like Canterbury. Wj husbanded ours while Auckland was giving hers away, and Otago selling hers at a pound an acre. We have husbanded it till it has become a tempting morsel for our neighbours to prey on. If you get separation, the land fund will be taken from you. Let separationists answer that if they can. Mr. Crosbie Ward said he would answer it, for if Canterbury members went up to the Assembly determined not to part with their land fund, they would not looe it. Mr. FitzCJerald— lf the Canterbury members are so strong, why did not they keep Mr. Wold in office. Mr. J. C. Wilson— The Otago and Auckland league would be too strong for he Canterbury members to withstand. If separation is brought about, they could not prevent them taking the land fund. Mr. Ward said that he hoped the meeting would not be carried away by mere words. The people of Canterbury were responsible for what had been done. Now was the time to abstain from incurring fresh liabilities. Mr. C. W. Turner wished to know whether Mr. Ward did not think that Canterbury having urged on the war was bound in honour to accept its full share of all contingencies following out of that war to the end. Mr. Ward, who did not seem at all anxious to answer this question, at length said, he did not think so. Mr. Waken 1 eld came forward, in answer to repeated calls and said, that he had authority for stating that Mr. Weld would take an early opportunity to call a meeting of the electors, in order that he might address them. He (Mr. Weld) had^also formed a decision not to stand again for the Assembly, but if the people of Christchurch wished him to represent them, he would come forward. Dr. Turnbull, speaking in favour of Separation, moved— "That a committee be appointed to collect all the information possible, bearing upon the desirability or otnfrwise of the division of the colony." His Honour the Superintendent said he perceived his name was down as one of this committee. He must decline to accept any such duties, as the near approach of the session of the Provincial Council would prevent his attending to them. He was not an advocate for Separation.

Captain Steward proposed as an amendment— 11 That in the opinion of this mpecting, the appointment of such a committee as suggested would be an unnecessary proceeding." Mr. 0. F. Worth seconded the amendment, which was carried. A vote of thanks to the chairman, proposed by Mr. J. C. Wilson, was then carried. The Chairman, in returning thanks, •poke against Separation and in favour of the Weld Ministry, which he said deserved etery support. The proceedings then terminated.— Evening Mail.