POLITICAL INCIDENTS.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1082, 15 December 1877, Page 3

POLITICAL INCIDENTS.

THE PREMIER AND THE NATIVE

MINISTER AT NAPIER.

[pee peess agency,] Napier, December 11.

The s.s. Hinemoa arrived with Ministers at 2.20 p.m. Sir George Grey was escorted from the Spit by a large number of persons, and was driven in a carriage drawn by six greylhorses. On the procession reaching Clive square, Mr [John Buchanan was called to the chair at an open-air meeting held there. Sir George Grey, after expressing thanks for the warm reception, said he did not come as a representative of the district certainly, but, nevertheless, he was a representative of the whole colony, and wherever he went in New Zealand he considered he represented that place so far as to promote its welfare to the utmost power of the Government. He referred to the fact that twenty-two years and three months ago he was in Napier, when only one European came to procure land from the Natives for the public and succeeded, but, moderate as was the price, the country was too Eoor to pay, and it was a pleasure to him that e was able to contribute out of his own pocket for the purchase. The dreams he had then as to what the place would be he was happy to find realised. Every man should be instructed in political knowledge, so that he might be able to properly exercise the power which should be the possession of all men of age fit to have the franchise. Having obtained a liberal franchise, we should take care that the constituencies were fair in size, that there should be no pocket boroughs enabling the wealthy to dominate. The railways had been constructed out of the taxes of the whole people, and so, property was enormously increased in value. Thus the wealthy had increased their wealth at the cost of the people at large. It was time that this should be remedied ; that the wealthy should be made to contribute in proportion to the benefit they derived from the State; and that those who derived but few benefits should be relieved of some of the heavy burdens now pressing on them. There should be fair and equal land laws, so as to enable the industrious to acquire homesteads. The Natives should be allowed to get full value for their land, and the market open to the European people at large, so that Natives might get a fair price for their land. That would be the policy which the Native Minister would carry out. He concluded by again referring to the time when he came here before, almost a solitary wanderer from Wairarapa, having only Bishop Selwyn with him, and he expressed the hope that at a later period of his life he would be able to witness a like progress. Mr Bheehan spoke very briefly, excusing himself on the grounds of the fatigues of the session. After referring to the difference between his present reception and the manner in which he was looked upon when he first came, he said that those plans which Sir George Grey conceived he would energetically assist in maturing and carrying out. It was time we took a fresh departure, and that the people took a fair share in the government of the country. When next session commenced the Ministry would propose those liberal measures of which indication had been given by Sir George Grey. If they found themselves before the age —if the House were not equal to the requirements of the time — then the House should go to the country. A resolution was passed by those present, without a dissentient voice, thanking Sir George Grey and Mr Sheehan, and pledging themselves to assist them in every way to the utmost of their power. There was an immense crowd, and very enthusiastic. Auckland, December 14. Tho Reception Committee to-day announced that £SO had been subscribed towards the expenses of the committee. The Mayor will present the Premier with an address on behalf of the citizens. Mr Quick will find a coach with six grey horses free. The reception will probably take place on Thursday or Friday. The licensed victuallers at the meeting expressed a wish to take part in the proceedings as a body. THE GOVERNOR AND PREMIER AGAIN. Wellingion, December 14. To-night’s “Post” says—“lt is rumored that another difference of opinion arose yesterday between the Marquis of Normanby and Sir George Grey, which delayed the Hinemoa some hours. The gist of the statement is this ! —Ministers having decided to recommend the appointment of Mr Bunny, M.H.R., as Commissioner of Annuities, Sir George Grey signified the same to the Governor in a memo. The office being one which necessitates the constant taking of statutory declarations, the holder ought necessarily to be a j ustice of the peace. The Premier therefore further recommended that Mr B unny ’a name should be placed on the commission of the peace, and that both appointments should appear in to-day’* “Gazette.” On this point tho difficulty arose. The Marquis of Normanby approved of Mr Bunny’s appointment to tho Commissi ouershio of Aoaaities, baf demurred to putfci"» birr) on the commission of the peace. Sir G/Grey maintained that his Excellency wa* hound to accent the recommendation of hi* constitutional advisers. The Marquis of Normanby held chat this was at his own discretion as part of tho prerogative of the Crown, and that, while willing to make the appointment, be would not also place the name on the roll of Justices of the Peace, The “ Post” adds that something like a scene then ensued, the result of which was that Sir George Grey quitted Government House in dudgeon.