PUBLIC MEETING IN LYTTELTON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume II, Issue 70, 8 May 1852, Page 5

PUBLIC MEETING IN LYTTELTON.

On Wednesday evening a Public Meeting was held at the Mitre Hotel for the purpose of constituting a Society of all the inhabitants of the settlement for the consideration and discussion of all matters of social and political interest, and of ascertaining the opinions of the settlers thereupon. It is, we think, to be regretted that, in the notice calling the meeting, no names were attached, as this omission coupled with an unsuitable hour, produced a ludicrous failure the preceding day at Christehurch. -At the hour appointed, 6 o'clock, a very numerous and respectable company, comprising most of the principal inhabitants'of the Town and neighbourhood were assembled, the lar<*e room of the Hotel being crowded. We must not omit to notice that the landlord, Mr. Compton, had liberally placed the room at the disposal of the meeting. On the proposition of Mr. Burke, seconded by Mr. Bayfield, Mr. Godley, amidst general approbation, was called upon to preside. Mr. Godley, on taking the chair, after briefly stating the objects of the meeting, said that he had cqme prepared with no set speech, nor with any cut-and-dry resolutions; he would prefer that the meeting should assume a coaversacharacter in order to test, as it were, the '"\*pulse of the people, as he wished that all classes should take an interest and a part in the proceedings. He would therefore call upon Mr. . Fitzgerald simply to propose the following resolution : <^"That it is expedient that a Society be constituted, to be called the Society of Canterbury Colonists, for the discussion of all subjects of public interest." Mr. Fitzgerald said that being, he believed, the only member present of the Old Council of Land Purchasers, he might be expected to state why that council had dissolved itself. It was originally formed in London, and naturally resumed its operations on arriving in the colony, being, then, in fact, the only interest of any moment. Since then, however, numerous other interests

had sprung up, and it was deemed politic and advisable that it should be dissolved, and a new society formed in its place. That was the primary object of the present meeting, and he hoped that all classes of the community, without distinction, would cordially respond to it. He was not afraid of any democratic tendencies, as he considered that it was only by the collision of intellect that great truths were elicited, and he was convinced there was no man, however humble his position or limited his education, who had it not in his power to tell something which ever Statesmen wotted not of. (Hear, hear.) Entertaining these views, he had much pleasure in proposing the resolution read from the chair.

Mr. Cholmondeley seconded the resolution. He observed that he wished the proposed society to be formed on as " broad-bottomed" a foundation as possible, but considered it advisable that one fitting man should be chosen as a head, and suggested Mr. Godley, (hear, hear). The time had now arrived when something should be attempted to promote intellectual amusements: we had hitherto contented ourselves with laying out towns, erecting stores and houses, forming roads, establishing schools, and had laid the foundation of a church: he rejoiced to see this, and looked forward with hope to the days of prosperity when our oxen would be as thousands, and our sheep as tens of thousands. But this was not all that was required : did we stop here, he would regret having crossed the seas :he therefore hoped the proposed society would have for its objects to promote the cultivation of the mind. Unless this was done the Society, he was persuaded, would prove a failure, as people would not wade through streams, climb mountains, or cross arms of the sea, to attend without having, an adequate object in view. Mr. Cholmondeley then, amidst great laughter, gave a humorous description of the last days of the Society of Land Purchasers; how step by step it grew enfeebled and became deprived of its members, until, being reduced to its Chairman and Secretary, meeting merely to look at each other across the table, it had finally departed this world one fine afternoon at the Land Office, at Christehurch, in Mr. Brittan's arm-chair. (Much laughter). He hoped the new Society would attain a far different result. * It was then proposed by Dr. Don?.ld, and seconded by Mr. Bayfield, that " In order to carry out the above object so far as Lyttelton and tbe neighbouring districts are concerned, a Committee be appointed " A conversation of a general nature ensued in which Mr. Stoddart said it would be necessary to collect funds for a suitable building. Mr. Godley replied that no very large sum would be required, as tbe clergy had no objection that the temporary church which was unconsecrated and capable 01 accommodating 200 people, should be used. In answer to an enquiry as to who were prepared to give lectures, Mr. Fitzgerald said that Mr. Godley, the Rev. Mr. Paul, Dr. Donald, and Mr. Spowers, had expressed their readiness to do so, and he had no doubt bui that others would follow their example. Mr. Godley observed that Mr. Fitzgerald would also assist, and that he himself would be most happy to begin, taking for a subject the history of New Zealand, upon whioh he had bestowed considerable attention, and which he thought would prove interesting, as many Colonists had no time to acquire more than a superficial knowledge of their adopted country. It was then proposed by Mr. Reader, and seconded by the Rev. Mr. Dudley, "That Mr. Godley be requested to submit for the approval of the meeting the names of such gentlemen as he considered fitted to form "such a Committee." Mr. Godley said it would be invidious on his part to do so, but would take the opinion of the meeting. After some discussion it was proposed by Mr. Compton, and seconded by Mr. Read, that " the following gentlemen as submitted by Mr. Godley, be requested to act on such Committee. Mr.Godley, President, Mr.Fitzgerald, Rev. — Paul, Mr. Cholmondeley, Mr. Stoddart, Mr. Reader, Dr. Donald, Mr. Spowers, Mr. Luck, Mr. Foote, Mr. Bayfield, Mr. Alport, and Mr. Richard Davis, with power to add to their number. All the resolutions were carried unanimously. Mr. Godley then vacated the chair, which was taken by Mr. Cholmondeley, who proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Godley for his services. We could not catch who was the seconder amid

the general approbation which followed Mr. Cholmondeley's proposition. Mr. Godley briefly returned thanks, and the numerous meeting then dispersed at 9 o'clock. [We regret that our report of the meeting is not so extensive as we could wish. The fact is, " our own" Reporter furnished us with notes of such a cuneiform and hieroglyphical character, that we could make nothing of them, and we have, in consequence, been compelled to trust to our memory.3