PUBLIC MEETING AT CHRISTCHURCH

Lyttelton Times, Volume II, Issue 103, 25 December 1852, Page 10

PUBLIC MEETING AT CHRISTCHURCH

A numerously attended Public Meeting of the inhabitants of Christchurch and the surrounding neighbourhood was held at the Land Office, on the 15th instant, for the purpose of conveying to Sir John Pakington and other friends of New Zealand in England, the expression of their gratitude, for the measure of .Local Self Government lately accorded by the Imperial Parliament to the inhabitants of these colonies. The Rev. O. Mathias having been called to the Chair, the first resolution was proposed by E.J. Wakefield, Esq., and seconded by Dr. Barker: "That the Constitutional Law enacted for New Zealand during the last Session of Parliament is a great step towards the establishment of Self Government, and as such deserves the grateful acceptance of the people of this settlement, especially as it confers on the GeneralAssembly the power to adapt the Constitution to the circumstances and requirements of the colony." The 2nd resolution was moved by the Rev. James Wilson and seconded by Mr. Packer : " That the thanks of the people of New Zealand are eminently due to Sir J. Pakington, H.M. Secretary of State for the Colonies, for the wise and statesmanlike course which he has pursued in proposing and carrying the measure above referred to, in spite of great difficulties arising from the position of the Ministry with reference to Parliament and the country." The 3rd resolution was proposed by W. G. Brittan, Esq., and seconded by C. E. Pritchard, Esq.: "That the best thanks .of the Colonists are also due to those friends in Parliament and elsewhere, whose zealous co-operation enabled the Colonial Minister to carry his intentions into effect, especially to Mr. Gladstone, the Duke of Newcastle, Lord Lyttelton, Mr. Adderley, Mr. Fox, and Mr. Wakefield. The 4th resolution, was moved by J. Watts, Russell, Esq., seconded by Mr. C. W. Bishop: "That a copy- of the above resolutions be respectfully presented, on the part of this meeting, to each of the gentlemen named in them, and that the Chairman be requested to undertake the charge of forwarding them. The above resolutions were severally put from the chair, and unanimously adopted amidst lively expressions of applause. A vote of thanks was given to the Chairman and the meeting separated.