INTERPROVINCIAL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 297, 15 December 1877, Page 2

INTERPROVINCIAL.

[PRESS AGENCY/.]

Uxpusn, Friday. TkeHinemoa arrived with Ministers at 2.20 p.m. to-day.

On the procession reaching Clive Square, Mr John Buchanan was called to take the chair at the open-air meeting, there held.

Sir George Grey, after expressing his thauks for the warm reception, said he did not come as the representative of the district certainly, but nevertheless he was the representative of the whole colony, and whereever 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 wheu only one European was in it. He came to procure land from the natives for the public, and succeeded; but moderate was the price, the country was too poor to pay it, and it was a pleasure to him that he was able to contribute from his own pocket for the purchase. The dream 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 properly to exercise the power which should be in possession of all men of age fit to have the franchise. Having obtained a liberal franchise, they should take care that the constituencies were fair in size with no pocket boroughs enabling the wealthy to dominate. Railways had been constructed out of the taxes of the whole people, and all property had enormously increased in value. 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 benefits derived from the State, and that those who derived but few benefits should be relieved of some of the heavy burdens now pressing upon 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 should be open to the European people at large, so that the natives might get a fair price for their land. That would be the policy which the Native Minister would endeavour to carry out, Sir Or. QxGJ COn« eluded by again refering to when he came here before, almost a solitary wanderer, from the Wairarapa, having only Bishop Selwyn with him : and expressed the hope that at a later period of his life he would be able to witness a like progress.

Mr. Sheehan spoke very briefly, excusing himself on the ground of the fatiguing session. After referring to the diiference between the present reception and the manner he was looked upon when he first came, he said that those plaus which Sir George Grey conceived he would energeticaliy 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 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 was not equal to the requirements of the time, then the House should go to the country.

A resolution was passed 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 and very enthusiastic crowd.

Auckland, Friday. Theßeception Committee to-day anuounced that £50 had been subscribed towards the expenses of the Committee. The Mayor will present an address on behalf of the citizens. Mr Quick will provide a coach and six grey horses free. The reception will probably take place about Thursday or FriTbe licensed victuallers, at a meeting, expressed a wish to take part in the procession as a body.

Wellington, Friday. To-night's Post says it is rumored that another difference of opinion arose yesterday between the Marquis of Normanby and Sir Geo. Grey, which delayed the Hinenioa 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 samo to the Governor in a memorandum. The office being one which necessitates the constant making of statutory declarations, the holder ought necessarily to be a Jnstice of the Peace; the Premier therefore further recommended that Mr. Bunny should be placed on the Commission of the Peace, and both appointments should appear in to-day's Gazette. On this point the difficulty arose. The Marquis approved of the appointment of Mr. Bunuy to the Commissionership of Annuities, but demurred to putting him on the Commission of ,the I>,eace. Sir Geo. Grey maintained thai .the^oY.ejnor was bound to accept the recommendation of i^s constitutional advisers, the Governor held that £hig was at his own discretion as part of the prerogative of the Crown, and that, while willing to malje the appointment, he would not algo place the aai?ae on the roll of Justices of tne Peace, The Post adds that something like a scene then ensued, t&s result of which was that Sir George quitted Government House in high dudgeon.

Saturday, Ihe following directions for entering the Manukau Harbor are published in to-day's Gazette :— The South Head beacons are now adjusted jn a live to lead the course of the Fa&ny <D.b.ft?i?eJ[ from the sea, bearing N.E. by N. by con^p^ss,. pare must be observed ■when drawing near 'ftrapmere Shoal not to open the South Head besfiOfc t$ the southward, and to pay attention to ike .pqia^c of the semaphore arms for other guidance. " It is notified in to-day's Gazette that jf?ha ,£BOO voted by the House for prize firing will be divided pro rata amongst the Volunteer corps according to their nominal strength on the 3 1st .October, 1877. Each district must arrange for markers at its own expense. A Committee consisting of the officer commanding and two senjqr volunteers in each district will divide the amount £c,5 apart for prizes. The prize firing regulations for 1877 are to be adhered |to. The competition is to take place not later than 31st March 1878. '

Mr Baker, son-in-law of the late Colonel Balneavis, has beea appointed private aecre-

tary to Mr Sheehan, and Mr Mitchell, of the Hamard staff, clerk in the Colonial Secretary's office.

The Charles Edward sails for Nelson at four p.m. Passengers: Miss Allan, Messrs Park, Marks, J. Casey, W. Casey, and M'Guire.

The following has just been received by Dr Lemon from Port Darwin, dated this morniug:— " Edinburgh just spoken, aud is now making the final splice. We expect to get Banjoewaujie in about half an hour."