PUBLIC MEETING. EARL GREY'S EXILE SYSTEM.

New Zealander, Volume 4, Issue 298, 7 April 1849, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING. EARL GREY'S EXILE SYSTEM.

Pursuant to the requisition which was advertised'in onr columni recently — a large and most respectable Meeting was held nt the Exchange Hotel, on Wednesday last, 4th April. W. S. Giwiiame, Esq., was voted to the chair. The Chairman said— He felt honoured in being 1 selected by hit fellow townsmen to preside at a meeting convened for the purpose of deliberating upon so impoitant a subject, though he felt that there were others in this community far better qualified for this position than himself. It would not be necessary for him to take up the time of the Meeting by any lengthened ex. planatory remarks, but he would proceed to direct their attention to the immediate object for which they were assembled. In the first place he would read thc t rei quisition in virtue of which the Meeting was constituted. (The requisition wai then read.) The despatch to which the requisition referred he held in his hand, and with their permission he would read that also. (The Despatch was read.) He felt great pleasure in one respect, in occupying his present position,, because lie felt certain that if there was any one subject more than another, calculated to ensure unanimity of feeling, it was (hat which now occupied their attention. He believed that the proposal of inflicting upon this colony, the evils and horrors of convictism in any shape whatever — much more in that of ticket-of lenve. men— would be met by one common sentence of disapprobation. He would venture to predict that not a single voice would be raised in favour of a proposal so abhorrent to our feelings, and so derogatory to tho cliarac cr of the colony.; lie rcgrotltd that the gentk'jii.m who had so kindly volunteerrd on behalf of the I'ublip, to prepare a petition to the Queen w.is unavoidably prevented horn being pretput to propose it for their adoption. But as Imperative duty required Ilia attendance elserthero, be (the chairou-m) would cuU

upon Mr. Forsaith to supply the place of Mr; Whitakor, and submit the petition for the comideration of the Meeting. Mr. Forsaith said— He regretted exceedingly the abnence of Mr. Whitaker, who would have been able^to diteharge the duty now entruited to his (Mr. Forsaith'a) ])ands so much more effectively than he could hope to do. Nevertheless as the duty had been imposed upon Jiim, he would endeavour to discharge it to the best of his ability. He won Id first read the petition, and then make a very few observations upon it. (Petition read ) The document spoke for itself. It was drawn up in language so guarded and courteous that no one could reasonably object to sign it. There was a considerable number of persons in the community who held the opinion that there weie objections which might be urged against the proposal, of a diffe. rent land, and of a stronger nature, than those brought forward in the petition. It was conceived by some —and he must confrss that he concurred with them — that the mere proposals of such a scheme ai that of sending Exiles to this colony was a breach of faith, inasmuch as it was a virtual departure from the principle! upon which the colony wai founded, (cheers.) But while this might be essentially true, it was a mater of opinion whether it would be.expedient to embody it in a pet tion, to which it was hoped every adult in the district would attach his signature. The language of the petition was such, tkat while on the one hnnd the disapprobation of the public wag unequivocally expressed, on'tlie other hand no one could object to it as violent and offensive. He had never bren a resident in a penal colony, neither did he think it necessary, even if he were ever to well qualified for the tast , to enlarge upon the evils connected with conrictism, because this subject had been fully and ably brought before <he public in the Journnls of the day, particularly in that which he held in his hand (the New Zealand<.r) cheers. But although he could not boast an intimute acquaintance with the evils of the convict system in all their enormity, he well recollected the deep impression which the fiist sight of a gang of his fellow beings chained together by the lepr, had produced upon his mind when he landed iv Sydney, on his way to New Zealand. Rev. W. Lawry— Aye, but if those fellows hnd been let loose upon you instead of being chained by the leg? (Hear, hear.) Mr. Forsaith — Yes, and who could tell but that some of those proposed to be sent here would be in reality as bad ns any of those unhappy beings. Ihe very fact of their having obtained tickets of leave may be regarded as a proof, not of their superior virtue, but of superior duplicity, for it wai almost certain that in a majority of cages, the exiles had, by assuming a hypocritical deportment deceived their overseen with the belief of thrir reformation, and that in consequence they would in virtue of their ticket of leave, be let loose upon society to practice openly their vicious accomplishments. Mr. Burn— Tickets obtained perhaps far gome spe» cial service rendered to their overseers. Mr. Forsaith.— -He was not sufficiently acquainted with the workings of the syKtem, to lay whether such favouritism obtained, but he feltiure that the sanguine hopei of Eutl Giey, as to the reformation of those men> would prove, in most instances, delusive. (Hear, hear.) He would not enter into the moral aspect of the question — but any man who was versed in the knowledge of human nature, und who had any acquaintance with the philosophy of morals, wouM at once suspect the soundness of such reformations (heur) ; and above all, those who were in any measure influenced by the maxim of one— than whom there could bo no higher authoiity-— that " Evil communications corrupt good manners, "would unite to decry in the most emphatic terms, the introduction of such pests as Exiles in this colony. (Chc<-r«.) He would therefore conclude by moving, that the petition now read be adopted. (Cheers.) Mr. Langford seconded the motion. The Chairman said, before he proceeded to put the question to the meeting, he bhould be lmppy to hear any remarks that persons pre-cnt felt inclined to make. Mr. Bush said — He had seen the petition before to day, and he thought it a milk and water affair. (Cheers.) It was all very well to say that we did not like, and did not wish, to have these exiles, but he thought the most proper and manly course would be to »ay we would not have them, (great cheering.) What right had Earl Grey to propose such a measure ? (Hear, hear.) Was not this a free, and hitbtrto untainted colony ? No language could be too strong to resent the proposal to deluge our community with vice. (Cheers.) The petition 6eemed to imply, that we should be satisfied if New Zealand were exempted from the evil, and that it was a matter of indifference to us how others fared— -if we escaped the imposition. (Cries of " No.") .But he thought that all the colonies should unite, and oppose a Arm front to the dciigns of the Secretary of State. (Cheeis.) He for one would tell Earl Grey that convicts should not be tolerated in any shape or form (cheers) ; time their introduction into this colony should be opposed by every legal and constitutional means— that if they came we would neither speak to them nor employ them, but would shun them a 9 contagious pests. (Vociferous cheering ) It had been urged that the memorial had been purposely drawn in the mildest terms in order to secure a greater number of signatures ; but what was ihe use of using soft soap on «uch a question. (Hear, hear, and laughter, and a cry " There is too much soap already connected with the pretent Ministry.") Let us tell the Minister at once that he may take his fostered children back to his own bosom. (Cheers.) This is not a political question — it is one which comes home to every domesticated man. Would you have unblushing vice stalking about your streets, and creeping into your houses— would you have your wives and daugbteis violated, then accept the proposal, and welcome convicts I (Great chaering.) The Chairman said, that if Mr. Bush would embody, in n distinct form, any propositiou he thought requisite, he would put it to the meeting as an amendment. Mr. Rout was very glad to hear Mr. Bush hpeak out as he had done. There could be no doubt but that it was desirable that the petition should be as expressive as possible. A thousand reasons might be Aged why convicts should not be tolerated ; but at the Baine time, it would be unwise to risk the success of the appeal by making it too strong. The argument introduced] in the last clause of the petition was very cogent. The infusion of iugli an evil element into our 6ociety, as convicts holding tickets of leave would be most disastrous, (bear.) By mixing amongst the natives, and sowing 'the seeds of vice and disorder in their minds, effects would certainly follow most detrimental to the peace and prosperity of the colony. (Hear, hear.) There could be no queition but that labour was sadly wanted, and many would be glad to obtain it at any cost, but if the want were to be supplied by the introduction of convicts the evils of such a system would more than counterbalance its advan. tageq. (hear, hear.) At the present time he felt quite contented and happy wHi his position in New Zealand. He ldt more scure even than he did in London. — There he had often been subjected to loss, and in open drty had had bis porkets picked, but here every body could go about his buiiaesi iv psacc and comfort, ua-

suspicious, and unsuspected. But would this state of thingi continue if convicts came? (hear, hear.) Then we should have to look with suspicion upon every new face, and our anxious enquiry would be, who ii he, and where docs he come from ? (hear, hear.) He could only nay that if convicts were introduced he should look upon it as tantamount to a notice to quit, (Cheers ) We might then, at least those who valued their peace nnd comfort, shut up shop and be off. (Cheers ) If ever they should arrive he should be inclined to murk the event by suspending all business, and observing the day as one of gener-il mourning. (Cheers.) Nevertheless lie was satiified with the peli.ion* He thought that it would lose nothing in effect by being; couched in courteous language. Mr. Bush snid he should press his amendment. He would tell Earl Grey that we would not have his convicts. (Cheers.) Mr. Forsaith rose to order, lie did not like to interrupt his friend Mr. Rout, although be considered him somewhat out of order, as the amendment wns not yet seconded, and consequently that a discussion upon it was premature. If Mr. Bush's proposition was supported, it could then be discussed, and as the mover of the original motion, he should reserve to himself the right of reply. The Chairman thought that it would not be advisable to me any language that might have the appcaranre of a threat. Perhaps it would be well to iead the petition again. The petition was read again. Mr. Bush expressed himself satisfied to abide by the opinion of the meeting ; if they thought the petition sufficiently expressive he would not press hit objection. Mr. Brown said that he too considered the petition a very inadequate reply to Earl Grey's propoial. The attempt to intrude convicts upon this colony was dishonest in the extreme. The colony was founded upon an expressed understanding that it was to be exempted from the baneful consequences of convictism, and this point ought to have been prominently insistrd upon in the petition. It was all very well to say that we did not wibh to have convic s, but who would undertake to say that they were not already on their wnyr (Hear, hear.) He considered the Governor had not taken the proper means of ascertaining the opinion of the public ; at least, he had made no adequate effort to accomplish this object- He had merely published Earl Grej's despatch in the Governmont Gazette. If he (Mr. Brown) had been in the Governor's place, and had been requested to ascertain the opinion of the people, he should have prepared two documents— one for and the other against the me isure ; the preponderance of support to either of which would have placed the question beyond a doubt. But he would go even fuither than this. He was of opinion that if ninetynine names out of a hundred were found to support the measure — still the opposing opinion of that one, the hundredth, would be entitled to greater weight than the majority, inasmuch as it was based upon the avowed principle upon which the colony was founded. (Hear, bear.) He considered also that the opinion of the people could not fairly be said to have been ascertained if the natives were not consulted on the subject. They formed by far the largest majority of the people, and steps should be taken to ascertain their feelings nlbO (Hear hear.) There was a difficulty certainly in deciding how far it was advisable to adhere to the petition in its present foim in order to ensure a larger number of signatures, and be wm not prepared to say that it would be bad policy to adopt this course. (Hear, hear.) At all events, the adoption of thu present petition would not prevent another being prepared, cf a more stringent character, to be presented to the British legislature. Mr. Forsaith said, that as it was evident a large proportion of the meeting were of opinion that the peti tion was deficient in point, he would take upon himself the responsibility, in the absence of the gentleman who framed it, to meet the wishes of the meeting by a concession which, he hoped, would put an end to further discussion, and restore unanimity of feeling. By permission of the Chairman, he would propose that instead of the Petition being put in its original form, the second clause should be amended thus—" That your Majesty's petitioners cannot but express their extreme str prise, as well as their deep regret, that such a mrasure should ever have been contemplated, inasmuch as this colony was founded upon an express and positive guarantee, that convicts should not be permitted to degrade the character of its Settlements, or pollute its population, by their presence; and tney at once distinctly," Sec. Mr. Bush. — Would it not be better to say " indignation" instead of" regret." Mr. Brown said, he was still far from satisfied with the petition, and he thought a committee should be appointed to prepare a new one, to express, in more appropriate and emphatic terms, the opinion of the public. The Rev. W. Laivry thought that it wai best to adopt the petition as it now stood. The views of those who advocated strong language had been met half way by the amendment proposed by Mr. Forsaitb. It wag fitting that we should go the foot of throne mildly, and not violently. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Forsaith objected to the course Mr. Brown was taking. He thought it was most disrespectful towards the gentleman who had prepared the petition, and who was not present to defend it. (Hear, hear.) He had already, in the name, and on behalf of that gentleman, ventured to alter the construction of one clause in such a way as he had hoped would be satisfactory to all parties. Further than this he would not go. The petition had been before the public since the 31st of March —every body had had ample time to consider it, and it was not fair that Mr. Brown should now come forward at the eleventh hour, merely to state general objections (hear, hear); he should have been piepared to substitute a better memorial, if he was diisatisfied, and the meeting would then have decided which of the two they would adopt. (Cheers.) But as he had not done so, and had no other plea to urge than that of general distmtiifaation with the petition which hnd been prepared and read to the meeting, he (Mr. Forsaitb) considered that the course adopted by Mr. Brown was improper. Mr. Hart said — It was not his intention to have addressed the meeting on this particular question, but he would beg lo remind them that the curse of this part of the colony had been the want ot unanimity amongst the people, (hear, hear.) Look at Wellington and Nelion, werenot the people of those settlements as of one heart and one mind ? Whenever any question of public importance arose they were immediately on the alert and acted together with *n unanimity that stamped their proceedings with amazing power. This was not a political question, it was a great moral one, and he hoped that the main object of the meeting would not be lost sight of in the midst of minor differences of opinion ot comparatively little importance, (hear, hear.) Earl Grey's despatch bad been before the public since the 10th March, aud the manuscript of the petition now before the meeting had been put into Mr. Brown's hands before it was pub* lished so that he had had every opportunity of preparing another. Mr. Eiown had suggested another petition might be prepared for presentation to the Houses of

Parliament and it would be quite admissable to infuse a little more spice into the composition of a document intended for the legislature than would be proper in an address to Her Mnjeity the Queen, (cheers.) He brlieved that a reiolution to that effect would presently bs laid before the meeting, which, if carried, would afs ford an opportunity to those who wished it of sending home a memnriul as spicy as they pleased. lie for one did not care how much spice they put into it. He would sign it willingly. Bin it waa requisite especially in a petition to our sovereign, who wus a L'idy, that the language should be more measured and couiteous than would be necessary under other ciicumstauces. Mr. Brown begged to explain. He had evidently been misunderstood. He wanted stronger arguments, not merely stronger language. So that the arguments were as strong as the occasion demanded, lie should not care— nay, he should prefer that they be; expressed in the most respectful language, (hear, hear.) Mr. Biiih said — Ho believed that this discussion had arisen from himself, but he wished most distinctly to state that he had no desire to defeat the adoption of the petition. His remarks were only intended to enforce his opinion of the necessity under which they were placed at Englishman to stand up boldly and manfully for their privileges. The Petition wai then put as amended by Mr. Forsaith, and, having been read ai follows, was curried unanimously. To Her most Gracious Majesty the Queen— The humble petition of your Maj sty's most loyal and dutiful subjec's, inhabitants of the district of Auckland, in the Province of New Ulster, in the Territory of N_w Zealand, Sheweth— That His Excellency the Governor-in -Chief has published in the New Zealand Government Gazette a despatch, dated the 3rd day of August, 1818, from the Right Honourable Eail Grey, your Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, in which it is stated that, if such a measure should be wished for by the inhabitants, his Lordship would " be prepared to take the necessary steps for including New Zealand in the places into which convicis holding tickets-of leave may be introduced." That your Majesty's petitioners cannot but express their extreme surprise, as well as their deep regret, that such a measure should ever have bren contemplated, inaimuch as this colony was founded upon an express and positive guarantee, that convicts should not lie permitted to degrade thechuracler of iti (settlements, or pollute its population, by their presence, and they at once distinctly and solemnly declare that they ente.rtain the most decided and insuperable objection to the introduction of convicti, under the name of " Exiles," as piopobed by EarlG r ey. That although this Northern Province is snfferinc; most severely from the wnnt of an adequate supply of labour, and your Majesty's petitioners would glndly welcome to their shoics the poor, but honest, subjects of your Majesty, who are starving in their native land, yet, however great the object, your Majesty's peti tiontrs can never consent to sacrifice the character of their adopted country, and to risk the safety of their persons and property, by voluntarily admitting amongst them thoie whose qualifications for the boon of removal to a land where plenty awaits them must, from the present mild administration of the criminal law of England, be a conviction for at least an offence of a senous and agginvatcd nature. That the eipeiience of the neighbouring colonies hai fully convinced jour Mnjcity'a petitloneis, that whatever may be the advantages gained by an adequate supply of labour at a reasonable rate (and such ad. vantages your Majts'y's petitioners fully value), ytt they would be infinitely more than counterbalanced bj the liss of character to the colony, and the degradation and the ciimes, which your Majesty's petitioner; {Vel assured mu t necessarily follow from the adoption of such an expedient as that proposed by your Mnjestj's Secretary of State. That your Majesty's petitioners liave no faith whatever in the hope derived by Earl Grey from tbe refoimatory natuic of the previous punishment inflicted on the holders of tickets-of-leave ; and your Majesty 't petitioners arc enabled to speak with some confidence in this rcspeet, as they have already been subjected to an experiment wilh Parkhuist boys. That your Majesty's petitioners humbly assure youi Majesty, that after the arrival of even those juvenile convicts, in whom great reformation was supposed to have been made, property became much more unsafe, and subject to pilfering and loss, than it had previously been ; and although those young delinquent 1 ; did i,ot contribute one-twentieth to the European population of this Province, yet for two years after their ai rival, the committals for felony were doubled as compaicd with previous years, and more thnn one-half of such offenders were emigrants from Parkhurst. Tiiat in addition to all the objections which can be urged against the Introduction of •• Exiles" into any of the neighbouring colonies, the number and character of the aboriginal population of New Zealand render it, in the opinion of your Majesty's petitioner!, not only inexpedient, but dangerous, to carry out such an experiment here; and your Majesty's petitioners feel most strongly that it ii of the highest importance to the peace and prosperity of this Territoiy, that the Europeans, brought into contact with the aborigines, should, as much ai possible, be of a different description and character from thoie ptoposed to be introduced by Earl Grey under the name of " Exi.'es." Your Majes'y's petitioners, therefere, humbly, but most earnestly, prny, that your Majesty will be graciously pleased to exclude New Zealand from the number of those places into which convicts holding tickets«of-leave may be introduced ; and thus at once relieve your Majesty's petitioners from the apprehension of an experiment which if carried out, they could not look upon in any other Jifiht than a serious calamity. And your Majesty's petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. Mr. Mitchell rose to move " That a Committee be appointed to obtain signatures, and that the Committee consist of the following gent'etneu— W. S. Gruhame, Etq , J. Kont Chairman J. Hargreaves F. Wliitakcr Henry Ualson W. Hart Tlios. Lewis J. J. Monlefiore R. A. FitzG^rald, and J. Salmon J. Wooduouse, Esqrs. Mr. Kelly seconded this resolution, which was carried unanimously. Dr. Carter said, he should express, in two or three words, the opinion he entertained respecting the introduction of convicts, lie left England for New Zealand only a few months ago, under the firm impression that he was coming to a free colony. (Hear, lieai.) lie was convinced that| the introduction of exiles was a measure which no man who valued the prosperity of the country would support. It would be fraught with evils of the most lamentable kind. They had already experienced the consequences resulting from the presence ot juvenile delinquents. How much more serious would tbe evil be if men, matured in depravity and vice, were admitted to these; shores. (Hear, hear.)

He believed that the human hoart, when once it became depraved by long continued vice, could not be made better. (Cries of di^ent, and order, ordei.) He did not wish to be mibundei stood; but he had been convinced by observation and expeiience, that cases of reformation amount men of confinncd habits of vice were very rate, it not altogether imaginary. At all events it would be admitted by all present, that the unrestrained intercourse of sucli tmn as Enil Grey contemplated sending line, would tend to undermine the present healthy tone of our society, and inflict a giicvous wound upon the cntiie colony. (Cheers.) He would therefoie move '» That the Committee take the necessary steps lor hiving the Petition, when signed, forwarded thiough his Excellency tho Go* vtinor." W. F. Porter, Esq., seconded this resolution, which was cniried unanimously. Rev. W. Lawry. Suppiin*rndant of the Wcslcyan. Mission, rose to move, <l Th.it the Commi tee be re quested also to secuie for the Petition, his Excellency the Governor-, support." The Rev. Genilcmiin congratulated the meeting upon the unanimity which had prevailed on the main question uf consideration. He thought that it argued well of the cause, to see that they were one and all aijieed thai convicts would" not be acceptable. He could not spy tlut lie had not brcn in a Convict Colony. He had" been sent to Dotiny Uay lnm&cll many yea's, njo (LauKh'er) ; and he hail served hl9 seven years there (lcnewed laughter); and, he would admit that a groat impetus was given to agricultural and commercial intercbts by the system ; but he must also confess that it involved bo many evils, that ils advantages were completely outweighed (hear, hear); and if the result of the whole were fairly estimated, the balance would be found on the wrong B'de. (Hear, heai ) Though, at the same time, he could not quite a«ree with Dr. Caiter in saying, that the depraved human heart could not be made belter. To ndmit suHi a belief, would be to stultify the labours of hi» whole life. (Laughter.) Dr. Cartel- explained. He did not mean that refoimation was imposswlr 1 , but only exceedingly rare, in cases where vitious habits were Ion;? confirmed. (Heat.) Mr. Lawry— TT r s idea of New Zealand was, that of all the Colonial dependencies of the Ciown, it wnjj number one. (Hear, hear.) lie If new that man? entertained desponding vie WB, and had but small hope? for the future, in consequence of the want of cmi^r - tion and cxpirts, hut his !>elicf war, that tho colony would advance. The resources of the country were as yet only partially developed. That development would progress, until by and bye new and unexpected elements of prosperity would be unfolded. Mr. Burn— Yes, when land is a dollar per acre. Air. Lawry No, he would have land cheaper ihan that. A'though we su (Tried a»- present from a want of labour, yet we should doubtlcbs, ere long, catch some refreshing rilla from the stream of emigration. Tho i ills would increase into rivers, and ultimately the bounding waves of emigration would burst upon cur shores. (Applause.) He believed that the Governor would readily suppoit the prayer of the petition, fltt perluj.s was not authorised in stating a /act that had been made known to Inn in conversation, but he could not help mentioning, that when his Excellency's opinion hud been asked, as to the effects which he thought likely to bi> produced by the introduction of convicts, his reply wa=, that he fe.irjd it would lead to the corluption of the natives, and peih.ips to wai between the races. (Hear, hear ) He (Mr. Lawry) had certainly thought at times that the Colony might he bencfittcd by convict labour ; and he had said upon one occasion to Captain Buck, when passing the island of Ran«itoto, " now what is to hinder a few gangs of convicts being sent here to birak stones, prepaic material, build wharves, Si"..' 1 Doubtless immense advantage would acciue from such labours— but who could fore* tel the consequences. Fiom convicts doubly ironed, and wcil guaided, we should get to single iions— then to gi eater lengths, until at last all the evils of the ujslem would be Jet loose upon us. (llenr, hear.) The Chairman then called upon the Rrv. G. Panlon, Presbyterian Minister. The Rcyd. gentlunnn said that he had not come to llie meeting prepared to speak or take any acting share in the proceedings. lie had come only as a spectator and a hearer, and to cvinco by his piesence the concern ho felt at the mere prospect of convicts hem;? introduced into New Zculand. Almost the last duty that devolved upon him cie ha left Scotland, was that of a Juryman in the court of Justiciary, and he could not express the deep emotion which the shameless and u'lbludiing profli^ucy exhibited by men of a class similar to those which it was proposed to send out lieie, had produced upon his* mind, (hear, hear.) He bad also seen a Echool established for the reformation of a class who had not actually entered upon a caicer of vice, but who were at the commencement of the descent, and as it weie upon the threshold of ruin — but it was a miserable failute. The scholirs wore perfect adepts in duplicity. While you looked ihrm in the face, they contrived by consummate art to throw into their countenances an expression as of the uneorrupted innocence of childhood, but Iho moment your back was turned they exhibited in their conduct all the cunning and mischief of the monkey. He had also been fellow passenger with one who had sailed with the Purkhurst penetcntiaiies, and that gentleman bore his testimony to the cunning and duplicity evinced by these delinquents. So that to place any confidence in the idea that the exiles p.oposed to be sent to New Zealand weie reformed characters would be vain and illubory. He wou.d cordially second Mr. Lawry 'a motion. The Chairman rose to put it to the meeting — when Mr. Brown came forward and 6aid — He objected entirely to the ii'soluuon He admitted that it wus usual to send documents of the kind through the Governor, and perhaps the meeting might besuipmed at his laking objection in the present instance. But he hud reasons to urge why the Meeting should not in the present case ask the Governor to give the Petition his suppoit. It would bo rcolicc cd by the Meeting that a Petition had been forwaided home to Her Majcaty, relative to Earl Git'y'a instructions and the Native Lands, and that this petition had been more numerously and more influcntinlly supported than any other public document peihaps thut had ever been transmitted fiom tins part of the colony. It bore the signa* tares of the Chief Justice, the Bishop, several of the Minister* of Religion, members of Council, and other highly respectable functional us, as well as of all tho more rcspeclubie membeis ol the community, and wua kind of suppoit did the Meeting suppose was given to tbul Petition by If is Excellency. He would inform them, he held in his hand a cony of the despatch which wjs loiw.iided to the Secictary of State wit'a the Petition. By pcjmission of the meeting he would read it to them. Extract fiom Blue Rook, page 79. (No. 7.) No. 27. Government House, Auckland, Match, 9, 1848. My Loud, — The enclosed petition was recently tiansmilted to me, in order that it might in the u«ual course, be laid before Ilei'.lUaje&ly, to whom it is nddrcsßed. Your Lordship will observe that it is sigu>d by the ' [f\n cyntiuuaiiout.ee iSiipnlcmcut.J