EPSOM WEST WARD.

New Zealander, Volume 7, Issue 594, 24 December 1851, Page 3

EPSOM WEST WARD.

Dinner to Alderman Fowditcii. ( Communicated.)

As was briefly noticed in Saturday's New Zcalander, a Dinner was given on Wednesday evening last, at the Half- Way -House, as a mark of respect to Mr. Alderman Powditch, the representative of the Epsom West Ward in the Common Council. The company included not only his own supporters, but several burgesses who, though they voted against him at the Election, now united in this token of regard, and warmly eulogised him during the evening. There were also several present from the neighbouring Wards. The Chair was filled by Mr. J. C. HrLL, of Hillsboro', one of the Wardens of the Hundred, who presided with his usual good-humour ; and the Vice- Chair was occupied by Mr. Crisp, of Wood Bank. The dinner, &c, was provided in the very best style by the host, Mr. Scott. The first Toasts proposed by the Chairman were "The Queen," " Prince Albert and the London Society of Arls," and " The Prince of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family," which were drunk with all the honours. The Vice- Chairman then gave, " Sir George Grey and Prosperity to New Zealand," (three times three). •' Lieutenant- Governor Wynyard, and his gallant comrades in arms," with all the honours. "The Mayor and Corporation of Auckland, j May they use the Charter entrusted to their care with prudence and caution, for the benefit of the Borough and the Country in general." Alderman Powditch said, tbere being- no other members of ilie Common Council present, it is necessary that I should, on their part, respond to the toast just now given. In doing so ; I must revert to an observation from the deputy chairman expressive of the hope thdt that Council will act with due deliberation and caution ; and I therefore observe chat, although little as yet may appear to be done, it has teen from the necessity to see their way cleaily, nnd not hastily undertake any acts until they are fully satisfied of the propriety and means at their disposal of cairying them through. There are two questions, however, which have been brought before the Council, of which I think it my duty to inform you, — two questions of vital impoi lance which are now agitating the public mind, and on which 1 desiie to elicit your sentiments and to furnish you with mine. The first question was Councilloi Merriman's motion to address the Governor for a full and perfect detail of the appropriation of (ho land 3ales levenue. In supporting this motion, as you are awaie, I was enabled to show that the pretended gift of the one-third to thchundred was swallowed up in the onethird to the Corporation. Now the Royal Instructions adverting to tins were published in March — the Land Sales Appvopiiation Oidinance published on 24th June — and the Governor's Despatch, accompanying the Charter, which specifically pointed out the one-third to the Hundieds distinct from that to the Corporation, published on the sth of September. Now, every rational man would suppose these two, distinct thirds ; nevertheless, Governor Giey was, at tins time as it were, holding in his other hand the said Oidinance, which lie knew extinguished the claim of the Hundieds, because all the Siv Hundreds had merged into the Borough, w ith the proviso that one-sixth must be expended within tbe Hundred wheiein it was raised : tbis deprived the Borough of the right to apply tho whole to any one point, however urgent the case might be. In fact, the Borough leceived only one- sixth of the proceeds for geneial purposes; thus the sum of £480 would, irom such causes, be m reality only about j£'23O. a bum altogether inadequate to the immediate demand for officers, as Treasurer, Town Cleik, Messenger, &c, and all other sums given are especially appropriated. What dependence, therefore, can the Common Council have on any promises, even m print — seeing- lliat what is given to-day may be taken away to-morrow. ' Jleie I think it proper to obseive that it still lemains the duty of the Wardens to see that the one-sixth lie applied ■within the Hundred in which it was raised. The other question is the motion to consider the expediency of a memorial or a petition on the Now Zealand Company's claim. We must all believe that this fraud practised on tbe Secretaiy of State cannot be allowed to exist if it ia met by the simultaneous and umtpd efforts of the people. I believe there is no man, whether among the people or the government, however high his position, but repudiates the idea of so gross a fraud ; nevGitbeless, it is not by silence that this is to be done. The talented Councillor Abraham, from whom we may expect the ablest support, in referring to the Blue-book, quotes tho observations of Governor Grpy, noticing to the Secretaiy of State the apathy of the people to any inteiest in free institutions. 1 hope we shall not have to complain of apathy on the present occasion. I must confess I felt very great hesitation as to entertaining the question in the Corporation Council, as being, in my opinion, a Legislative question. lam not awaie of the opinion of Councillor Abraham, but I should defer much to iris judgment ; nevertheless, that ia my present opinion — and theiefore that no act could issue, be.uing the Corporate Seal, without damaging the cause. Now it is you that must bn'ng forward this gieat question — it is you that mus,t support the Council — it i 3 you that must place the Council in a position to deal with this great question, and 1 shall suggest for your consideration a course of proceeding — and that is, for this Ward to draw up a petition to the Throne, or perhaps better, to appoint a Committee to meet similar persona of the other Wards, ond diaw one general petition, to be signed by the seveial Voten — mihis character winch the Government has given you as men fitted to enjoy free institutions — and then, in that form, lay it on the Corpoiate Council table, playing that Court to support the petition ; and I hope and believe, in that shape, the Council could discuss the subject, and come, by a resolution on their Minutes, individually to support the j>etition with their ollicml designation ; and thus, as it would not become a corporate act, it would approach llie Thione with nil the weight of the people as far as could |,o lawfully ropiesented.

Mr. 11. Keksijjg, of Bird Grove, in glowing terms, proposed " The Health of Alderman Powditch, and prosperity to him"— with heart, pocket, and hand. The Toasls -which followed were, " Our true and faithful friends in the Southern Settlements, with free and unfettered Government and Institutions to New Zealand, the undoubted birthright of every son of Britain,— and no surrender :" — " The Ladies of the Borough of Auckland :" — " The Chairman, and may he live long to preside over such, meetings :"—" Mr. Thomas Osborne, who lose from his sick bed to give his vote to Alderman Powditch, and all our absent friends :" — and " Mr. Clarke, of May Farm, and our visiting friends from other Wards." The healths of the Vice-Chairman and of Mr. May succeeded. Appropriate songs were introduced after most of the Toasts, and the Company finally separated well pleased with the entertainment and with each other. In the course of the evening, a standing Committee — Mr. Joseph May, Chairman— was appointed to meet monthly at the Half- Way-House for the purpose of conferring on matters relating to the interests of the Ward.