LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE NEW PROVINCIAL BUILDINGS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 54, 3 February 1872, Page 2

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE NEW PROVINCIAL BUILDINGS.

The commencement of a new era in the existence of the province was commemorated on Monday by the laying of the foundation stone of the new Provincial Government buildings. The proceedings of the day had for some time previously been looked forward to with very great interest by all sections of the community, the event being rightly considered as the crowning feature of the success of the movement which originated more than a year ago in the proposal on the part of the City Council to purchase from the Provincial Government the land of which the site of the new building forms part, for it is a fact that cannot be doubted that the event of Monday was but the culmination of the negotiations between the Provincial Government and City Council, combined with the efforts of his Honor the Superintendent and the Provincial Secretary in their places in Parliament. The arrangements for carrying out the proceedings were commenced at a very early hour, and by eleven o'clock the necessary preparations for laying the stone were completed, the stone itself being swung from a shears carefully adjusted so that it should fall exactly in the pluce where it was intended it should remain. A gallery of semicircular form had been erected on each side of the space within which the proceedings were to be conducted, and on these were placed four rows of seats for the accommodation of ladies. The space at the end of the enclosure nearest Lambton Quay was boarded, and about fifty chairs provided for the party in immediate attendance ■upon his Honor the Superintendent. Hoisted above the stone was the British Ensign, and on flag poles raised above the galleries were the colors of various nations. The wharf

wore that appearance of gaiety usually observable in that direction on the occasion of ■ any notable event or season of festivity, and in all other portions of the town every means of decoration was resorted to. In the neighborhood of Mr P. A. Krull’s residence was to be seen flying the German Consular Flag, and from Messrs Johnston and MTntyro’s stores the American Ensign. The engine houses of the Fire Brigades formed attractive spots the members of each brigade, dressed de rigeur, being grouped in the buildings. In the display of engines and their trappings, the W.V.F.B. carried the palm in this friendly rivalry, the engines of the Liverpool, London, and Globe Insurance Company forming a capital sequence, headed by the fine new large engine. Each was tastefully decorated with streamers, and in the shafts were some superbly got up horses. The Central Brigade had only two engines outside their station, the Northern engine and the Government engine, neither of which looked so fine as the large engine of the other brigade. They were, however, dressed with equal taste, the animals in charge of the driver being splendid. Whatever advantage the Wellington Brigade had in the display of engines was more than counterbalanced in the smart appearance of the men comprising the Central Brigade. In comparison the difference of the brigades was as marked as would be that observable in the light and grenadier companies of an infantry regiment. The Wellington’s certainly must have seen most service, judging by the appearance of their uniforms, which suffered much by contrast withtheotbers. Thesedifferences,however, had no weight in unsettling the universally expressed opinion that both were fine bodies of men. By the time the preparations had been completed twelve o’clock was approaching, and the volunteers had assembled on the reclaimed land. The Veterans were, as usual, the more numerous body, being represented by about forty members including officers, No 1 having about thirty members on the ground. The Cadets were present to the number of 25, and were put through their preparatory evolutions by a sergeant of the Veterans. * Major M'Barnett and Captain Crowe subjected their respective companies to the usual company tests while waiting for the arrival of his Honor the Superintendent and party. The Artillery had in the meantime drawn up their three guns to the breastwork for the purpose of firing a salute of t,wentv-one guns as the formal announcement that the laying of the stone had been effected. The few proprietors of shops and other places of business who had remained open in the expectation of doing some business now saw no further necessity for doing so, and the shutters went up, so that the holiday became in reality a general one. The streets gradually began to present a deserted appearance while the reclaimed land was correspondingly lively, the inhabitants having thronged the ground in the vicinity of the site of the new building. The Eire Brigades had in the meantime marched on to the ground, and everybody seemed wailing for the touch of the spring that was to set the proceedings in motion. On the arrival of his Honor the Superintendent at the scene the galleries were immediately crowded and the enclosure filled, and for the purpose of keeping back the assemblage the Veterans, No 1 Company, the Wellington Cadets, the Grammar School Cadets, and both Eire Brigades were drawn up in a form suitable to the accomplishment of that object. Seated in the chairs in the back of the enclosure were Mrs Eitzherbert, Mrs Dransiield, Mrs Bunny, Mrs Buckley, and other ladies, wives and daughters of the leading citizens ; and amongst the gentlemen present were H. Bunuy, Esq., M.H.R., Provincial Secretary ; G. Hunter, Eeq., M.H.K.; Wi 11. Harrison,

Esq, M.H.R.; W. B. Rhodes, Esq, M.L.C. ; C. B. Borlase, Esq, Provincial Solicitor; his Worship the Mayor, J. Dransiield, Esq ; J. Woodward, Esq; C. J. Toxward, Esq; and other prominent citizens. On a table near the stone were the trowel, mallet, and plumb rule to be used in the laying of the stone. The trowel was supplied by Messrs Shaw and Son of Lambton Quay. It is of silver, neatly chased, and engraved on it were the words “Presented to his Honor W. 1 ( itzherbert, Esq, Superintendent of the Province of Wellington, on the occasion of laying the foundation stone of the Provincial Government Buildings.—Wellington, January 29, 1872.” Mr Toxward, the architect of the works, having handed to his Honor the trowel, the whole party was arranged in suitable order for the taking of photographic views from two different points, a duty which was entrusted to Messrs Batt and Richards. Although the weather was most unfavorable, the picture, we are informed, is a very good one and well represents the scene, which we must add was a very impressive one. His Honor then read the inscription from the tablet which was to be placed over the cavity beneath the stone. The plate is of brass, and the engraving and chasing, as a work of art, reflect the very highest credit upon one of Wellington’s oldest citizens, Mr J. H. Marriott. Inscribed on the plate are the following words : “This foundation stone of a provincial building, containing Council Chamber and Government and City Corporation offices, was laid on the 29th of January, 1872, by the Hon W. Eitzherbert, Superintendent of the Province of Wellington, in the presence of Henry Bunny, Esq., Provincial Secretary and Treasurer ; George Hunter, Esq., honorary member of the Executive Council; Charles B. Borlase, Esq., Provincial Solicitor ; Alfred W. Renall, Esq., Chairman of Committees, and Joe Dransfield, Esq., Mayor of the City of Wellington ; J. H. Marriott, Sergeant at-Arms; J. Toxward, Architect; Gascoine and Parsons, Contractors.” Into the cavity were then placed a bottle containing two copies of the Independent newspaper, one copy of the “ Evening Post,” and one copy of the “ Christian Messenger.” A number of current coins, consisting of sovereigns, half-sovereigns, halfcrowns, shillings, sixpences, and coppers, were also placed in the bottle, which was then placed in the cavity, embedded in mortar, the engraved plate placed over the whole, and the stone lowered. During the progress of these formalities the Garrison Band pTayed a prayer from Medea, which waF very appropriate and had the effect of rendering” the scene complete. His Honor having struck the stone three times with the mallet and tested its squareness with the plumb rule, declared the foundation stone of the building to be well and truly set. The band then struck up the Anthem, which was followed by a salute of twenty-one guns, fired by the Artillery Corps under the direction of Captain Pearce. The stone itself is a handsome block of Oamavu stone, rough chiselled, and about two feet six inches long by two feet across. The formalities being concluded, His Honor the Superintendent said the occasion was not one of an ordinary kind, and, looked at from any point of view, must be regarded as of the very greatest interest to the province. He was glag to be able to tell all ill-omened people who declared the province bankrupt, that he stood then on our own land, and laid the stone of a building to be erected with our own money. The building itself would not merely be a building in which the representatives of the province would assemble, it would also comprise offices in which the business of some departments of the General Government of the colony would be transacted, and also afford accommodation for the conduct of municipal matters ; therefore the laying the foundation stone showed that the spirit of unity still existed amongst us, and that we we:e willing to eo operate without jealousy or without rivalry. His Honor concluded by proposing the sentiment, “ Success to the province, so far as such is compatible with the welfare of the colony-” (Loud cheers.)

CHRISTENING THE NEW FIRE BELL. This ceremony followed immediately upon the conclusion of the laying of the foundation stone, his Honor the Superintendent, acecompanied by Mrs Dransfield, leading the way across the road, followed by his Worship the Mayor and Mrs Fitzherbert. The piece of land in front of the Scotch Church had been utilised as a place on which to erect a kind of grand stand, to which ladies alone were admitted. Again, a plentiful display of bunting did duly in imparting gaiety to the scene, and, tor the time, this usually solemn spot displayed a scene of festivity not altogether in keeping with the quietude and decorum always observable in the precinct s of a place of worship. From the church to the outside of the Supreme Court buildings a line of flags was run along, and on the brow of the hill overlooking the scene the pagodalike erection attached to the garden of Mr Krull’s residence, together with the new belfry itself, were made equally gay to correspond with the scene below, the flags of the Brigades hanging from either side of the tower, which was surmounted by the National Ensign. A means had been devised by which the bottle of champagne suspended over the bell- should bo broken at the appointed time, and this was managed by the running of a cord from the tower to the grand stand. In the street fronting the church were drawn up the Eire Brigades, under the command of Captains Moss and Whiteford, and in continuation of the line were the volunteers, who were led up to the spot with both bands playing. The preliminaries being completed, the captains of the Brigades mounted the erection, and Captain Moss, on behalf of the Brigades, delivered the following address:—“Mrs Dransfield, Ladies and Gentlemen, —Our object in meeting here to-day is to bestow upon the new bell a name whereby it mav be

known, and also to demonstrate, as it were, publicly our appreciation of the want supplied of a great public institution. It must be obvious to all the necessity of having such a useful instrument in a community like ours, where, in the case of fires, people in all parts of the town may be aroused and thereby render timely assistance to their fellow men. The construction of the bell itself reflects the greatest credit on the gentleman to whom the care of manufacturing it was entrusted, viz, Mr E. W. Miils. Mrs Dransfield, —I thank you on behalf on the officers and members of the two brigades in this city for condescending to comply with the request solicited of you. I have therefore very great pleasure in calling upon you to christen the new fire bell.”

Mrs Dranseield, in reply, said : Captain Moss, Officers, and Members of the Fire Brigades of this city,—lt gives me great pleasure to have the honor to christen your new bell, which, though not so largo as the renowned Great Tom of Lincoln, may be justly called the Great Bell of New Zealand. I agree with you, Captain Moss, it possesses a great merit in having been the production of our largest iron manufactory here; and though ladies do not often witness the great courage, bravery, and promptitude of firemen, still I assure you none so much appreciate and admire those qualities as they do. 1 hope its great powers may not often be called into use, but when its voice is heard may we ever find as willing hands and hearts to answer to its call as we have found in our city firemen. I also trust that, ere long you will have that abundant supply of the sister element to ensure that your voluntary efforts may be ever crowned with success. I have great pleasure in naming your bell the “ Fire, Eire.” Mrs Dransfield, simultaneously with the last expression, pulled the cord att ached to the bottle, but with such powerthatthe line gave way. The bottle, nevertheless, was broken and the desired object accomplished, the champagne flowing down the sides of the bell, which emitted a slight clang. Two firemen had been told off to ring the bell, in continuation of the sound caused in the christening, but before they had proceeded any length of time in their exertions they also broke down the apparatus, so that the ceremony had the result, of proving the inefficiency of the arrangement for ringing the bell, which we may add bad been previously discovered to be unsuitable as a permanent means by which to give the alarm. Three cheers were given for Mrs Dransfield, three for the Mayor, three for the Superintendeht, and three for the bell. This concluded the whole of the ceremonies of the day, but the captains of the Brigades improvised an addition to the programme, and, the services of the Garrison Band having been secured, a procession was formed in which the five fire engines and a number of other vehicles took part; Headed by the band they paraded the city from end to end, and tv hen opposite the residence of Mr Joseph, the donor of the handsome present which we had the pleasure of announcing had been presented to the Brigades a day or two ago, the men gave three hearty cheers for that gentleman, which was followed up by the bands playing “ For lie’s a Jolly good Fellow.” The engines were then taken to the stations and the members of the Brigades marched to the Post Office Hotel, where the dinner was to be held. THE LUNCHEON. A very large number of ladies and gentlemen then repaired to the Empire Hotel, where an excellent luncheon had been spread in the large dining hall of the hotel. On either side of the room was a long table well garnished with viands and wines, and across the top of the room another table equally well set out, at which his Honor the Superintendent presided, supported by his Worship the Mayor and the Speaker of the Provincial Council. A large number of ladies was present-. The toasts of the “ Queen” and “ his Excellency the Governor” having been drunk, Mr George Hunter proposed the health of his Excellency’s Ministers. Mr Gisborne responded on behalf of the Ministry, and said that so far as Ministers were concerned they were always anxious to give the most cordial co-operation in advancing the interests of the Province of Wellington so far as it was in their power to do so. He claimed a sort of official interest in the ceremony of the day, because when the Provincial Government buildings were ready, the General Government would become a tenant of portion of the premises. Apart from that, he was glad to take part in the ceremony of that day, as an indication of the passion for local self-government displayed by the AngloSaxon race wherever planted, a trait so congenial to the instincts and traditions of the race. Mr Gisborne then made humorous reference to the previous impecuniosity of the province as compared with the better aspect its affairs had assumed lately, and concluded his remarks by proposing the health of the Superintendent of the province, who had performed the ceremony of the day, and but for whose presence in the Government that ceremony would have been still in the visionary future. His Honor the Superintendent said :

Ladies and Gentlemen, —I return you my very sincere thanks for the manner in which you have received the toast so kindly proposed by my friend Mr Gisborne. I would very much rather—old stager that I may say I am —not make anv speech on this occasion. I have made many speeches in my time —hundreds I may say, perhaps thousands, and yet I experience that peculiar feeling which, If I might so describe it, is like the feeling that comes over one after he has just got on board and is getting clear of the heads. But, as you all know, we are not ourselves at all times —we have our good days and our bad days, as I have heard ladies say when they have had the megrims. On the other

hand there are occasions when to make speeohe s is a pleasure and a privilege, and when the duty is of so congenial a kind that one often does not know when to leave off. But this is not one of those occasions, I can frankly admit ladies and gentlemen. It is true we have met here to-day in a sort of composite character —partly political, partly social, and partly colonial, with a good deal of the provincial, and some little also of the municipal. It is altogether one of those admixtures of the social cuisine for which I doubt that I shall be able todisplay the exquisite skill to hit upon the proper seasoning which will find favor with all your palates so as to secure your plaudits to-day. But as there are occasions on which | a man may be called upan to speak, and yet on whichjhiswordsare merely taken enpassant , there are also cases—and this is is one of them—in which it is demanded of a man to speak, and where his words are carefully weighed as fraught with more than ordinary significance. Feeling that expectations of that kind may not unreasonably be indulged in by very many of you ; I must bespeak your leniency for any little shortcomings which you may perceive. We have to-day attended a ceremony —like many other ceremonies and symbols—yet is it no mere idle ceremony, but one that merits a profound attention from the nature of its after consequences. Because what have we all participated in to-day ? We have all given our preeence and countenance unsolicited—for no body has been bribed or wheedled to assist in the ceremony —all have coma forward in the most spontaneous manner, and by eo doing have practically said, “ We will countenance and encourage you in reviving and giving a local habitation and a name to those institutions which, in some parts of New Zealand have become a bye-word and reproach.” This is why I eay the proceedings of to-day are of no ordinary significance. Because we have not merely sanctioned, by our presence and participation in the formalities which have been gone through to-day, the expenditure of a few thousand pounds ; but we have further and in the most unmiatakeable manner declared that we still have faith in provincial institutions as worthy of being carried out in their integrity and perpetuated. That is the theme, therefore, on which it should be incumbent on me to speak some words to-day, though, I confess the task is no easy one. It is necessary that one should keep within certain limits in entering the domain of politics on an occasion like this ; but it is not en easy task to do that. I desire to pass over the localisms and narrownesses of politics and deal with those higher studies of the human mind, while still standing upon political ground, the very base in fact of all politics. As the head of the Executive of the province I feel I should be wanting in respeet to the whole province, and that it would be tantamount to an act of pusillanimity on my part if I teld my tongue on the present occasion. As I have said already, the participants in the ceremonies of to-day have practically said that they believe in local institutions, or iu provincial institutions ; for let me tell you, there is much mystification of terms on this question. We frequently hear the thing called local government, where another and more direct name might not go down so well; but here we tread with greater boldness, and do not dread giving offence, we use the undisguised and proper term “ provincialism.” I shall use the term in a constitutional sense. It. is now some seventeen or eighteen years ago, after a hard struggle, protracted over many years, and in which many here beside me now bore their part, that we at last succeeded in obtaining these institutions which were then so much prized. Well, I say there is no place in the Pacific —none among all those great and growing places in that great ocean, all over which the Anglo-Saxon race is now forming itself into communities, some wisely and energetically, some mayhap blunderingly, but all enthusiastically and hopefully—in none of these places, i"say, has there been more of that lofty enthusiasm and deep earnestness shown than has been displayed in the foundation of this province and colony—destined, as I hope, to be the foundation of a future empire. In none of these nascent empires, amongst none of their public men, burned the true spirit of colonisation with a steadier and brighter flame than in this province, than in the men who were at the head of its affairs in the days that are past. Bearing all these things in mind, it is particularly gratifying to me to be called upon as I am to-day, to take part in a ceremony that is like a revivifying and awakening of the old spirit, amongst the people of the province, and the more so as it is a voluntary and spontaneous working of the public mind. And I am therefore encouraged to say to you, if you value your institutions, have no fear but that there are men amongst you who are ready and willing to take their part in carrying them out to a proper consummation. But let us glance abroad in order to estimate the real value of those institutions—let it be either by abstract reasoning or reference to other countries, and we can arrive at but the one conclusion as to the intrinsic value of those loc?l institutions which some have rashly deprecated as unnecessary. In every science in the domain of human thought—whether of mathematics pure and simple, or political economy —the student may must resort to books Now, bearing on the question most in point, I know of a text book which ! can safely recommend to the study of every one here who is sufficiently interested in the immediate government and future welfare of his adopted country, to study the problem out for himself. I refer to De Xocqueville’s France prior to 1889, a book better calculated than any that 1 know of to enable us to come to a sound conclusion—for I suppose we are all anxious to do that—on what is the best foundation, or form of government on which to rest the future prosperity of thi3 colony; for I presume that we are all reasonable human beings and actuated by the most laudable and worthy

desires in this matter, and wish to avoid being deceived or misled. Perhaps of still more significance as a practical lesson on the same question than the book of the philosophic Do Tocqueville, is the dark drama which has not long since been played outonthe soil of France. Still I will say of that book that in it is traced the proximate causes of the revolution of 1789, which was neither more nor less than the destruction of the various Provincial Governments which had been in existence in France by the supreme power —sometimes, as he tells us, by sapping and scheming, and sometimes by direct violence. I merely indicate, however, in the briefest manner, what the student will find laid down in all the charms of a lucid style and philosophic arrangement and explanation, a full account of all those causes which resulted in such a sad lesson to that great country —and which I take leave to say, notwithstanding the apparent disparity for the purposes of comparison, between a country of thirty millions and a colony with only a quarter of a million—may convey a lesson of considerable advantage to ourselves. Buch dire calamities had not been possible to France but that for a couple of hundred years previous to the great revolution the people were insiduously deprived of their natural bulwarks of liberty —their local legislation—the only two exceptions being the provinces of Brittany and Languedoc. After perusing that book, the student will then have little difficulty in realising how that once great empire tumbled down like a pack of cards. The constitutional props which gave stability to the Government were taken awjiy in a spirit of foolish inexperience and ignorance, and consequently the edifice collapsed at the first rude shock. And if I know of no book that can be studied with greater advantage by the student of New Zealand Government, neither do I know of any country to which he can look for a more profitable ex.ample of the evils that may flow from disregarding instead of jealously conserving those local rights and privileges which are embodied in the term ‘‘provincialism.” In De rocquieville’s graphic description we are well able to realise the evils of excessive centralism ; we find ourselves he observed, face to face with an administration almost as numerous as the population, preponderant, interfering, regulating, restricting, insisting upon foreseeing everything, controlling everything, and understanding the interests of those under its control better than they do themselves ; in short, in a constant Btate of barren activity, Nor does he speak specially in reference to the management of France ; he also deals with the colony of Canada prior to its becoming an English possession, and also of Algeria, and points out the results which have arisen in colonies where the very opposite system has perhaps.been carried to excess. He shows that whilst in Canada, under the central system up to the year 1763 the population only comprised 60,000 persons, in the United States of America, where a more localised pystem was implanted, the population for the corresponding period was three millions. He then haves his reader, as he might safely do, to draw his own conclusion from the factß adduced. I am glad to see that the statesmen of France are trying now to profit by the errors from which she has been Bufferring for the greater part of the century, and have been obliged to revert to an attempt to decentralise government. And I say further, that no more interesting study now presents itself to thoughtful minds intent upon the great problem of government than can be found in the news coming to us from post to post of the efforts to decentralise Franco. The attempts are no doubt clumsy in some respects, still they are of incalculable interest, in as much as they are a practical admission that they have seen the error of their ways in the past, and are endeavoring to rectify it. Than such reading then, nothing can be more appropriate for the perusal of the diligent reader or for the comments of the leading journals amongst ourselves. Indeed, in order to show that the matter has led to some reflection in England, 1 may mention that some months ago I came across an article in the “ Saturday Review” —a journal I need hardly inform you which is contributed to by some of the ablest and most thoughtful men in Great Britain—styled the “Decentralisation of France,” and as the matter is so apropos, 1 will briefly quote the words of the writer He says —“ France is finding out by degrees that a nation which breaks with its traditions and its history cannot at pleasure link itself on to them again. For two centuries each successive Government has done its best to discourage local self-government, and it is not wonderful that the very materials out of which it can be framed should have died out under the sustained pressure. The lesson is not without its value even for Englishmen. At present their belief in local solf-govern-ment is profound almost to absurdity ; but in the reaction against this exaggerated view which is sure to come some day, they may be tempted to sweep away institutions which it may afterwards be found impossible to replace when their faults are forgotten and their substantial usefulness has been realised in the experiment how to do without them.” I say these are the words of a thinker and philosopher : and we should remember that we must not merely study the moving incidents of the present, we must also narrowly scan the history of the past, and in that light I commend to your consideration those reflections to which I have been referring, notwithstanding that we have only a history of thirty years’ growth, and a constitution of eighteen years standing; the lesson will be found equally applicable we must not forget that we have come here to found a country on a constitutional basis and ideas, and that we are in a somewhat different position from what our American cousins were when the foundation of that now

great country was laid, because their ideas of constitutional government were at that time somewhat clumsy—as great a difference, indeed, as there is between a barbarous costume and a fashionable suit. But apart from that, let us look at the geographical and physical conditions of the different settlements of this colony, and it will not require any profound reasoning to show that, although there may be diversity in the position and original scheme of the different settlements, there is but one way to solve the problem. I think you who know me will acquit me of any egotism when I say that in speeches that I have made in the Assembly of New Zealand, I referred to this very matter, and pointed out that from the very nature of the conditions you were compelled to study the peculiar wants of the different parts in the legislative scheme to be devised for them, inasmuch as what would suit one part would not suit another; and that particularly in a country like New Zealand it was not to be conceived as absolutely possible that what would be endured by one man with regard to bis self-respect or independence would be tolerated by men living in a different centre, subject to different and anterior influences, and especially dissociated from his neighbor by the physical configuration of the country. The idea is not new. The very same is to be seen in that work of De Tocqueville to which I have referred, only much better expressed. He there points out that that injurious intermeddling in small things, that laking the control of them out of the hands of those who know best, or ought to know best, how to manage them, has been the ruin of France; and I plainly tell you-that it is my conviction that a similar system will be the ruin of New Zealand if carried out to the extent desired by some persons. I say such a state of things, such principles, are utterly repugnant to the physical conditions of this country — you might, in fact, as well attempt to make water run up hill as to fit such an anomalous t-tate of things, so contrary to the genius and traditions of our people. Certainly, by ingenious contrivances and incessant watchfulness you may do both. An engineer may do anything ; so may the political engineer in like manner; but the creation is only fictitious, and once the care, cost, and watchfulness is abstrateted from it, the whole mechanism collapse and things return, like water, to their old level. Those things should be considered by statesmen and philosophers when they are laying the foundation stone of a broad and liberal constitution, and especially so in a new country. It is useless to disregard these tilings, what I may call the natural or physical arguments in favor of a certain form of Government. Here, in New Zealand, everyone of the settlements are diverse in some respect. Wellington has the speciality of being the first settlement; Otago is remarkable from her connection with the Free Kirk of Scotland ; while Canterbury may be set down as remarkable for her peculiar views. Nelson also is what in ecclesiastical language is styled “a peculiar.” As for the settlement of New Plymouth, it is d fferent from each of the others, and was supposed to be purely an agricultural settlement. I may designate its settlement as a blunder. Considering all these things are to be moulded and guided by a central authority, without reference to birth, religion, parentage, customs, or prejudices, it is absurd in any statesmen undertaking to provide a harmonious scheme that will suit all, and to attempt it is a mistake. Looked at calmly and reflectively, this question will be found to be a most momentous one, and one which calls for close observation of the conditions at work in the governmental affairs of different countries. We need only look at the case of the colonies of America before the revolution brought about by the bad conduct of the mother country ; and we shall find fruitful lessons bearing on this, to us, most interesting question of government —both local and general. Though they might well be called a great nation for some time back, still they had not, as I might say, received any great national baptism. The Union was simply an aggregation of the grand efforts of the different states in their struggle for material growth and prosperity ; but it was reserved for our day to witness one of the most stupendous and striking evidences the world has ever seen of a nation at wav with itself to preserve its own union and integrity against the secession of the Southern States. As I have said before, the relative insignificance of this colony, when contrasted witli such a great country, does not materially alter the value of the lesson which the history of the United States teaches us. I think it is a clumsy process of the human mind that will not believe anything in the shape of a lesson without actual experience. The wayward child, in his self-sufficiency, will insist in scorching liis fingers before he will believe the effects of fire. I think lie is the wisest child who takes advice from the experience of others. Surely the history of the United States of America contains abundant warning for this colony—only for the word States let us read provinces of New Zealand, and we have an exactly analagous example. But after having put down the standard of revolt which had been raised in tbe Southern States, and displaying an amount of patriotism, energy, and self-sacri-fice, of which Europe furnishes us with no parallel, and declaring that the national will of the country should be supreme, they did not do—as some wiseacre gentlemen (they might be wide-acre for aught I know) in New Zealand might have done had they been at the helm of affairs at that time. The victorious States acted in no revengeful spirit, which is always bad ; they did not say, “ Now that we have got you down, we will keep you down, never to rise again.” No, they at once set themselves to restore the rights of the States, not to destroy them. And

yet, comparatively, there is very little difference between battling for state rights aud battling for provincial rights ; in each ease it is a struggle for local institutions. Bow, I would ask, did that great empire, of which we form an integral portion, grow up during some thousand or so years, but through those local institutions to which the Saturday reviewer refers when he tells us that they are likely to be carried to that excess which is certain to lead to a reaction of centralism. But the history of our mother country does not disclose the fact that it was always so well off in the way of local privileges. It too, like other countries, has had its conquerors. It was not that William the Conqueror lacked courage, or men, or enterprise, to enforce his favorite system ; but there was something too tough for his lances amongst the people, as there always will be amongst Englishmen in resisting encroachment upon their local privileges. They could not part with what they had learnt under the Saxon Heptarchy, or call it any name you like, for after all it was only a form of provincial governments. The same thing, a sort of modern instance, is enacted in our own day, and in that very same mother country of Great Britain, with its great intelligence and mighty population, in regard to the sister country of Ireland. A complaing cry constantly came from that island, stifle it or beat it out as you may, and yet when you examine it closely you will find it is nothing but a demand for provincial government. I would consider myself trespasssing upon your patience in addressing you at such a length were this any ordinary occasion ; but I consider it due to yourselves as well as to the occasion, that I should speak undisguisedly and fully my sentiments. I regard this as no mere after-dinner speech, and would not inflict on you such a long one, but, as Superintendent of the province, it would be pusillanimity on my part were I reticent on an occasion of this kind. You are all, doubtless, familiar with the term “rudimentary,” as employed by naturalists ; and I don’t think I can give you a better example than one of our own birds, the apteryx, with its rudimentary wings. The question is an exceedingly interesting one, as showing the type produced by the disuse of what were once wings. Well, apply the idea, by comparison, to governments, and imagine any highly centralised form of government, in any part of the world you like, and you see a sort of political apteryx, with its rudimentary wings of provincial legislation. It is not long since, too, that at a meeting of very intelligent Scotchmen, it was declared that it would be only a right and proper thing to do that they should have submitted to them, prior to their passing in the English Parliament, all bills affecting Scotland. By this instance we are enabled to detect the rudiments of provincialism in Scotland just as easily as Dr Hector would tell by the merest bit of bone the anatomy of some wingless bird that bad lived, perhaps, a thousand years ago. I referred just now to the case of Ireland, but let us take another country, and one that might be thought to be the very last which would be cited as an example in favor of local self-government, with its great military organisation, by the help of which it has been enabled to override neighboring countries. There we see an instance of preconcerted ambition and a plentitude of power that absolutely frightens many thoughtful men. That wonderful power has mainly been consolidated and wielded by the diplomatic skill, courage, and determination of one man Prince Bismarck for to him is chiefly due the credit of having brought the kingdom of Prussia into the position of a great empire—in fact., to the very acme of material power. Although that would be the last country to which I would refer you for arguments, except as illustrative of the power of co-operation, I say plainly that great German Empire will tumble down—[Cries of “ No, no”] —I say it in no disparagement of these great achievements —and I think every gentleman will agree with me when I say that the great fabric will tumble to pieces, provided it be nob soundly based upon substantial local government. I say let any man read the signs of the times and the history of the past, and say does he think people are likely to continue mere war-horses, and shed their blood at the dictum of any man or prince ? No, we cannot go against history aud human nature ; and Prince Bismarck or any great genius cannot build a lasting structure of a nation without it i 9 built upon a recognition of the local rights and local autonomy of the people. Do this, and you enable it to stand for ages and ages ; but not otherwise. Bub it is needless to repeat this strain of argument. I have quoted instances from the shattered and the powerful dynasties of Europe in support of cohesion and localisation, and also from the state governmental system of America; and if I am asked how it is that if provincialism is so good it has been so much discredited, I must answer you candidly, because in many instances it was too ambitious. We have faults to remedy in the same way that there were faults in the Southern States of America which led to the unfurling of the standard of revolt against the national government of the country. Although in a smaller way, the spirit which would be evoked here over provincial governments would be precisely the same if the General Government tried to crush out the spirit of provincialism altogether. But if ever such a collision should come round, and the attempt be made to tread them out, it will piove to be both a constitutional crime and a blunder. I am free to say that from to-day I augur very favorably for the future ; and I should be doing wrong if I passed over tbe fact of Mr Gisborne’s attendance here ; because from the very moment when it was proposed we should

build provincial buildings, there was no hesitation on the part of Mr Gisborne, representing the General Government, to co-operate with us. Although Mr Gisborne chose to refer to the action of the General Government in a facetious style, as a taking up lodgings with their poor cousin, it reflects none the less the credit upon them. It is a spirit which I wish to see guide the whole ©f the Government of New Zealand, because it is only by co operation that the great difficulty of governing New Zealand can be solved. That was the sense in which Mr Gisborne co-operated with us; and valuing as Ido such an instance of wise co-operation, I am the more anxious to pay a tribute to it. That alone is the spirit in which to work out the destiny of this growing country. Attempt to crush out provincial institutions, and they will rise superior, and if misdirected probably break out in periodical revolutions. I emphatically believe in the necessity of a paramount and supreme government for New Zealand ; I should be sorry to see provincial governments usurping a power they are not entitled to, not fitted for; yet, on the other hand, I would resent any government of the colony that would ondeavor to crush them out with a high hand. Again, I say let them be confined to their proper functions, and not trench upon either colonial or municipal privileges and f unctions; because the latter is a system able to perform large and important services for the towns of New Zealand, Therefore, I say if this country is to be made great, it must be by the practice of cooperation, and that it will eventually become a great and prosperous country I have not the slightest doubt, unless some terrible blunders be committed. 'lt only now remains for me to thank you for your countenance and participation in a ceremony of so important a character to the province, and one which I humbly trust is a happy augury for the future.

Mr Rhodes then proposed, “The Speaker and the .Provincial Council of Wellington,” which was duly honored, and responded to by Mr W. W. Taylok.

Mr Bunny replied on behalf of the Executive and Provincial Council for the honor done them. He disclaimed any intention of desiring to make a speech, especially as New Zealand he considered had suffered considerably from long speeches already. He deprecated so much talking when so much work was to be done ; and he felt convinced that if the men at the head of New Zealand affairs only did the work that lay at their hand ready to be done, New Zealand would yet repay them with such eloquent thanks as the most gifted amongst them could not equal. If it was gratifying to look at the position of the affairs of Wellington province as compared with what they were tw.-lve months ago, it was only another illustration that the country was more in want of a good administration than talk. It was not to any great natural ability on the part of the Superintendent of Wellington and his Execntive that that new prosperity was now attributed, but rather to sound administration and bringing such little talent as they possess to bear in order to avoid thatgreatstumbling block of New Zealand—too much legislation. He might congratulate hiß friend tbe Colonial Secretary as representing tbe Government, in what was done during the last session in initiating and preparing measures ; and hoped that when they turned their attention to the great affiairs they had in hand,.,they would continue to be as practical and successful as they had already shown themselves. It might seem presumptuous to draw comparisons between the administration of England and the administration of a eolony like New Zealand ; yet he could not but see more delicacy and tact required in initiating gigantic undertakings in a young country like this than guiding the macnine of state in an old constitutional country in the groove where it had been moving for ages. If the General Government and the Provincial Governments, and the local governments earnestly endeavored to turn their attention to developing the capabilities of the country, he had no manner of doubt that the destiny of the country would be great and that all the labor they expended would be returned to them a hundred fold ; and if they only did their duty towards the country, she would proclaim her thanks and their praises in ages yet to come. Mr Bunny then referred to the importance of the position of Mayor of the City, and the special honor which Mr Dransfield enjoyed over every other citizen of the city from having been the first Mayor of Wellington, and been honored by being re-elected to the same office after serving his term. He knew of no prouder position than that occupied by Mr Dransfield ; and as for the city herself he had no doubt, despite croakers and machinations, would hold her own against any city of the colony yet. They might take away the seat of Government and the Assembly, but they could not,rob her of her fine harbor and central position. And if the public works now in progress were carried out, as they doubtless would be, with the intercommunication on the one side with Taranaki and Napier, and her water advantages on the other, she stood supreme in New Zealand in point of position. Looking at these things, he considered it a glorious position for any gentleman to preside over tbe affairs of this city. After the favorable turn which the market for the great commodity of the country had taken, and the many assuring signs to be seen throughout the colony, he felt convinced that New Zealand could suffer little mischief unless at her own hands. As an instance of how high the colony stood in the eyes of her neighbors outside,he need only direct attention to the very satisfactory financial arrangements just concluded by Mir Yogel in a neighboring colony ; and he sincerely hoped that the stone they had laid that day would long continue for the benefit of tbe various communities who would grow up in the province. Mr Bunny concluded by proposing the health of the Mayor and th© Corporation of the city of Wellington.

Drunk enthusiastically. His Woeship replied on behalf of the Corporation, and adverted to the affairs of the city in pointing out what a degree of alarm was raised in some quarters when they were told that the overdraft at the Bank was £4CO or £500; while the other day he read that the overdraft of the Corporation of Dunedin —that city supposed to be a model of cautious enterprise—no less than £48,000 overdrawn. Certainly Wellington was not much in debt comparatively, but then she had nothing to show, while Dunedin, on the other hand, was possessed of ail those civic adornments and appointments which it should be the desire of every well-regulated city to enjoy. For his part, he had no objection to get into debt any time provided he was satisfied he could make the transaction a lucrative one; and holding that view he would, as long as he occupied his present position, advocate borrowing of that kind. So far, they had reason lo be well satisfied with the profitable nature of their transactions, and in a few years, he had no doubt, they would double the income of the city. On the whole they had good grounds for congratulation both as regarded the recent transactions of the city and the prospects which were ahead of her. During the present year there would probably be an expenditure of some £20,000 or £30,000 in the construction of waterworks for the city and in Provincial Government expenditure in the shape of buildings of various kinds.. This expenditure^'combined with the initiating of our portion of the public works scheme, altogether formed a cheerful outlook for the province. This brought the luncheon to a close.

THE EIRE BRIGADE DINNER. The dinner was appointed for three o’clock at the Post Office Hotel, but some delay was unavoidably occasioned in consequence of the proceedings in connection with the luncheon at the Empire Hotel not being concluded at that hour. The laying of the table was of a kind that reflected greatly upon the management of Mr Urwin, and in the respite of time many enconiums were passed upon the taste displayed in the arrangement of the room. Seats at the head of the table had been reserved for the guests, and on their arrival they were ranged in the following order : His Honor the Superintendent in the Chair; on his right, his Worship the Mayor, Messrs Bunny, Nathan, Mills, Marchant, Duncan, Major Paul, Acheson, and Tolly ; on the left, Messrs Hunter, Pearce, Kru'd, and Montrose. The Superintendent said the first toast he had to propose was one he was sure, as loyal Englishman, they would drink with the enthusiasm it deserved. They irere ruled over by a lady whom all commended, loved, and respected, no matter in what part of the world. He would propose, without further comment, the health of her Majesty the Queen. As an expression of loyalty the toast was drunk with three cheers. # The Superintendent said they had just drunk the health of the Queen with moat enthusiasticfeelings.and he wouldnow call upon them to drink, with feelings no less enthusiastic, the health of the Vice-Regal representative of her Majesty. Although he was the representative of the Queen, he had shown a very great interest in the domestic affairs of the province and City of Wellington. It was not necessarily a part of his duty to do so, .but htf had on all occasions evinced a lively interest in all the affairs of the colony, whether domestic, provincial, or general. He would propose the health of his Excellency the Governor. (Great applause.) The Mayor said the very pleasing duty devolved upon him of proposing the health of his Honor the Superintendent. When he (the Mayor) was asked by a large number of the citizens of Wellington to act as spokesman on the occasion of inviting his Honor to become Superintendent., he was under the impression that he was simply asking him to assist in preparing the death-bed of the province, and it was the opinion of a very large number of gentlemen who supported him at the time that the days of the province were fast expiring ; that all they had to do was to prepare the death-bed in a nice, comfortable manner. They must all be very well aware how different twelve months ago was the aspect of affairs to that which they bore at the present time, and there could he little doubt that the change was entirely due to the fact that they had a gentleman like his Honor at the head of affairs, assisted as he was by so valuable an aid as the present Provincial Secretary. These gentlemen had brought the province out of the position of being what was sarcastically called a bankrupt province,and placing it in the position of being the most prosperous province in the colony. (Great applause.) He ventured to say, and he was perfectly prepared to argue the point with anybody who wished to dispute it, that they were financially in the best position of any province in New Zealand. Their debts were smaher, their affairs were in a much sounder condition ; they were, in fact, in every way prepared to meet the enemy in the gate. And h<3 was now about to propose the health of the gentleman who had been the means of bringing about so prosperous a condition of affairs. It was a very common expression, “ Oh, it is very easy to do that; anybody else could have done the same thing.” He entirely dissented from that view. The things of which he had spoken could only be done by a person possessing ability such as the gentleman at the bead of the province possessed ; he would go a little further, and say that they .could not be done even by him had be not had the assistance of the gentleman on his right hand, Mr Bunny. The Provincial Secretary had worked very hard, and his opinions were valued and his energies appreciated by the citizens and the inhabitants of the country generally. It was only by the united action of such men that such gratifying results could be brought about. He had much pleasure in celling upon them to drink the

health of his Honor the Superintendent. (Cheers.) Band—“ Eor he’s a Jolly Good Fellow. The Superintendent said it was with no ordinary feelings of satisfaction and gratification that he rose to acknowledge the toast so kindly proposed by his Worship the Mayor, and so heartily responded to by those present. To pretend that there had been no care and no anxiety ; to pretend that it was simply a thing to be said in a right royal and omnipotent style that these things should be done, and that they would be doue, would be simply affectation. What the Mayor had told them was the plain and simple truth. He had also said very truly, that a portion of the credit belonged to others, and it would be mean beyond description in him (the Superintendent) if he were to arrogate to himself the whole of the credit. It belonged also to Mr Hunter and to Mr Bunny, as members of the Provincial Council, and, above all, to the two members for the city in the General Assembly, Messi’s Pearce and Hunter. (“ Hear, hear,” and cheers.) It was due to their united efforts. He had never asked them for their formal support. He had tried to show them the way, and if it had been his fate to be knocked down he could not help that; he had simply gone on in the most straightforward way, and those gentlemen had followed him. If they had chosen not to assist, and had left him alone, his efforts would have been entirely useless. Having already that day spoken in another place of provincial institutions, he would now merely say, honestly and truly, in his own belief, that the people of Wellington had done right towards themselves, towards their wives, towards their children, towards posterity, and towards the country which they inhabited, in not abandoning those great privileges which local institutions conferred. Had they done so they would have well deserved the stigma of being a set of chicken-hearted fellows; a lot of men who merely cared about how many pounds they could make in a day. Bat they had not consented to relinquish their privileges, and he was proud to stand at the head of men who took such a view of things. He had been supported by true and sound constitutional views which would not only bring prosperity to the people, but would enable him to hand down that prosperity and independence to their successors, without which they would not have been worthy of the character always preeminent among the inhabitants of W e J^ n g* ton. He was proud to hold the position of the elected head of the province, and he could only say that he would have been a man of little spirit if he had not called out the spirit of energy he had in the services of men who appreciated the services of those who led them. The time would come when it would be said to the people “ Don’t you think it would be far more respectable if the Superintendent were appointed instead of being elected by yourselves ?” but he would advise themto stickto the privilege ofelectingthe bead of their province. (Hear, hear). He did not say that the position would never be abused ; on the contrary, it had already been abused in some provinces, but for all that he said to them “ Never abandon those great privileges.” Whenever they were tempted, and the young ones amongst them would no doubt be subject to temptation of the kind, they should form a strong resolve never to give way, and he earnestly requested them never to forget his advice. In reply to the toast he would merely say that so long as he was at their head their interests were his own interests, and he would use his best endeavors to see that they never went wrong. (Great cheers ) Captain Peaece said he had been asked to propose a toast, but when he wore the uniform of his order, as he did on that occasion, lie felt that his duty rather lay in action than in words, but he could not hesitate to propose the toast placed in his hands, which was that of the health of Mrs Dransfield. (Cheers). Band—“ Here’s a health to all Good Lasses.”

The Mayor responded, stating that he would inform Mrs Dransfield of the kindness displayed towards her. The Superintendent said he had now to propose the toast of the day—the health of the gallant men whom he saw around him. They might talk of the heroism of this, and the self-sacrifice of the other, hut ther; was what they might call domestic heroism, there was local heroism, and he knew of nothing more deserving than the heroism displayed by self-sacrificing men who were willing to turn out at all hours to save life and property. The same men would have fought and won in the Crimea, for it was the same spirit that won the battle of the Alma and Sebastopol. It was the same spirit that won the great battles fought under Nelson and Wellington. There were many men who would run away in the dark, and only cared to fight in the broad daylight ; who would skulk and shirk the self-sacrificing duties such as the firemen present were ever ready to perform. All honor to them. He was proud to preside at a meeting of such inen, and to propose the health of the Wellington and Central Volunteer Fire Brigades. Band—“ British Grenadiers.”

Captain Moss, in responding for both brigades, thanked the guests for their attendance, assuring them that they might always rely upon the efforts of the officers and men who would endeavor to perform their duties as efficiently in the future as they had done in the past. For the brigades he could only say that such meetings would stimulate them to greatly increased exertions on every occasion, and encourage them to act up to their motto “Always ready.” He had to propose the toast of the Insurance Agents, coupling with it the name of Messrs Pearce, Hunter, and Krull. The thanks of the Brigade were due to those gentlemen for the interest they had always taken in furthering the interests of the Brigade; and to them was due the credit

of contributing mostly to the success of the Brigade. Mr Hunter acknowledged the toast, stating that on no occasion had they had a more favorable opportunity of judging of the efforts of the Brigades than at the recent fire, when so great an amount of property was saved from destruction. On behalf of the insurance companies he might say that they intended to continue their efforts to keep up the efficiency of the Brigades. Mr Duncan said he had been asked to propose the toast of the Mayor and citizens of Wellington, and in doing so he had to congratulate the citizens on having at the head of municipal affairs a gentleman of the recognised ability of Mr Dransfield. Although he had differed with him on many occasions, and notably on the reclaimed land question, he frankly acknowledged that Mr Dransfield was in the right, and by his action had performed a great good for the city. The Mayor, in reply, said it never rained but it poured. Only that day he had made the remark that although he had occupied the office of Mayor for a length of time, to-day was the first time he had had the opportunity of replying to the toast that had been proposed. He looked upon the present as a dawn of better times for the City Council. It said this at any rate : that their labors were beginning to be appreciated, and he might at once say that without that appreciation they could be of little service, for if they were not supported they were lost. He believed, they could be of immense benefit to the city if the citizens would only pat them on the back, for they must all be well aware that a good word, a word in season, would always bring forth fruit. It had been said that the Council, like the province, was in a state of bankruptcy, and last Friday it was his duty to announce to the Council that they had an overdraft at the bank of £BOO, but on the following day they had paid in to the offices of the Council the amount of £SOO. A day or two ago they had a report from Dunedin that the city was £48,000 in debt. Well, people from that pare of the world were in the habit of saying “ How slow you are in Wellington; what a dull place this is. We had croakers amongst us who said “ Oh you must not get into debt,” but he approved of getting into debt, if by doing so thev got value for their money, and indeed, profited by it. He prognosticated that they were getting into good times, for he could enumerate works on which £30,000 or £40,000 would be expended, and those were to be gone with during the next twelve months, and it was impossible that amount of money could be spent without their getting some of it, Gold cannot pass through the crucible without some of it sticking during the process, and he intended to make some of that money stick to Wellington. He could assure the working men of Wellington, because he believed it himself, that they never had better times before than at the present time, but if they went about croaking, bad times would come sure enough. He was satisfied they had as good times in the future as any other province in New Zealand, and in regard to the City Council he would repeat that if the people would only pat the City Council on the back a little more they would be better able to serve them.- (Cheers.) Mr Bunny proposed the health of Messrs Jacob Joseph and Co. Mr Nathan, in responding, said he hoped the donation made by his firm would not be looked upon as payment for the services rendered. It must be acknowledged that the services rendered were such as could not be met by any money payment, for no equivalent could be rendered for the risk to which the men were subjected. In sending the small amount of money, the firm merely desired to show their appreciation of the efforts made. Speaking for Mr Joseph and himself, he had at all times great pleasure in promoting the interests of the Brigade. Captain Whiteford proposed the health of Mr Mills, the founder of the bell. Mr Mills, in response, said he had cast the bell purely to prove the industrial resources of the city. When be heard the brigade were going to send home for the bell he immediately offered to cast it here, and he was proud of his success, because he had been informed by persons supposed to have great knowledge in such matters that he could never succeed. He must testify to the skill of the workmen in his employ, for without the unusual skill possessed by them he could not have turned out the job so creditably. The healths of “ The wives and children of the fireman,” “ The Press,” and one or two other toasts concluded the proceedings.