To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. Wellington, July 29, 1853.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 834, 30 July 1853, Page 3

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. Wellington, July 29, 1853.

Sib, — It is impossible for any stranger to have 1 witnessed the proceedings of last Wednesday's meeting without feelings of surprise and regret; and it is equally difficult to find any elector who j was then present who does not share in that reI gret, and at ibe same time experience a degree of shame for the unworthy displays that were enacted, and to a certain extent encouraged by a large number of their fellow townsra -n. However, let honor be given where honor is due. It is most desirable it should be known to whom may fairly be ascribed the disgraceful proceedings of that evening. A doubt cannot exist in any one's mind, that the important question which the electors were summoned to discuss was in a great measure frustrated by the sayings and doings of that professed liberal candidate, William Fitzherbert. Fortunately, it mattered little, as far as any political result is concerned, whether a majority then present was in favour or opposed to the pledge proposed be taken by the. candidates at the ensuing election ; but it was very desirable that the voters should have had the opportunity of debating the question in a cool, reasonable, and argumentative manner. For reasons that will soon appear after his el°ction, it was Mr. Fitzherbert's aim to prevent this taking place by all means in his power, and with the assistance of his spouting joiner, he partly succeeded. It is refreshing, notwithstanding, to reflect that the benefit accruing from such meetings is produced much more by the after conversation and friendly discussions that take place, than any result arrived at in a heated and excited assemlly. Since that ni^ht the matter has received ample discussion amongst the electors generally, and a more correct estimate of the propriety of the pledge has been formed than if nine-tenths of the meeting had held up their hands in its favour. I repeat and challenge public refutation to the contrary, that the distinction of so unsatisfactory. a result being arrived at that night was attributable to the disingenuous behaviour and the low buffoonery which one of the candidates for four years of uncontrolled power exhibited and employed in the place of attempts at reason. It would be afoul libel on language to -call his coarse personal remarks and vulgar witticisms by the name of argument. The professed Liberal did not go there to discuss the point at all; but, like his friend theSuperintendenton thedayof his election, insultingly to acquaint his supporters and the public at large, that the time had arrived when he could manage their affairs without the slightest check or restraint, except what his own fancy and peculiar notions might dictate. This, ob ye gods! is what some amongst us call Free Institutions! — permission for the people to elect a few men to conduct their business without the public having the chance of asking them to discontinue their benevo'ent services when it is felt the representatives are pursuing a course of action against the wishes and opposed to the welfare and interests of the constituency. Certainly a delightful doctrine ! — One of the " clap-traps" put forth in support of such a coarse, was the conservation of independence of the representative. Of course, that is presumed to be the object of Free Institutions, ad'i the wishes and wants of the public are to be subservient thereto. To parody a celebrated expression, may not the electors of Wellington exclaim — "Oh! Independence! what dreadful impudence is perpetrated in thy name ." Every Voter, think and act on this new principle expounded by our would-be-considered-liberal friend, and the result of the poll on the 9th August must be satisfactory to the real friends of lesponsible and useful government; and a distasteful pill, and bitter draught to the would-be-unfettered masters of the people, and anxious dividers of the people's money. Your's obediently, - AN OBSERVER.