WAVERLEY.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 413, 2 April 1879, Page 2

WAVERLEY.

(From our own Correspondent.) April 1. A meeting of members of the Church of England was held in the Town Hail on Friday last, convened by the Bishop of Wellington, for the purpose of considering the proposal for the establishment of a eroneral church fund for the Diocese. His Lordship having opened the meeting with prayer, called on the Rev Mr Tudor to read the paper setting forth the scheme as proposed by the Synod. The Bishop, in speaking on the subject, said that he could not but acknowledge that up to the present time, church matters in the Diocese had not been in a satisfactory state. He had made several visits to all parts of his Diocese, with, be feared, but small results. He attributed the non-success of his work mainly to the fact that until now no definite scheme or plan had been laid before the members of the church. On this occasion however, he had a scheme to bring to their notice from which he hoped to see good-results. He explained that the plan was so arranged, as to admit of rich or poor being participators in it, and he earnestly hoped that one and all would come forward and co-operato with the Synod in this matter. He did not wish to excite his hearers to do anything hastily and without due consideration. It was not intended to bring the plan into operation until the first of Ju’y, and no money would be asked for until that time, so that all would have ample time to consider their positions. He wished no one to give more than they thought they could afford, but hoped that all would do a little. His Lordship spoke at some length, after which the Rev Mr Tudor spoke in favor of the scheme, and appealed to his nearers, as a delegate from the Synod, to support it. It was proposed byMr Nicholla, seconded by Mr Stewart, and carried, “That this

meeting desires to express its approval .of the proposal set forth by the Synod of the Diocese for the establishment of a general church fund, and will do all in its power to carry it into effect.” Proposed by Mr Thomas, seconded by Mr Walkinton, and carried, ‘‘That Mr Nicholls and Mr Winchcomb be requested to distribute and collect the papers, and forward the same to the Bishop of tin Diocese.

The Bishop having invited questions or discussion, Mr Bridge .wished to ask when (should the scheme be carried out) a clergyman would bo sent to Waverley. The Bishop said Miat it was impossible to answer the question, but that it should be done as soon as possible, and the proposed scheme would certainly facilitate its being done.

The Bishop having pronounced the Benediction, the meeting separated.

A meeting of the .provisional directors of the Town Hall Coinpan}', took place on Friday evening, at the Commercial Hotel ; Mr Walkinton in the chair. Nine were present.

It was proposed by Mr Fookcs, seconded by Mr Thurston, and carried, “ That the time for applications for shares be extended to Thursday, 10th April.” Mr Winchcomb approved of the motion, as he knew that many who intended, and had promised to take shares, were absent in Wanganui, and would not be back in lime to make their formal applications, unless the time be extended. .

Mr Walkinton, wlu> was going to Wanganui, undertook to see the architect, to arrange that the plans, &c., shall be forthcoming for tire meeting of shareholders.

Proposed by Mr Sicely, seconded by Mr J. Aiken, and carried, “That a meeting of shareholders bo called for Friday, the 18th April, to elect a permanent directory anil other officers, to decide on a site for the building, and for any other business that may be brought forward in connection with the Hall.”

On the motion of Mr Thurston, it was resolved that the provisional directors meet again on Thursday, the 10th April, at 7.30 p.nt.

A largely attended meeting of settlers was held in the Hall, on Monday ; Mr Kenah in the chair. The chairman on reading the notice convening the meeting, having for its object the consideration of the present attidmle of tbs natives, said that it appeared that the Maoris were not inclined to give np the Waimate Plains quietly, and it was for the meeting to consider among other things,-whether this end of the district would he endangered should there be a disturbance at the other end. He thought tire settlers should be armed. He objected to lighting, and considered it a very uncomfortable business ; but believed that the best way to preserve peace was to be prepared for anything. The Maoris were more likely to keep quiet if they know that the settlers were well aimed, and in a’position to hold their own. Proposed b} 7 Mr Milne, seconded by Mr Mason, and carried, “That in the opinion of this meeting, it is desirable that the sett ers of this district should express an opinion on the present state of native affairs in connection with theWaimale Plains.— .Mr Milne thought that this resolution committed no one, and he. had simply brought it forward as a preliminary step, asking the settlers to express their opinion freely on the subject under consideration. Pimposed l»v Mr A'. Milne, seconded by Mr Sicely, and carried, “That this meeting desiics to convey to the Government their approval of the action taken in strengthening the Force at Waimate, and in pushing forward the sale of the land ; and also

washes to express its willingness to do ail in its power to assist the Government in carrying out their present policy relative to the settlement of the Wannate Plains.” —Mr A..Milne, in speaking to this resolution, said ho thought that had more decided steps been taken sooner, some trouble might have boon avoided, but that now the Government seemed determined, it was the duty of settlers to assist them. He did not wish to convey by his resolution that settlers ccnld he expected to leave their own district, and start for Waimate to light, hut they would render assistance by making a firm front in tlieir own district, and meeting the half way in any measure that they might take, lie hoped that this resolution might have the effect of strengthening in some measure the hands of the Native Minister.—Mr. Winchcmnb hoped that the really influential settlers of the district would interest themselves in ibis matter. Many of them had suffered by war, and therefore knew the evils of it. He did not think it likely that any disturbance would take place here, but, nevertheless, thought we should be prepared.—Mr Milne here touched on the reported intention of Government to start a military settler scheme. He thought it was a good plan, and would also suggest that should the Government be unable to get sufficient men to join for a long term, they might make up the number wanted I for immediate service, by allowing them to take up land at the upset price, on de-

ferred payment. Proposed by Mr Wincbcomb, seconded by Mr John Milne, and carried, “ That, in the opinion of this meeting, it is desirable that the settlers of this District should be supplied with arms by the Government, on account of the moral influence such a stop would be likely to have on the natives, and also that they might be prepared for active measures in case of emergency.”— Mr Wincbcomb thought settlers should be armed. Arms served out to Waverley settlers would not be put into inexperienced hands. There wore, indeed, few in the District who would not know how to use them if they were required. He thought the time had now arrived when Maoris must either be bought or fought ; something must he done, and that qnickly r . He considered that Iliroki was to a groat, extend the cause of much of the difficulty, who, having committed a foul murder, now represents himself to his countrymen as a patriot, who had struck the first ..blow for the Maori inheritance. Te Widti was cunning. He had preached peace for a long time hut was now desperate and meant bloodshed. The speaker did not think it likelv that war would reach here, hut the moral effect of assuring settlers would be good. He thought that should Government send arms, they would insist on some sort of organisation among the settlers. Mr Whmchcomb here read a telegram received from Mr Ballance that da}', whicji ran as follows, “Government recognise the public spirit of Waverley settlers, whose action dunnghostilitieson coast can never be forgotten. Hope present difficulty will be settled without necessity of employing force. As to question of arming settlers, 1 have referred the matter to Defence Minister.”—Mr Milne thought it would be good to arm the settlers. Re Hiroki, he thought that the Native Minister had a very difficult game to play. Had force been employed at

fiist, people would have accused him of beginning a war. He hoped settlers would express their opinions freely.—The Chairman thought that an organised force would have fo bo formed, if we wanted arms. ; — Mr O. Hawes argreed with the chairman. Either militia would have to be called out, or a volunteer corp formed. Proposed by Mr Mason, seconded by Mr W. Milne, and carried, “ That a vigilance committee be appointed, to watch the course of events, and that such committee be empowered to call meetings or to take any other steps they may think necessary for the public peace and security.” It was also resolved on the motion of Mr Aiken, that Messrs Hawes, Kells, and Walkington form the vigilance committee ; and that copies of resolutions 2 and 3 be forwarded to Government and to the Native Minister. A vote of thanks to the chairman and the meeting adjourned.