PUBLIC MEETING.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 439, 28 June 1879, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING.

The meeting convened for' Wednesday evening last, was largely attended., The Chairman of the . Defence Committee, Mr G. P. Sherwood (in the chair), explained the reason for calling the meeting, which wag to consider “ the desirability of-petitioning'Government to appoint Major NoiVkc to the permanent command of the district;” and also other matters of defence. Tno chairman, in a lengthy speech, referred, to the position occupied by Major Noake in the early days of this settlement, and'paid ii high compliment to that gentleman for the action he took with natives during thg last war on this coast—following them'into the'heart of the country, and scattering and breaking up their villages and strongholds on the Waitotara, Whcnnakura, and . Putea Rivers. Major Noake had rendered good service to this .district, and had signalised himself for boldness when in active service ; but when the PakehaMaori element became paramount in the House, some petty charges were brought against .him by; Government, who were onxiono for an excuse to get rid of him when his services* and competency were not so much required." The result was that he was sent away from the district. The same" tactics were observed a few days since. Major Noake was appointed to organise the forces on this coast, and having partly finished the task, Government had prdered hint away again. The settlers at once took exception to this action, and when oh. his way to Wanganui, Sir George .Grey had telegraphed to the Major to return.; This was so far satisfactory, but at the present crisis we should a competent leader to look to, and with that object in view, we could not do better than ask Government to. appoint Major-Noake to the position.

It was then moved, “That this meet-, ing learns with great satisfaction that Major Noake has been ordered to retain his command of the district, and having every confidence in his Ability and firmness, would respectfully urge upon the Government the' desirability of appointing him to the permanent command, believing that such- a course would be the means of making the best, use of the Volunteers now enrolled.” Carried unanimously,.with cheers for the Major. The following resolutions were then brought forward and; carried :

“ That the' names of Messrs Horner, and Chapman* .with the officers;of the Volunteer Companies (five to form a quorum)/be lidded DefenceiCommittee, and that-- be decided upon to be adopted in case pf am alarm.” “ That Captain -Tregear be asked to prepare a plan of a redoubt, suitable for the protection of women and children, ■ and, that Goyermnept be asked to hand over the old buildings nea;r the' Council Chambers, to .be,. IfJ necessary, placed within the redoubt.” .. _

“ That the.. Government be aßkeJ.tp, for ward- sufficient Aiders with : target practice.” . : “ That tins meeting requests ■ the Government to .place the magazine in safety.” . ■ “ That this meeting congratulates the Hawera settlers, on the manner they have treated the - Maoris,' and pledges. itself thatdf thevMaoris commence opbratums at or near here, it will. serve them in the same-flianfier.” r !■* *

“That the ’ Government be. asked to engagelhe unemploy ed building redoubts where necessary.”