HAWERA.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 493, 21 January 1880, Page 2

HAWERA.

(FUOM OUU O\V.\ T CnniilWrON’OKMT.) As advertised in the Mall, a meet in if was heK! in the Town Hall on Saturday evening, to consider the Waimate question, and other business. A good number were present, and Mr Farrington was voted to the chair, who explained what the meeting was called for. Mr M. D. King said that at the last meeting certain resolutions were passed, and Mr Barleyrnan, who had been appointed secretary to the meeting bad sent certain telegrams to Major Atkinson, but no reply had been received. No doubt Mr Barleyrnan would explain the matter. Mr Barleyrnan said that a memorial lor certain local matters had been sent to Major Atkinson, but he had not replied. The speaker had seen Major Atkinson in New Plymouth, and he (the Major) said that lie had left the matter with Mr Hall, and no doubt it would be attended to. A section of the StratfordPatea railway had been let, and Mr Barleyrnan thought Major Atkinson had done what he. was asked, although he had not acknowledged the memorial. Mr King proposed the following resolution ;—“That this meeting desires respectfully to inform the Government that the settlers on this frontier are fully convinced that no opposition would be offered by the natives to the occupation of the Waimate Plains by the Government at the present time.”

Mr Lynch seconded the resolution. Mr Thomson said that Government had acknowledged that there was no fear ; but why did they still continue to keep such a large body of A.G.’s cm the coast, and why appoint a Commission to enquire into the affair. Mr Thomson pooh-poohed the article in last week’s Mail, about planting the British flagon the Plains. He said the poor natives on the other side were very peaceably inclined ; in fact it was the white people who did all the mischief by arming themselves. There would be no fear if all the natives on the other side wore armed. (Applause). Mr Farrington put the resolution, which was carried unanimously.

Mr Di’.ffiill proposed, “ Thai this meeting is not at all satisfied with the present lingering policy of the Government in delaying with the land settlement on this coast, and would desire to see more energy displayed by the Government m the matter.” Mr Saunders seconded the resolution.

Mr Thomson said he had an explanation to make to the meeting. He had been asked to propose this resolution, but declined to propose or second’any resolution, as he was one of the last committee, and the resolutions that were forwarded to Government had not been acknowledged in any way. The motion was carried.

Mr Cockburn proposed, “ That this meeting respectfully urge upon the Government the importance of completing the railway from Stratford to Hawera at an early date.” Seconded by Mr Lloyd.

Mr Barley man said that he had no possible objection to the railway being completed, but he considered the resolution should bo withdrawn, as a portion of the lino had been let, and every thing was being pushed forward to complete the railway. Mr Barleymau then commenced to pul[ Mr Thomson’s remarks to pieces, hut that gentleman quietly shut him up, and he (Mr B.) acknowledged that lie was to blame

Mr Thomson did not see much necessity of passing the resolution, but it would do no harm. He then effectually “ chawed up” Mr Barleyman’s remarks. Mr Bate also jumped on the worthy solicitor. He said that Major Atkinson had said that he did not see why the railway should not be finished in six months. The first tender had been accepted, and that was to be completed in nine months. That did not look much like pushing the railway on. Mr King considered Mr Barleymau was a “ drone in the hive,” and then pulled Major Atkinson to pieces.

Mr McGuire said be bad received a letter from a journalist in Wellington, asking if there was a chance of a paper starting in Hawera. He (Mr McG) thought it was a necessity. The district required a paper of its own to represent it. The only thing the person wanted was a guarantee that the people would subscribe to the paper. Mr McGuire complained that this district was not represented in any of the Land Boards, who were taking large amounts of revmmc from tiie land (hr other places. Air Biggs said he would not take the paper if it supported Major .Atkinson.

Air McGuire asked those in the room to sign a paper, guaranteeing support, and about 80 complied. Air King proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, and the meeting dispersed.