PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 259, 13 October 1884, Page 2

PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION.

Saturday, October 11th, will long bo bcied by the residents in Poverty Bay on account of the demonstration which took plaee to mark tho public rejoicing at the s iccess which has attended the Harbor Bill in its passage through the House. About 7.30 the Artillery Band made its appearance in the street, accompanied by the Fire Brigade bearing torches, and followed by one of the largest crowds yet seen in Gisborne. Alter the band had performed through the streets they were halted in front of Mr. Adair’s warehouse, from the verandah of which some speeches were delivered. His Worship the Mayor said he was sure they would all agree with him that the occasion of the demonstration was a most gratifying one (applause). The passage of the Harbor Bill through its various stages in the Lower House had been accomplished and that was sufficient to justify them in giving expression to their feelings in the manner they had done. They could not overestimate the benefit to be gained by the passing of a Bill giving them power to carry out tho harbor works proposed. They should not look upon it with a one sided view, but unite in pushing the work forward by every means in their power. There were a few who argued that the place was too small—that the amount of money proposed to be spent was two large and that it would entail a burden on the people for the payment of interest on loans and so on. Men who argued in such a strain were not the ones to build up a nation. Ho did not see why they should hesitate to borrow when there was such a sure piospect of 1 pushing the place ahead by so doing. It was gratifying to know they had boen able to push along as they had done. The success of the Bill was owing to the efforts of many gentlemen who had used all the influence they pos* essed. Among others might be mentioned Sir George Grey, Sir George Whitmore, Mr. Rees and Mr. Locke, while the members of the Government had refrained from opposing the Bill because they had been convinced that the importance of Gisborne deserved consideration at their hands. Much good had also been achieved through the resolutions passed at the public meetings which had been held. They should all bi united in promoting matters of public interest, as the success of such matters meant indirect benefit to themselves individually. The new Harbor Board should have no difficulty in going on the London market for any amount of money they required. All they wanted was faith in the district and in themselves.— (Applause.) Mr. Carlaw Smith considered the occasion was one of the greatest importance that had occurred for at least ten years. They had tried to get a Bill passed through the influence of their late member Mr. Allan McDonald, but though they had failed they had not lost courage. He would ask to whom were they indebted for their present success? (Cries— Sir George Grey). Yes, quite right. But for the assistance of that venerable statesman they would probably never have heard the name of the Gisborne Harbor Bill mentioned in the House. Sir George Giey had visited Gisborne and promised to do all he could and had done it. He had got the Bill passed with the endowments and had also obtained a promise of £40,000. They had to thank Sir George Grey, and next to him Sir George Whitmore. Sir Julius Vogel had also given all the assistance he could. He would propose “ That the people of Poverty Bay tender their thanks to Sir George Grey, Sir Julius Vogel, and the members of the present Government. Also to Sir George Whitmore, Mr. Locke, and the others who had used

their influence in getting the Harbor Bill passed with endowments through the lower House.” (Applause.) Mr. James Mackay seconded the resolution. He endorsed all Mr. Smith had said, but at the same time he wished the House to understand that the district was not placed under any obligation to them for what they had granted. The district had only received a very small measure of its rights. While they had got so much, he thought they were entitled to indulge in a little self-praise. Had not the public meeting been called and the deputation sent to Wellington they would not have got what they had. He would counsel them to recollect the words used by one of their legislators in the days of the old Provincial Councils, “Agitate, agitate, agitate.” (Applause.) The motion was carried unanimously. Mr. Townley considered the present session had been a most fortunate one for this district. They had had the assistance of Sir Julius Vogel and Sir George Grey, the former of whom would have represented this district but for the action of a few foolish people, and they hoped to have the further assi ! ince of Sir George Whitmore in the Upper House. Before many years they might expect to see the Union boats up at Gladstone road. He called for three cheers for the three knights. (Cries—Name !) Sir George Grey, Sir George Whitmore, and Sir Julius Vogel. (Cheer?.) He proposed “ That as the final passing of the Bill now rests with the Legislative Council, this meeting requests the Honorable Sir Geo. Whitmore, the Honorable P. A. Buckley, and the Honorable Randall Johnson, to use their utmost endeavors to get the Harbor Bill passed through the Upper House, that this meeting urge upon the members of the Upper House the special claims of this district to fair and just consideration. That having received no share of all the public money spent in the Colony, and having to pay their full burthen of taxation without having received any benefit, they request a substantial endowment to the Harbor as an instalment of justice to the district.” Mr. Gannon, in seconding the motion, said where the common good was at stake, they should sink all private feelings, and pull together. Tho motion proposed by Mr* Townley was a most important one, and he hoped to see it carried without a dissenting voice. The motion was put and carried nem. con. His Worship the Mayor then came forward and thanked the band and Fire Brigade for the assistance they had so ably rendered, and also all others who had taken part in organising and carrying out the demonstration. The meeting, which was a most orderly one throughout, then dispersed.