THE SUPERINTENDENCY.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 435, 24 December 1861, Page 3

THE SUPERINTENDENCY.

ME. BARNICOAT AT THE FREEMASONS* HALL. ON Saturday evening Mr. Barnicoat addressed the city electors, a large number of whom attended on that occasion. Mr. N. Edwards was called to the chair. Mr. Barnicoat referred to this his last address as the epilogue (the prologue and act i having been disposed of) which was thought necessary in consequence of an opinion having been expressed that he had not sufficiently stated his policy. He thought he had fully explained his views upon the several suVjects, over which the Superintendent bed control, and if his policy was not known, be must consider thit the electors were themselves partly in fault; he had now, however, oome forward in order that they might make him do so. He then referred to the subject of Education, Roads, Gold Fields, and other matters iv similar terms to his published address, adding with respect to the patent sip measure of last session, that if any parties could be found to carry out the intention, he would do all in his power to assist the promoters. Several extracts from the Colonist were.then made and commented on. Mr. Saunders' opinion there published as to his viewa on the disposal of the money derived from land sales, was entirely opposed to fact, and a reference to the Blue Book would show how frifse such a statement was, and how different hii viftws were to those ascribed to him in thei-^foiusf... As:to the remarks in the fiame^letter upon bis views on compensation, which said 'it sounded so much like a bid for popularity,' &0., he woutf refer to the Superintendent's address at the opening of the council, where there was an acknowledgment that the settlement of those claims depended upon the council. He had himself been a member of the compensation committee and he drew up the report himself: a commission was appointed and an act passed, but it was disallowed by the General Government. He had shown that he had taken a real interest in thst question, and that Mr. Robinson by himself could have done nothing. Another letter relating a conversation between him and an emigrant, was totally devoid of truth, besides it Innocently acknowledges further on that that would never have been mentioned if he had not come forward for the Superintendency (laughter.) The Colh-ge benefits which' were equal to all,' the proceedings of the Trustees ; the endownonnt of half-a-dozen schools which would cost £80.000. were each in turn commented on, a>d Mr. Barnicoat concluded by sayiog, he had been misrepresented and ari unblushing storm of calumny had been poured upon him, discreditable to a community that tolerated it. (Cries of no, and further indications of dissent.) [The chairman here interposed,] Mr. Barnicoat continued, such statements were unworthy a moment's credence, they were intentionully circulated by bis calumniators for the purpose of operating until the Mon day following ; that was all that was wanted by his detractors. He thanked the meeting for a tolerably civil heating; the only d scourtesy that he had experienced throughout his meetings with the electors bad been on this occasion In answer to questions Mr. Barnicoat declared himself favorable to vote by billot, unfavorable to giviog land to military sutlers, and doubtful on the point of selling land on deferred payment's* and would not pledge himself for or against it. He was in favor of ascertain amount of immigration, and wuld not declare for or against Any particular executive. At the termination of the various questions, Mr. Wells moved a vote of thanks to Mr Baruicoat, for the manly way in which be proffered his explanationsThe Chairman was about to put it to the meeting, when Mr. Eban said he wished to be allowed a few remarks before the resolution was put to the vote, He could not but arjprove of the judicious and luoid way in which Mr. Barnicoat had expressed bis views both here and in the country parts. His statements d d him much credit! Yet, after attending to evtrvthing pub lished to express his opinions on public matters, it wa3 singular enough, but it was a remarkable coincidence, that he had delivered no argument, ; iuitiated no project, proposed nothi-ig useful, insisted on no principle of action, and bad in fact insisted on nofthirg of really new importance. All be had so movingly said was really O)ly ia fullest accordance with the measures and conduct of tie late well-tried Superinten dent, Mr. Robinson. He (Mr. E.) could nor but approve of Mr. B.s speech, for it advocated the identical mode of procedure so wisely and carefully adhered to by the late Government. With such evidence in favor of Mr. Robinson's administration, he felt it right to propose, as an amendment to the resolution before the meeting—' That, whilst thanking Mr Barnicoat for bis efforts, this meeting cordially approves of Mr. Robinson's conduct during the lust four y#ars in the Superintendency, and earnestly expresses its hope that he will be re-elected to that imports t <ffic«.' (Prolonged cheers.) The Chairman was about to put the resolution again, when Mr. EbjlN claimed precedency for the amendment, and insisted upon its being put to the meeting. The Chairman then read the amendment, which elicited^ uncountable hands, j The resolution was then put, and a ] less number of hands lell up. The Chairman then declared the resolution cufiied, and vacated | the chair amidst loud cries of 'divide' and ' vote of thanks to the Chairman.' | The meeting then dispersed. !