Thames Liberal Association.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3398, 12 November 1879, Page 2

Thames Liberal Association.

A meeting of the above, convened by advertisement, for the purpose of cousidering several matters of considerable importance was held at the Hauralri Club room last evening. There was a small attendance. The President, Mr G. N. Erassey, occupied the chair.

The Chairman regretted the small attendance considering the important subjects that were to be discussed. He regretted that a young society like this should fall through in consequence of the apathy of its n3P.tnber9, especially at a time when its services were so greatly required. After a discussion, in flio course of which several members suggested the advisability of an adjournment, it was decided to proceed with the business, aud at any rate discuss some of the matters before them.

Mr Wood proposed that a telegram be sent to tho Government, asking their intentions with regard to the railway.

Mr McGowan said he thought they should take it for granted that the Government intended to carry on the railway. He moved that a telegram bo sent to the Government urging npon ihem the completion, with vigour, from this end, of tho Thames and Waikato railway. Mr Wood quite agreed with the remarks of Mr McGowau, and withdrew hi 3 resolution. Mr Buttle spoke on the apparent apathy of the Thames representatives with regard to the Thames wants. He thought the interests of the district were being lost sight of by them in the struggle for place. Notwithstanding that, they were our members, and any telegram should be sent through them. The resolution being seconded by Mr Leydon, was then carried. Mr McGowau moved—That Mr Sheehan be asked if he can inform the Thames Liberal Association of the present situation of the Shortland end of the Thames Valley Railway. Mr Leydon seconded. It could not do any harm. Mr Wood moved that a telegram be sent, asking if there was any danger to the railway at the Shortland end. The President suggested, that the two proposed telegrams bs incorporated. This suggestion was adopted. The next subject for discussion "The natire affairs ill the district."

The President said ho considered the K^atilriho nflair n most disgraceful one all through. Mr Jhihcs Mackay hail received instructions from the late Government that he believed would have led to the arrest of the culprits, but they hud now reason to believe that from some cause or other these instructions had been withdrawn by those now in authority. Mr Ley don moved—"That a telegram bo sent to Mr Sheelian asking what steps the Government intended taking re the Ngutibakos, and why Air Mackay had been recalled."

Mr McGowan spoke on the necessity of the Association considering the question whether or not it was advisable to abolish the Native Department altogether. Wood seconded the motion. Mr Cumber moved:—"That tbe Government be requested to lake steps to bring to justice the Maories who attempted to kill McWilliams." This, however, was withdrawn. Mr Denby moved, as an amendment, " That a telegram bo sent to Mr Sheehan to ask what steps have been taken to bring the Ngatihakos to justice." Mr Buttle spoke in support of the remarks of Mr McGowan. He said he believed that the Government would take steps to vindicate the cause of justice. These native matters needed "careful handling. He believed the Government would see to the matter after the floating of the loan. Mr Denby withdrew his amendment and the resolution was carried.

At this stage Mr Gordon commented strongly on the fact that so few members of the Committee were present. He moved—" That the whole Committee be dismissed, and a new Committee be elected." Mr McGowan suggested that the matter might be met by the adding of a rule that a committee man absenting him* from, say two meetings in succession, shall cease to be a member of the committee. The President ruled Mr Gordon'i resolution out of order, whereupon Mr Gordon gave notice of motion to the same effect. Mr Gordon then moved a resolution in accordance with. Mr McGowan's suggestion, which was carried. The meeting was then adjourned till Monday.