WHO IS MR. DRIVER ?

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 74, 10 July 1869, Page 3

WHO IS MR. DRIVER ?

In the Assembly on the 23rd ult., Mr. ~W. H. Harrison hoped the House would acquit him of any spirit of levity or mischief in tabling the question standing in his name, for it was one which might possibly be seriously considered by the House at some future time. Some months ago, a gentleman, now an honourable member of that House, caused it to be understood that, as an accredited agent of the United States Government, he was prepared to make overtures with regard to the acquisition of the Colony by the United States of America, one condition being the subjugation of the rebellion by American aid. He referred to the honourable member for Eoslyn, Mr. Driver. Prior to the arrival of the honourable gentleman in Wellington to attend the session, an intimate friend of his, the honourable member for Dunedin City, Mr. Reynolds, also stated very seriously that Mr. Driver was in a position, as Consul I for the United States, to make -a definite offer. He (Mr. Harrison) had a conversation with the honourable member for Eoslyn, who assured him with the utmost gravity that he had the requisite authority. As the matter was one of serious import, he begged to ask the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, if the Government have received any information, direct or indirect, from any agent of the Government of the United States of America, regarding the probability of an offer being made on behalf of that Government for the acquisition of the Islands of New Zealand under certain conditions, one of which is the subjugation of the Maoris by an American army. Mr. Stafford said that the Government had received no such information from the honourable member for Eoslyn, nor from any person whatever, and they had no reason to suppose it was ai. all probable tWt sixeli an offer would be made.