BLUE SPUE.

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

BLUE SPUE.

(From our Own Corespondent.)

The Mutual Improvement Society met in the School on Monday evening ; there was a pretty fair muster.

Mr. Gilbert Ralston occupied the chair. Mr. John Cormack delivered a masterly essay on " Emigration," commencing with the history of Abraham and Lot when they found it necessary to take in more ground. And coming down to the Greeks and Romans, who at one time nearly occupied the earth with their colonial enterprise. He then briefly referred to other nations in modern times, especially dwelling upon the mighty enterprise of the British who have been instrumental in planting colonies in different parts of the globe, noting that she has succedeed better than any other nation, and has planted colonies upon a more sure foundation than any other country ; the essay was listened to with very great interest.

Mr M'Lelland in rising to propose a vote of thanks to the essayist, said he co\ild discover the hand of God in aiding the efforts of Great Britain by His blessing and by His word. In making provision for her surplus population, lie could see a grand design in so many men full of enterprise coming to New Zealand, raising up flocks and herds to feed the starving millions at home. New Zealand was the best place in Her Majesty's dominion for growing beef and mutton, and we have the best climate for preparing it for the home market. He was glad to see that our flocks were on the increase ; he did not believe we should ever have a. hoof too many ; and he was glad to observe that His Honour the Superintendent was alive to the importance of planting a settlement' on the West Coast. There was room there for many thousands ; and from what we have heard of it that hitherto terra incognita was full of resources.

Mr. W. D. Morrison seconded the vote of thanks.

The debate on the Maori war question was resumed by Mr. Manuel, who deprecated the idea of applying to the home Government for any assistance. Mr. Jolux Carey followed on. the same side. Mr. Tliomas Williams did not ihink we were able to cope with the Maories ; for this reason, that very many of our recruits were merely a set of miserable " loafers." He would support the affirmative side of the question. Mr. A. Cormack said that we had a decided claim on the home Government for support, and did not see how we are to finish the war without assistance.

There being no other speaker, the chairman called upon Mr. M'Lelland to reply, who in the course of his summing tip, said that not one of the speakers had answered his question. They had evaded it altogether, as if by letting it alone ; by that means they would " snuff it out." He was confident that were we to ask terms from the Maories, and these terms induced us to lay down our arms to-day, that we should be under the necessity of taking them up again to-morrow.

Mr. Morrison also replied ; he said that Mr. M'Lelland had argued the point well, and that he had even excelled his former self ; but that he had a bad case, and he had no doubt but that gentleman would soon have occasion to change his belief. On a show of hands being called for on the question— "Are Imperial Troops necessary to put down the Maori rebellion" — Noes 12 ; Ayes 8. A cordial vote of thanks was proposd by Mr. J. Cormack to the two gentlemen who had so nobly sustained their respective parts ; seconded by Mr. Manuel and carried. The usual vote of thanks was given to the chair ; several new members were enrolled.

The subject for debate next Monday is, "Is Imigration, as conducted by the Government of Otago, beneficial to the province." Messrs. Cormack and M'Lelland the affirmative ; Messrs. Manuel and Morris the negative. The School Committee met on Wednesday evening. Mr. R. Clarke was called upon to preside. A report from the teacher was read, which stated that the present attendance varied from 38 to 42, and this he considered good, considering that it is mid winter, and the scholars, many of whom were but mere children. In regard to the fees, he was happy to say that for the quarter ending 30th June, the fees met the expenditure within 2s. The Committee agreed to strengthen the school. Mr. Hay having received orders to do so ; and' to effect a few neccessary repairs pointed out by the teacher. Nos. 3 and 4 of " Hansard " have arrived for the use of the subscribers to the Library.