THE REPRESENTATION OF WESTLAND.

West Coast Times, Issue 149, 10 March 1866, Page 2

THE REPRESENTATION OF WESTLAND.

A meeting of electors and others interested in tho welfare oYoWeßtland, was held on Monday tho oth iusfc, for tho purposo of dooiding on tho best measures to bo adopted to socuro tho effective representation of Westland in tho next iession of the General Assembly. Mr Prosser, M.L.C., having been voted to tho chaiv, opened tho meeting by reading a declaration signed by a large number of tho moßfc influential citizens of Hokitika, who therein pledged themselves to support any candidate possessing the necessary qualifications, and whose views might be considered advantageous to tho welfare of tho district. Ho stated that all present were fully awaro how urgent, was tho "necessity for prompt action to bo taken, as tho day of nomination was close at hand, and so 'far no one had offorod himself as thoir candidate. Tho thanks of tho wholo community were duo to Mr Robinson, who bad boon (ho first to movo iv tho matter, in bringing tho subject boforo tho public aud obtaining the declaration ho (tho Chairman) had jusfc road. He was sorry so much apathy had been displayed on a subject of vital importanco, but boliorcd that tho reason no gontleman had as yot como forward waß Icbs, through absolute indifforonco to tho public welfare, than tho objection to sacrifice so much timp and convenience as tho position demanded. 110 bolioved thero woro many gontlomon in Hokitika woll qualified in every respect to represent tho district, and tho only difficulty to be overcome was, in his opinion, thciv objection to be nomiuatcd. Ho had no doubt, thafc some of those present could namo men eligible in ovory respect, and if so he trusted no hesitation would bo shown in mentioning thorn. The necessity of thoir being represented was woll understood, and also thafc ifc was feared some difficulty would bo experienced in getting a local man to como forward, for a suggestion had beon mado and entertained that a member should boi Boloctod either from Ofcngo or olsowhero rather than Westland should be unrepresented. Thero would ho many important subjects mooted in tho noxt Assembly, the most prominent of which was tho amendment of the Gold-fields Act., and nlso tho introduction of a bill to regulate the sale of the township lands of Westland. Tho question of " separation " would in all probability bo bo canvassed ; it was therefore most important somo gentleman should bo thero delegated with full power to act in their behalf. Ho should now loavo tho matter in tho hands of tho meeting, and called upon anyone present for a piopdsition. It was then proposed by Mv Robhißon, seconded by Mr Clavk, nnd duly carried, "That tho names of the gentlemen who signed tho declaration, and others now present, form a goneral committee, with power to add to their uumer, for the management of electoral affairs, namely, Messrs Prossor. J. R. Anderson, Taggarfc '(Lloyd, Ttggart, aud Co,), R. Emerson, H. Kennedy, O'Donnel, Cassius, Comiskey, W. Robinson, J. G. Sponce, R. Reeves, Bentloy, (J. Bentley and Co.), Throckniortou, F. Clarke, Carey (Cavoy and Gilles), W. Thompson, Henderson, Bonav, Cloves, Hepburn (M'Laudrcss, Hopbum, and Co.), Eicke (Jones, M'Glashan and Co.), Maco, Dixon, Pators'on, W. Shaw (Harnett and Co.), J. Tyrrel (Tyrroll and Co.), with other gentlemen present. A considerable disousßion ensued as to the qualification necessary to bo possessed by any ono desirous of sitting in tho Assembly, when Mr Prossor stated that he must be on tho Electoral Roll of New Zealand, aud that a six months residence as holder o( a miner's right, or business license only qualified as an elector. Mr Kennedy moved — "That a sub-com-mittee be appointed for tho purposo of ascerttu'ning the names of gentlomen willing to bocome candidates to represent tho district in tho General Assembly nt tho forthcoming eleofcion." Mr Clark seconded this resolution which was nt once adopted. Mv Kennedy proposed — " That tho following gentlemen bo appointed as n sub-com-mittee : — Messrs Robinson, Clarke, Anderson, Reeves, Bouav, Sprofc, Prossor, Eicko, Cassius, Bright, and tho Movor." Mr Robinson had much pleasure in seconding tho motion' nnd was glad to rco so oflloicnfc acoinmittoo had been selected. Tho quostion was thon put to the meeting, whou Mr Bright requested thafc his namo might bo omitted, giving reasons satisfactory to- tho mooting. His namo was accordingly withdrawn and tho list as it thon stood adopted. Mr Bright moved thafc a moooting of tho Committee tako place thiß ovening at eight o'olook, at tho Cafe do Paris, to rocoivo tho report of tho sub-committeo. This was seconded by Mr Clarke and carried. A strong desire was manifested thafc tho action taken should bo prompt, so as' to allow of the results to bo communicated to the electors of the Groy and tho other parts of tho district in timo to secure their co-operation before the day of nomination (Monday noxt). The wish was also expressed that tho wholo of tho members of tho General Committed should attend punctually at eight o'clock this*evening, to afford full opportunity for tho discussion of tho various important matters to bo brought boforo it. A vote of thanks to tho Chaiv terminated the proceedings.

A meeting of the Committee appointed on Monday evening to tako the report of tho subcommittee, relative to tho submission of tho names of gentlemen willing to be candidates for the representation of the district in tho General Assembly at tho forthcoming election, was held at tho Cafe de Paris on Tuesday night. Mr Casßius was voted to tho chair. Mr Prossor read the report of the previous meeting, from the West Cnast Times. Mr Kennedy said that he had attended at ton o'clock in the morning, the time appointed for the sub-commitee to meet, but that most of them were absent, or excused themselves from attending on the ground of private business. He, however, was of opinion, that moro important business than that of having Westland properly represented could not exist, and ho thought that this, as a special duty, should have demanded and secured thoir attention. Mr Shaw was tho only gentleman who had promised that, if no other local candidato could be found, soonor than sco Westland represented by anyone residing out of it, ho would sacrifice his own convenience and interests and como forward as a candidato. MiKennedy named tho several gentlomen who had been waited on and had given negativo replies. MrOakessaid that ho had been requested to come forward as a candidate, but as a proper representation of Westland would demand an absenco from business for two or three months in the year, his present position would not allow him to gratify his wish to becomo a candidato, and that of the gontJomcn who harl called upon him. Mr Bonar also stated that the sub-com-mittee had waited upon him, but ho could asiure them and tho mooting that his bnsinossJwQiild prevent his absenco for a timo long enough to enable him to proporly dischargo •prosentative duties. After a pause, Mr Bright expressed the opinion that, a fOiutJ^limt exaggerated idea of th« length of

time necessary to represent Westland had been formed, and would remind tho mooting that a inombiT for Wostland need not necessarily have anything to do with tho groat questions of Colonial policy before tho House ; anil quostions purely Westland need occupy him not more than two or three weeks. Such nu arrangement would doubtless bo assonto to b}* other mouthers. Ho would thoroforo hope that local gentloinon would not bo deterred from offering thomselvos as candidates by the fear of too great a businoss sacrifice being involved. Mr Sprot thought there could bo no doubt as to tho desirability of locnj gentlemen coming forward as candidates, but he was sure a member for Wostland could only roprosont its interests as inseparable from those of tho wholo province of Canterbury. He would havo no weight in the house unless his vote was allogolhor a Canterbury vote, and if anything were to bo done to benefit Weslhuul it must bo by tho Provincial Council of Canterbury and its members in tho General Assembly. To obtain any organic change in tho present system it would bo necessary lo send to the Imperial Government. Ho hoped that men of weight would bo returned, bocauso otherwise no good could be done. Mv Bright contended at some longth that tho Gonorul Assombly were quite ooiupotonl to do all that was necessary and that a rolbronco to tho Imperial Parliament was not requisite. Ho referred to tho action of the Assembly on this subject and tho powers con- | ferrcd on tho Houses by Macandrow's Act. Mr Sprot argued that the ott'ect of Mr Macandrow's Act was simply to repeal tho Now Provinces Act. By ifc he had destroyed tho Provincial system, as far as tho croatiou of new provinces wus concerned. Tho action of the Imperial Parliament would bo necessary to revoke a wholo system of law, beforo tho wishes of Westland for separation could bo carried out. Mr Reeves hero informed the meeting that ho had callcdlon Mr Longbottom, Mr Hawkes 1 manager in Hokitika, who had told him thaL ho thought Mr Hawkes might offer himself as a candidato to represent Westland if requested. Ho (Mr Rcoves) was sure a more oligiblo man could nob bo found, but he handed a tolegram recoived that morning, to the chairman, who read ifc to tho meeting. Its substance was that Mr Hawkes was absolutely precluded from offering himself, by tho nature of his ongagemonts. Mr Sprofc " That loaves only Mr Shaw in tho field." Mv Bright mentioned, os an item of information for tho meeting, that ho had received a private lottor from tho Grey that ovoning, which contained tho intimation that a strong feeling oxisted there in favor of Mv Saunders, the Superintendent of tho Province of Nelson, who, it was possible, might bo invited to offer himself. Mr Kennedy was glad to hear that a gentleman like Mr Saunders was likely tb como forward — but, in his estimation a local man having local interests at stake should be proforrcd. Ho did not think v move suitablo person could bo fund than Mr Shaw, who possessed both tact, talent, and means, to fill tho position both creditably to himself and profitably to his constituents. Mr Shaw had, with much reluctance, allowed himself to bo nominated, consenting only in tho ovenl of no other gentleman coining forward. Should, however, Mr Shaw withdraw himself, Mr Saundors might bo applied to ; but certainly not till then, as ho would prefer a local man. Mr Sjjprot agreed -with Mr Kennedy in his opinion of Mr Shaw, but thought tho committco should not pledge thomsolvos to return him until thoy had hoard an enunciation oi his views. It would bo certainly premature to do so j ho therefore- thought a public meeting should be convened, and Mr Shaw invited to attend and givo expression to his sentimonts. Mv Kennedy said ifc was not for tho Committco to pledgo Ihonisolvcs. Thoy wore appointed for tho purpose of merely ascertaining what gentlemen woro willing to stand, and laying them before tho public. Mr Spvot ohsorved that ho thought ifc possiblo there might bo ono gontloinnn then pro* sont who might bo willing to accept tho position if it was thrown at him. Indeed, ho felt sure there was, and bolioved ho could inon • tion him. (Cries of " Name, name.") Mr Protser defended tho sub-connnittoo from soino animadversions cast upon thorn. He bolioved thoy had done as much as could bo exported from them under tho peculiar oxisting circumstances. As lo tho remarks of Mr Sprot, relative ,to tho necossity of thoir member, whoovor he might bo, rocoiying tho patronage of tho Canterbury Provincial Council, ho thought thorn quite erroneous, and trusted tho man they sont in would tako his seat independently and not as a moro dologato from any clique or party. Ho bolioved that if Westland tried to letter hor representative, much difficulty indeed would bo experienced in getting anyono to como forward. Ho hoped their momber would bo quite indopondont of tho Canterbury Government, as he doubted not tho question ot separation would bo introduced during tho ensuing session of the Assombly. Fov some timo Mr Prossi-r spoko eloquently in favor of a local man, who would well represent thorn, and hoped Christchurch iniluonco would bo excluded when their choice was mado. Mr Sprofc again spoko afc considerable length against tho policy of separation, aud strongly contended that it could not bo obtained by tho district without waiting for many months for tho sanction of tho Imperial Parliament. Ho was replied to by Mr Bvighf who reviewed tho couvso of logislafcion with reference- to the creation of new provinces, and contended that tho right of conferring separation upon any petitioning district, was by an Act passed in tho last session vested absolutely in tho General Assembly of the Colony. Mr Eicko was of opinion that much valuahlo knowledge- might ba gained by listening to such a discussion, ho thought it did not help them to attain tho object they had iii view. Ho was suro thoy would do moro good to thoso outside and themselves did thoy stick to tho quostion beforo them. Mr Sprot expressed his readiness to oithor second or propose Mr Macgrogov, whoso present social position, antecedents and varied attainments warranted tho choice, and peculiarly fitted him to occupy tho position. Ho should fool much pleasure in nominating him on tho hustings. Tho discussion hero became rather desultory, and finally vorymuch bo, in spite of tho repeated calls to quostion by tho Chairman. At last Mr Carey proposod, und was seconded by Mv Sprofc, — "That the report of tho subcommittee bo adopted, and thoir services considored afc an end," but upon Mr Prossov moving us an amendment " That tho sub-com-mitteo continue thoir labors until to-morrow morning, and moot for that purposo afc Kennedy's hotel afc 12 o'clock," ho withdrew his motion, and Mv Eicko having seconded Mr Prossor's amondmont it was put to tho mooting and carried. Mr Koovos thon moved that tho mooting do adjourn until this ovoning to rocoivo tho report of tho sub-committoo. Seconded by Mv Oakcs and carried. A vote of thanks lo the Chair terminated the proceedings.

An ttcljournod meeting of tho Commice fortfc managing olection matters was hold on Wednosday night, at Mr Solomon's, Cafe do Paris. Mr Hooves boing votod to the ohair, opened the meeting by stating that all prosoufc woro awavo of the object for which thoy hntl met, mid therefore it wn« unnecessary Hint ho should

say movo than ho trusted gcntlonum would keep elosov to tho quostion than tboy did at the last meeting. Ho csllod for tlio report of (ho sub-committoo. Mr Sprot responded by stating that tho sub-committee had not been idle that day, but had attondud closely to thoir duties, and ho was sorry that they had not succeeded in Huding any gentleman of local standing willing to roprosont. Westland in tho ensuing Assembly. They had mot togothor and consulted upou tho matter, aud, after caroful consideration, arrived at tho conclusion to wait upon Mr Bright, of tho lYest f Goast Times, to request him to como forward. Mr Sprot spoko in very complimentary terms, and stated that every inducement had boon hold out to Mr Bright by the sub-committee without avail. Tlmt gentleman had received thorn with much courtesy i but declinod tho honor on tho ground that ho did not possess tho requisite- qualification, inasmuch as lio was not on tho electoral roll of tho Province. The sub-eommitleo, howover, would not thou rcccivo tin's decision as a final ono, but had givon him two hours to ro-consider the matter, and at tho expiration of that timo had reccivod a lettor from Mr Bright, which he should now read :— GrKNTi/i;siKN, — However greatly flattorod I may fool at your invitation to allow mysolf lo bo nominated as a candidato for tho representation of Wostland in tho Q-oncral Assembly, I must reluctantly dceliuo the honour. I noeel not enter into tho discussion of any considerations that might influence uiy decision under ordinary circumstances. I stated to you frankly this morning that I believed mysolf to bo legally disqualified to sit under tho provisions of tho Electoral (Act, my qualification as a householder having lapsed through change of rcsidoncc. For your satisfaction and at your request, I have telegraphed to Invorcargill lo aseor- I tain the fact positively, but up to the present, moment have not received a reply. My own impression, howovor, is that my namo lias coiisod to bo on the roll. It will be sufficient therefore for mo to thank you for the compliment you havo paid me, and for tho terms in which it was convoyed, and to rogrek tho imsossibilifcy of my aspiring lo a position which any man might bo proud to till. I may bo permitted, perhaps, to call your attention lo tho grave disadvantage under which this district lies, if ifc bo a corrocfc roading of tho law that no citizen of tho Wost Coast is competent to sit in tho Assombly unless his name is inscribed on tho oleotoral roll of tho colony. The lowest qualification for tho insertion of a nnmo on tho oloetoral roll is tho tenancy of a house for six months prior to tho day of annual registration, within the limits of " a proclaimed town.' No ono of the present residents of Hokitika, thoroforo, who does not dorivo a qualification front some other part of tho colony, has had tho opportunity of qualifying himself to sifc in tho General Assombly, howover long his rosidonco, or whatovcr his stako, in this district. It is for you to consider whothor it would bo a politic courso undor tho oiroumstancos to mako a practical protest against so anomalous a law, with a view to its amendment. I may bo oxouscd finally for calling your attention to tho clause of tho Constitution Act, which relates to " Objections to the validity of members of tho House of Representatives." It enacts that no petition against a l'oturn shall bo noticod or action had thorcon, uuloss it bo signed by a rejected candidate, or by n numbor of electors amounting <o not less Uian ono-twentioth of the whole number on the list. Until such a petition has been presented to tho Governor, nnd roforrcd by him to tho General Assombly and pronounced upon, it appears that tho scat of tmy gentlomnn -whoso namo is returned on tho writ of oloetion, mnst remain undisturbed. I trust that yon will not considor those suggestions impertinent. Tho wholo subject is ono invested, at tho present momont, with very great interest, and ifc must bo patont to ovory ono that circumstances havo suddonly prooipitatod Westlaud into a position for which tho established laws of tho Colony vory insu/liciently provide, and which was novev anticipated whon those laws wore onactcd to secure tho good govornmont and tho proper representation of tho wholo people. I bog again, gontlemcn, most sincerely lo thank you, and romain, Yours faithfully, Tnos. L. Bright. Messrs. Prossor, Sprot, Eicke, Bonar, Kennedy, and Robinson. On concluding the letter, Mr Sprot said ho considered tho thanks of tho committee were duo to Mr Bright, for his courteous reply and also for tho voluablo information his lottor contained. Tho speaker proceeded with his report by informing tho committee- that finding Mr Bright was prevented from coming forward, tho sub-committeo had again consuited togother, and as thoy despaired of inducing any local man to servo tho interests of tho districts, thoy thought it udvisablo to telegraph to Mr Moorhouse, who was a candidato for tho Suporinlendonoy, a gentleman most eligiblo for their purposo in ovory respect, asking him wholhor ho would sit if olectod. Tho answer Mr Moorhouso returned was— " Thanks, might bo usoful to Westland, if certainly elected without contest, willing to sit. Start to-morrow for Westland." On tho ro-, ceipt of this telegram tho sub-coinmitteo again telegraphed demanding a direct answer, whether ho would sit or not, and in reply recoived the followidg, "If roturned will servo ; shall bo in Woslland in a wook." Mv Sprot congratulated tho mooting that such h man as Mr Moorltouso was willing to represent tho district, and thought it advisable ho should rccoivo thoir hearty support. At :}ho same timo ho would proibr a looul man could ono bo obtained, but failing that, considered thoy could find no ono moro flttod than Mi* Moorohouse. Mr Prossor, M.P.0., thought thoy wore promaturo in accepting tho refusal of Mr Bright on the score of his disqualification, for tho Constitution Act contains! a clauso to tho cflbcfc that tho validity of the election of any momber could not bo called in quostion savo by tho embodying a potition to tho Govornor, either signed by ono rejected condidato or by one-twentieth part of tho wholo numbor of tho list of electors for tho district that roturned him. Ho thoroforo thought Mr Bright might tako his seat on those terms, as it was exceedingly unlikely anyono would challenge his position. Mr Eioko thought it was most important Westland should be woll represented in tho sittings of tho Assombly, and that tho district would receivo a serious blow were tho claims of any member thoy rotumocl to tako his seat considered as not valid. Ho considered Mr Brighr's qualification as doubtful, and thought it advisablo not to send in ono whoso claims woro not assured. Ho should eortainly strongly aclviso tho Committee to support Mr Moorhouso, who was a most propor man, and iolt much pleusuro in moving tho following resolntion— « That Mr Moorhouso bo invited to stand as tho representative of Wostland at the next sitting of tho Gonoral Assombly. And that this Committee pledges itself to uso ovory oxerfciiu to socuro his return." Mr Cassius had much ploasum in seconding the resolution, and fully concurred in tho remarks mado by tho last speaker. Ho thought tho Committee could not do bottor than support Mr. Moorhouso, and aUvisod' that a special delogatiou bo should appointed to wait upon the Groyinouth Committco, and solicit thoir co-operation iv yeluvning Mr Moor* house. 4

Tho Chairman horo said that ho was requested by some of fc'io Committee to ask whether Mr Shaw, who had consented to stand, had withdrawn hiinsolf. Mr Shaw, who was prssont, replied that ho considered it. advisablo to do so, but afc tho samo liino wished tho Committco to uuclorstnncl that, in tho event of its being found an impossibility lo induce any ono lo como forward, ho would, rathev than sco tho district suffer, allow himself to ho nominated. Ho, howovor, considered himself moroly as a stop gap. Mr Prossor was of opinion that thoy would bo assuming too groat a responsibility woro thoy lo pledgo thomsolvcs to support Mr Moorhouso. Their duty was not lo plodgo thomsolvos to support any particular mau, but to induco mon to como forward and givo an opposition of thoir viows and opinions. Tho speaker thought ifc would bo promaturo at that stage of tho proceedings lo plodgo thornsolves to any lino of policy. Ho should, therefore, move that tho resolution bo sot nsido and tho following amondmont adopted — " That all local candidates bo invited t i address tho olectors afc tho Shaksporo Hotel afc 4 p.m. to-morrow, and that afterwards tho Committee meet for tho purposo of taking into consideration tho selection of a candidate.'! Mr Kennedy vory hoavtily secondod tho amondmont, and deprecated tho icloa of tho committee plodging themsolvea to support Mv Moorhouso, us nono of them woro acquainted with his principles. Ho hoped tho committee would do nothing thoy might afterwards havo occasion to regret . Mr Eieko spoko against Iho amomlir.ont, aud Mr Clark in favour of it. Tho Chairman put the quostion lo tho mooting, whon tho amendmont. was doolavcd carriod by a majority of one. Mr Prossor proposod that an advertisement be inserted in Iho West Coast Times calling upon gontlemcn willing to como forward as candidates to mcofc tho electors to-morrow (this) afternoon, afc tho Shakspovo Hotel, and thcrco xpound their viows. Mv Sprot seconded tho resolution, which, on boing put, was carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to tho chairman tho meeting ended.

A public meeting was held yesterday afternoon at the Shakespere Hotel, for the purpose of hearing gentlemen who intended to offer themselves as candidates at the ensuing election for the General Assembly, give an exposition of their political views. There was an excellent attendance, the hall being crowded, and the utmost order prevailed throughout the whole of the proceedings. Mr Carey was voted to the chair, and opened the meeting by stating the reasons for which it was convened. lie called upon any gentleman present who intended to stand, to come forward and address the electors there present. Mr Prosser, M.P.C., asked permission of the chairman to inform the meeting of the result of the labors of the Election Committee and Sub-Committee. He said, all present were aware for what reason the committee was formed, and that during the past two days the subcommittee had waited upon several gentlemen, amongst whom were Messrs Siiaw, Bright, and Bonar. The two last named had declined to come forward, the former on I account of lacking the necessary qualification, the other through pressure of business. Mr Moorhouse had also been telegraphed to, and requested to. allow himself to be placed in nomination. His reply was well known to the public. Mr Prosaer, however, was of opinion that a local man was to be preferred, and was glad Mr Shaw had consented to stand. He believed him to be honest and straight forward, and all were aware that his interests lay in Hokitika. (Cheers.) Mr Shaw, in responding to the call, said that he felt somewhat diffident in placing himself in such an onerous position, for although not a very young man he had never taken an active part in political matters, and certainly should not be now addressing them w ere it not for the apathy he was sorry to say existed in Westland upon a subject of such vital importance as political representation. At the same time he considered this apathy a cheerful sign of the times, as it showed unmistakeably thivt all were prospering, and found it impossible to spare time from business to devote to politics. Still, Englishmen usually were not indifferent when their rights were at stake t>ut made an effort to secure them, and although he would much prefer remaining in private life, and even now hardly considered himself as a candidate, he would rather than see the community suffer sacrifice his own inclinatiomforthepublicgood. (Applause.) In alluding to his views the speaker confessed they were somewhat narrow and selfish, for he could not help believing that the first duty of a new community was rather to keep a house above their heads, provide for themselves and those belonging to them, and make duo provision for local wants than to waste time studying abstract questions. ( Applause and cries of v that's true. 1 ') The speaker considered that the primary question that should claim the consideration of every one who wished Westland well, was that of separation, and it would be advisable to, as soon as possible, come to some definite conclusion on the subject, lie for one would frankly confess that he was in favor of separation, (applause) and thought the times were favorable for so important a step. He certainly might be mistaken in his views, as unfortunately for himself he had resided some time in Southland and was therefore able to form a pretty good estimate as to how separation sometimes worked at first iv small provinces. Southland,, too true, was a failure in that respect, but it did not follow, Westland should be the same, as the former province had but few resources to support it, whilst Westland abounded in them and possessed besides a large and most intelligent community, (cheers.) At the same time he did not think that the fate of Westland would be decided either one way or the other by separation from Christchurch, for it possessed such vitality as would foroe it ahead . whether it was an appendage of that district or not. However it must be confessed that we had hardly received justice at her hands, and as facts and figures were stubborn things and good evidence, he should draw their attention to the fact that up to Oct. 31st last .£45,000 had been received by the Canterbury Government from Westland. They had acknowledged this and in return had spent A- 103,000 on the district generally; but of this sum £47,000 had been spent on roada and public works, viz : — .£44,000 on the East side in the construction of the inland road, and £3,000 in Westland (cries of oh ! and groans.) Did the meeting consider that £44,000 well spent or such an expenditure of public

money beueficial to Westland, (cries of no, no.) As he had shewn the the dark side of the picture it was but fair they should sec the other, and he was glad to see by the Into Appropriation Act that Christchurch was inclined to be more liberal and had placed on the estimates £157,000 to be spent on Westland out of an Appro • priation Bill of £380,000. That amount was promised provided the revenues would bear it, but not without. This was the manner in which the public money was disbursed. It would be for Westland people to decide whether it was satisfactory I and whether they were content to remain as they were and allow their capital to be spent for them by others who had no interests in this part of the province, (cries of "we'llhave separation.") In the speaker's opinion no one could spend money so judiciously as he who owned it, and he thought that Westland should certainly be allowed to disburse its own revenue, and for that reason above all others advocated separation. Na better argument could be adduced in favor of the movement than the present apathy displayed in the matter of representation, for lie felt sure there were many gentlemen who belonged to this community who were eminently qualified by talent aud past experience too, and who would esteem it an honor and be only too happy to serve in a Provincial Council, but who objected for many reasons to sit in the Christchurch Council. Mr Shaw here alluded to Mr Moorhouse, and declared that he believed him to be a good man and a thorough politician, and that if he came over and expounded his views, and pledged himself to uphold the interests of Westland, he (the speaker) believed that he would do so, and, moreover, that his position would give him great weight in the House — nevertheless as he might, from his connections with Canterbury, be assumed to be hostile to separation, he was not the man for " Galway." Mr Bonar rose and addressed the meeting in favor of Mr Moorhouse. He stated that he believed him to be a most clever man, and one who possessed an unstained political reputation, and was well qualified to represent them. He had promised to sit if elected, and he (the speaker) pledged himself to support him. Mr Moorhouse would exercise considerable influence in the House, and if elected ! would redress the wrongs of Westlaud. ' His being a member of the Canterbury Council, with every prospect of becoming Superintendent, would enable him to do so, for it was not in the Assembly but the Council that redress was to be obtained. Mr Moorhouse would be here next week, and would doubtless address the electors. Mr Crate desired to know whether Mr Moorhouse was not already elected by the district of Mount Herbert to represent it in the Assembly, and whether it was not dishonest on his part to cast asiOe the constituency who had c ected him for the sake of another, although the latter might be more influential aud important. Mr Crate read an extract from a local paper, wherein Mr Moorhouse promised his constituents that he would study their interests and serve them faithfully. Several of the supporters of Mr Moorhouse who were on the platform, at once rose, eager to justify him, but were received with marked disapprobation by the meeting, and a scene of some contusion ensued, which only subsided at tho repeated calls of the Chairman to order, who said that any gentleman who chose to do so might come forward as proxy for Mr Moorhouse. Mr Sprot at once took possession of the floor, and affirmed he considered himself as the proxy of that gentleman, and felt proud and happy in being there to champion his cause. He said that it was chicfty at his instigation the telegram had been forwarded to Mr Moorhouse, than whom a better man to represent Westland could not be found. Mr Sprot explained the position iv which Mr Moorhouse stood in connection with his Mount Herbert constituency, and confessed, (laughingly), that it was verily a pocket borough", possessing about twenty-four electors, aud was not considered of much consequence. It was a peculiar district, mountainous and cut off from the rest of the province, and could very well be represented by an inferior man. He (the speaker) knew the district well, as the few hundred acres the possession of which constituted him a freeholder laid there, and he thought that with such talents and abih'ty as Mr Moorhouse possessed, he was worthy of representing the first rather than the last district in the province. (A voice, " Why did'pnt they give him a better, then." Applause and laughter). Mr Sprot proceeded by informing his hearers that Mr Moorhouse had once been in difficulties, and had gone to Victoria and worked as a common navvy at the Van Yean water works, although at that time he held a seat in the Auckland Council, and had absolutely left his work in Victoria to attend its sittings. The speaker expatiated at great length on the abilities and many good qualities of that gentleman, strongly advising the meeting to support him. He concluded by stating that Mr Moorhouse was a progressionist, and far too go-ahead for Christchurch, and that his views on separation f vom the North Island were not favorably received there. One of the town bellmen addressed the chairman from the body of the house, and requested to be informed whether on the day of nomination a candidate might propose and second himself. Tho chairman not being prepared to answer, Mr Prosser stepped forward, and stated that a candidate must be proposed and seconded by duly qualified electors. Mr Kennedy rose and addressed the meeting in favor of Mr Shaw, who he believed to be the right man for Westland, from his local standing, and straightforward honesty of character. Ho believed Mr Moorhouse to be a good man, but thought Mr Shaw was the plainer sailor of the two. The latter had shewn himself disinterested iv consenting to sacrifice his own interest for the punlic good, but Mr Moorhouse had discovered much selfishness of purpose in his readiness to throw over the Mount Herbert folks to better himself in Westland. This was not honorable— and if a specimen of Christchurch in.; mer-s !..• thought Westland would do well to reject Christchurch men, and especially to have nothing to do with Mr Moorhouse. The speaker now alluded to the manner in which Westland had been treated, and drew attention to the state of the town and wharf of Hokitika, and that Christchurch had paid no attention to the petition of the inhabitants that the wharf might bo extended and then properly preserved. (Mr Cleve rose to contradict this statement, which occasioned i a.v immense uproar. Ho was called to

order by the chairman, who with difficulty restored silence.) Mr Kennedy continued his address by believing that a separation between East and West Canterbury was not only advisable but unavoidable, as the desires of this community tended strongly in that direction" He was of opinion that Christchurch would have no objection, after the sale of the town lots had taken place. They would then, as soon as the plunder was secured, cast off Westland as a useless drag upon them. It was therefore clearly the duty of this community to take care of itself and obtain separation whilst it was worth having and whilst there was fa revenue to be raised that would support a Provincial Government. The speaker alluding to the state of the country generally, and the difficulties miners had to contend with through the want of tracks, bridges, &c, concluded by affirminc that if the mechanics and miners of Westland would support him, he (the speaker) would successfully oppose Mr Moorhouse, and return Mr Shaw. (Cheers, applause, and excitement.) Mr Create came forward and stated that he had determined not to address the meeting, but felt compelled to do so in Mr Shaw's behalf, who he believed to be worthy of all the support that the electors of Westland could give him. The speaker dwelt at some length on the benefits Westland would derive from separation, and in having a Legislature of its owu, and he alluded to the waste of public money on useless works, citing as a ca3e in point, the construction of a dam across the South arm of the Hokitika, which involved an expenditure of LISOO, and had been washed away by the first flood. He dwelt upon the necessity of local mining boards, and scoffed at the idea of returning such a man as Mr Moorhouse, who had only been brought forward at the last moment, and stigmatised him as a man whom none of us knew, and therefore not fit to be trusted. Mr Crate spoke at some length of his Victorian experience, both on the diggings and in town, and deprecated the idea of poor men entering the Assembly as they were easily bought over, assuring his hearers that the last bill passed in the Victorian Parliament, whilst he was in Melbourne, cost the country L 30,000. He objected to the unjust taxation of diggers as monstrous, and advocated a revision of the tariff, and spoke to a great length on the relatf ye merits of Messrs Shaw and Moorhouse, advocating that the former should be supported. On concluding his address Mr Crate was loudly applauded. Mr Sprot again addressed the meeting in favor of Mr Moorhouse, but stated he should certainly advise him to withdraw, as he had not anticipated such a decided expression of public feeling as had been manifested that day. He felt sure Mr Moorhouse would not come forward. Mr Eicke also spoke in the same strain, and hoped the meeting would not suppose that Mr Sprot had acted unadvisedly in telegraphing to Mr Moorhouse as he and others of the sub-committee had recommended it should be done. He trusted no one would suppose he had Chrfstohurch proclivities, as he repudiated the idea with scorn, and rather prided himself on being a pure "Colonial." He alluded to Mr Shaw's want of experience and unwillingness to come forward, and urged upon the meeting the advisability of electing Mr Moorhouse. Mr M'Gregor lauded Mr Shaw, his abilities, and position, and recommended his election as a man whom they had known for many years, and thoroughly respected. He spoke at some length, and was once interrupted by Mr Cassius, and a little playful badinage resulted between them concerning the source from whence we obtained our whiskey, and also who was the party that sold such a quantity of bad stuff. This little duello delighted the meeting, and on Mr M'Gregor resuming his seat the house rang with cheers and laughter. After a little desultory speaking by different parties, the Chairman put the following resolution to the meeting — " It was moved by Mr Kennedy and seconded by Mr Prosser, " That Mr Shaw is a fit and proper person to represeut Westiand in the"General Assembly." This was carried unanimously, and a vote of thanks being awarded to the Chair, the meeting separated.