THE HON. JOHN HALL.

West Coast Times, Issue 651, 25 October 1867, Page 2

THE HON. JOHN HALL.

TO TEE EDITOE OP THE WEST COAST TIMES. Sie — I observed in your issue of Wednesday last, a letter from a member of the Separation League, suggesting to the Council the propriety of getting up a public demonstration in order to give the Hon. John Hall a "hearty reception " on his expected arrival. As one of the Council, I can safely say that any efforts they may be required to make, in order to carry out the general wish as before expressed, they will willingly undertake. But it cannot be done effectually unless the general body of our fellow-citizens join heart and hand in the affair. There has been already too much odium cast on the Council by a small section of the Press, to chilltheir ardorin promoting any scheme which may seem to concentrate any further powers on so small a portion of tho body politic, for when toiling night after night to carry forth a measure, which could result in not individual, but a general good, the basest motives -were ascribed to their efforts. I would, therefore, suggest that (if it should meet the general wish) a public meeting be called early, some afternoon— and if permission can be obtained from Cr Bartlett — in the Prince of Wales Opera House, when the opinions of the citizens can be obtained, resolutions proposed, and the programme arranged in a satisfactory manner ; and if requested by their fellow citizens— the Council of the League will take such steps as may be necessary to cany out their wishes. There can be but one opinion amongst the well-wishers of Westland, that much is due from us to the Grovemment of which the Hon. John Hall is the representative; and, therefore, we ought to do our best by giving him— not only a " hearty reception— but also invito him to a public banquet in honor of the occasion. A general holiday should also be made on the birth of the County of Westland, and as is the case in Victoria, the anniversary be kept up in remembrance. of its liberation from the thraldom of 'Christchurch.. I am,«&c, wu 01 i. JoHN CfioS3.C fiOS3. Weld Street, October 24, 1867.