PUBLIC MEETING AT CHARLESTON.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 152, 25 January 1868, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING AT CHARLESTON.

A public meeting was held on Thursday evening at Eooney's Hotel, for the purpose of presenting an address to Mr Dutton, R.M., previous to his quitting Charleston. In consequence of the sudden nature of his departure, but very brief notice of the meeting by bellman could be given, yet there was a large concourse of persons present. Mr Hugh Jones having been voted to the chair, explained the purpose of the meeting, and expressed his regret at the little time there had been—only

a few hours—to do justice to the occasion, and concluded by calliug on Mr Hennelly to read the address. Mr Hennelly, after a few feeling and appropriate remarks, then read the following address : " To J. Roger Dutton, Esq , R.M., «fcc, &c. Dear Sir, —We the undersigned, bankers, merchants, miners, hotelkeepers, and others, inhabitants of the town and district of Charleston, having learnt witli great regret, that it is your intention to quit Charleston tomorrow, cannot allow you to leave without an expression of our feelings. In the petition which has gone forward to His Honor the Superintendent, we have already strongly objected to the change which, by removing you to another district, deprives us of your valuable services, and it would be out of place here to say more on that subject. Whatever may be the result of that petition, it cannot effect the high opinion we entertain of your character, our full appreciation of the carefulness, justness, and impartiality, of your decisions, or the esteem we feel for your conduct, not only as a Warden and ResidentMagistrate, but as a private citizen. Believing that it will be pleasant for you in after time to have something to recall to your recollection the time of your sojourn in Charleston, and the esteem and goodwill displayed bv its inhabitants, we beg your acceptance of a small token which is to be prepared for the purpose." Mr. Dutton on rising was received with great cheering, he said—Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, when I tell you it is only an hour ago that I received the first intimation of this, by being asked to attend here to receive an address, you will believe me when I say this demonstration was, on my part, entirely unexpected. I remember when on the eve of departure from Nelson, a friend remonstrating with me for drinking only one glass of grog of a night, said, " Wait till we get you down to the West Coast, they do there in six months what would'nt be done elsewhere in six years." Now, in my opinion, anyone who had filled office for six or sixteen years, would have reason to be gi'atified with the compliment which has just been paid to me ; and when I consider that I have only been a resident among you for six months, I think my friend was right. Though wholly unexpected, the honor which you have done me. is none the less—perhaps more— appreciated, and I beg to return you my most heartfelt thanks. (Cheers). On this, the last occasion of my addressing you, there are one or two topics on which I should like to say a few words. Allusion is made in the address to your appreciation of the justness and impartiality of my decisions. I assure you that I attach no slight importance to such an assurance. During the six months of my residence here there have been 853 court cases entered, out of which there has been only one appeal, and I may tell you that when this case came before the Supreme Court, the judge upheld my decision, and expressed surprise at the case having been brought before him. In the Warden's Court, during the same time, there have been 900 applications, and your miners must know that many of these applications involved valuable interests, and further know that the important duties of a Warden are not mere matters of routine. When I look back upon all these cases, and remember that in each one disputed there must always have been at least one loser, it is only natural to suppose I could, muster a good many enemies, but instead of this I find I have a good many friends. (Cheers). These cases which I have just enumerated afford certain evidence of the progress of Charleston. Placed in the position I occupy, I have an opportunity of judging of the state of this progress. When I came here the number of Resident Magistrate's cases was much greater in proportion to the number of Warden's cases, than it is now. During the last three months the number of the former has dwindled away, while that of the latter has increased —a satisfactory indication of the improved condition of the district. At the same tinie there has been almost a total absence of crime ; the usual number of drunken cases have occurred, but only one felony has been committed in the whole district. I always thought that miners, as a body, have a great respect for the law, and my experience in Charleston has certainly confirmed that opinion. I have never met a single instance where a miner showed any want of respect, either to the office I held, or to myself. I could not leave the district without paying this poor, but undeserved, compliment to the miners of Charleston. (Cheers.) As this may be my last opportunity of meeting you in public, I may perhaps tell you what I think of this place. I hold tho same opinion now that I formed a month after I

arrived. I believe that Charleston commands all the essentials of a great gold-mining country, and is likely to be the most permanent, as it is the most prosperous, locality in the Nelson Province. (Cheers.) I speak advisedly when I say permanent locality. Other places may be able to boast of richer diggings, but Charleston has elements of prosperity beyond that, and will for years maintain its present position. (Cheers.) There is another topic on which I would like to say a few words. Most of you are aware that while here I have taken considerable interest in the Hospital. It is unnecessary for me to dwell upon the importance of such an institution, for that I believe is acknowledged by all ; were it closed the loss would be very great to the community, and I must express my fears as to its condition. I have had some experience in hospitals, and have always seen great enthusiasm displayed at the time of their formation, which feeling, however, has always dwindled to nothing, This appears to have been the case with the hospital here. The committee thought proper to call a public meeting to present a report of their proceedings up to the termination of the year and consult as to the best means of getting funds to continue the maintenance of the institution. Well, the night of meeting was fixed, and every effort made by public advertising, bellringing, and private calls to get together a large number of people. With what result? Three persons attended. A second attempt was made, resulting in the attendance of nobody, excepting a few individuals on the committee. I must express my sorrow at such apathy, and beg that, if you wish the hospital kept up, you will take more interest in its management. (Applause.) There is another point upon which I shall touch, though I may, perhaps, be censured for doing so, and that is, the desecration of the Sabbath which prevails in Charleston. You may be surprised when I say this, but when I remember our large population, I do think it a sad and humilating fact that in a country mustering some hundreds of persons professing to belong to the Church of England, a sufficient few cannot be got together for the performance of Divine worship. I should like if the Protestants would take a lesson on this from our Roman Catholic friends. There is only one other subject which I will touch upon, though I am afraid I have already sufficiently taxed your patience. (Cries of " No, no.") I refer to my removal. I am aware that some dissatisfaction has been expressed on the subject; but whenever asked about it, have declined to offer an opinion. I cannot fail to remark that I am a Government officer, and am bouud to go wherever duty calls me." Mr Dutton then explained that the district would not suffer from the change, as there would be in fact two officers to do the duties he left. He then concluded, amidst much applause, by again thanking the inhabitants of Charleston for the honor they had conferred upon him.

On the motion of Mr Dwan, it was resolved that a copy of the address and minutes of meeting be forwarded to his Honor the Superintendent and the Attorney- General. _Mr Commissioner Kynnersley in rising to propose a vote of thanks to the chairman, was received with great cheering, which lasted some time. He said he felt placed in rather an awkard position, but as he happened to be there, he had great pleasure in adding his testimony to the great worth and abilities of his friend Mr Dutton. He then explained actions which the Government had been obliged to take in the matter of appointing a Resident Magistrate for the southern district, and concluded by saying that he believed Mr Dutton's services were the to full, as both appreciated by the Government as he was happy to see they had been to the inhabitants of Charleston.