NATIVE DISTURBANCES.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 409, 21 November 1868, Page 3

NATIVE DISTURBANCES.

PUBLIC MEETING. A public meeting was held on Tuesday at the Empire Hotel, with the object of giving expression to local feelings in reference to the late Maori disturbances, and of taking such steps as might be deemed most advisable for the purpose of conveying the public sentiment on the subject to the Goment.

Mr R. C. Reid was called to the chair, and explained the object of the meeting.

Mr O'Conor addressed the meeting on the subject, and moved the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr Milne—" That this meeting, upon learning of the confirmation of the horrible news of the Poverty Bay massacre, and after the repeated shocking incidents which have lately occurred in the North Island, is of opinion that a Memorial to his Excellency the Governor of New Zealand, should be forwarded, expressing sympathy with the colonists of the North, and an earnest desire to see some more vigorous action taken with a view to the suppression of the disturbances by the Native population in the North Island."

Mr Crate spoke at some length in support of the above resolution, which was put to the meeting, and unanimously carried. Mr Alcorn then moved " That a committee of five be appointed for the purpose of carrying out the terms of the first resolution," whereupon Mr Crate nominated Messrs Beid, Tyler, Alcorn, O'Conor, and the mover, both of which motions were seconded and agreed to.

The meeting was largely attended, and perfect unanimity of feeling on the question was displayed. It will now rest with those appointed to draw up the memorial to forward proper expressions of the public opinion upon such an important matter, affecting, more or less, the welfare of the whole of the Colony.