NGARUWAHIA. POLITICAL MEETING. June 20.

Waikato Times, Issue 638, 22 June 1876, Page 2

NGARUWAHIA. POLITICAL MEETING. June 20.

A meeting of the inhabitant of Ngaruawahia and Newcastle, called by tho Ch.iirmcn of the Highway Districts, was held at the Delta Hotel on the evening- of the 1 19 th inst. There was the lagest attendance of settlers that has been at any meeting for years, each person taking a great interest in tho proceedings. Major "Wilson, Chairman of the Newcastlo Distiict, was called on to preside. On taking- the chair, he read the notice calling the meeting. He said that an erroneous opinion seemed to have got abroad as to the object of the meeting. It was not, should we support tho Government as it is, or Sir George Grey, but, tho question for us is, what law are we to live under — General Government or Provincial. He then called on Mr George Bugeeumb, who moved the Ist resolution, which was as follows : — " That this meeting- is of opinion that the question of tho Abolition of Provincee -should take precedence of any other legislation." speaking of the resolution, Mr Edgeoumb siid : In passing this motion wo would not commit ourelves to any party. That, •whether Provineialist or Abolitionist, it-is desirous that this question should bo settled, and our action will point -out distinctly what our wishes are, to any Ministry that may be in power. Ho thought' that the abolition question s-hould bo one of tho first decided, and said, now, wifh the permission of the CJrurrnin, I will read an extract fi'oni the ' Southern Cross,' of to-d\yj to the offset, 'That tho Waikato settlers nre determined to opposo Sir G»\)rj;e Grey's mese by every means in their power. In •calling the meeting, I decidedly disclaim mid repudiate any such intention. I would havo been hist in tiiis community to bring forward this resolution, if I thought it woald h.ivc any such offeet. Mr T V Fitzpafcrick in [seconding the motion cordially endorsed every S'-ntiuient put forv/ard by the proposer — -and contended that the resolution was not to bolster up tho Government, or support Sir George Grey, but that it was to settle tho great question of Abolition to be decided by any Ministry that might be iv power. Mr Edmund Fitzpatrick then proposed as an amendment. That this meeting liavo complete confidence in tho Opposition and that it is our duty to support them. This.atncmlment took themeeting by surprise, and after considerable discussion the chairman ruled that it did not bear explicitely enough upon the Resolution. It was then modified to the following "That this meeting approves of the action of the Oppositiou, in deferring the question of Abolition until more important matters havcJ* been dealt with." The "Amendment wa* seconded by Mr Scholefield. This brought about a most animated discussion and the Amendment ou being put to the meeting, was carried by a considerable majority. Mi* Byron asked if other matters bearing on the present crisis could bo discussed, but the (jJiairnian ruled that the business for which the meeting had been called was ended, but he might call another if he wished. Major Wilson being again called to tho chair, Mr Byron in an able speech put the following resolution : ■" That this meeting although disapproving of tho informalities connected with the sale, think ,that tho action of tho Government in disposing of tho Piako Swamp on tho terms obtained was wise, being a»vave that the improvements effected there have been and will bo of great benefit to the district." He pointed out the advantago gained by th,e district in spending a large amount of money, and employing labour. Although approving of the effects of tho sale, he condemned tho manner in which it was done, and hoped • that tho matter would bo sifted out to tho bottom. He maintained it was sold wrong, but it did goad. Mr G Edgecumbo in seconding the resolution would go -considerably further than the proposer, and condemn the .action o*f the Government as illegal. -'It, no doubt, was of immense benefit to the district, -and ho would be glad to see the whole of tho waste lands— oven given away for >bona fide settlement, and expressed a regret that there are not a few -P-iako Swamp bogs in this neighbourhood. Mr T V Fitzpatrick — Why would you. likctosoo it? Mr Edgecumbe — Becauso there is none heio but would bo directly or indirectly benefited by it. u Mr Scholeu'eld then proposed as an amendment, " That we pass xi vote M

-censure on t.ho (loveinwcntfor the Swamp transaction." Mr Victh secoiulc 1 the airondinanfc but "couM not givo a .spoak" as he was a "furrenei." Tlio amendment was carried by about two thirds of the meeting. Piopor.ed by Mr 0- Dhoouuibr, "Th it whilst cnMiriny th Q <* >vci iiiue.it tor their illes.il "Ction in ti.e l\.iko bwamp traivuc11011, this meeting is ot opinion 'that the purchasers should not sutler thereby, but, that a good title should bo issued iorthwith." Seconded by Mr Scholoiiold. Canied ncm. con. Mr Tho-:. lledger proposed, " Seeing that ihe pale of Mro township of Ngaruawahia xcalizcd £10,000 (:i sum about equul to that jwid for the Piako Swamp), che inhabitants of NgaruAWaliia'Considoi thoy are entitled to ha\ c their repeated requests acceded to. That tiie suiburban Jandb should be put up for public sale at uwwtiabloprices." Seconded bvMrUobcrtLai».h. 'Carried iicki. con. A voto of thanks to the Chairman brought n very enthusiastic but orderly •meetiug to a close. — Ouu ConnrbPONJjEXT^