PUBLIC MEETING.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1285, 23 September 1880, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING.

Re Mr ft Swarm's Hamilton East. Pursuant to notice in the Waikato Times, a meeting was held in the Royal Hotel yesterday afternoon. On the motion of Mr K. Hill, Mr Albert Potter was elected Chairman, and called on Mr Swarm to address the meeting, who stated that, owing to rumours ' afloat respecting him in reference to the late fire and the cutting of the bellows on two or three occasions on Mr Cochranes premises, his friends had adopted this course before his departure from amongst them. He regretted that, owing to the shortness of the notice, an influential gentleman in the neighborhood, who was anxious to attend, was unfortunately not present. Mr Swarm said he regretted leaving the district, but that he was quite innocent of the imputations made against his character. He would be happy to answer any questions. Mr John Slater stated that he felt great sympathy for Mr Swarm, and he felt confident that, for the following reasons he was not guilty : — On the occasion of the first fire it was the night of Pastor Chiniquy's lecture, and as Mr Swarm had not taken a prominent part. Mr Knox here rose to a point of order, and protested against such inuendos being thrown out against a section of the Hamilton people, when the Chairman ruled Mr Slater out of order. Mr K. Hill moved : "That this meeting sympathises with Mr Swarm on the heavy losses he has sustained, and wishes him every prosperity in the future." Seconded by Mr Slater and carried. After a vote of thanks to the Chairman, the meeting separated.