Chap. VHI. PUBLIC MEETINGS. 189 
CHAPTER VIII. 
Public Meetings — Outrage committed by Rangihaeata upon set- 
tlers — Mr. Murphy, the Police Magistrate — Increasing law- 
lessness of the Natives caused by impunity — Mr. Spain, the 
Commissioner of Land-Claims — Mr. George Clarke, junior, the 
Sub-Protector of Aborigines — His qualifications — Petition at 
Auckland for the recall of Governor Hobson— Wretched condi- 
tion of Auckland — Introduction of Pheasants and Bees into Wel- 
lington — Mr. Wicksteed appointed to succeed Captain Liardet at 
New Plymouth — Blood Horses from Sydney — Court of Land- 
Claims — Its mischievous action — Changed notions of the Natives 
— Complicated proceedings — Evidence of JEPuni — Of JE Tako, 
a Repudiator — Mr. Tod's case — Dilatory progress — Effects — 
Government negligence — Latest dates from Auckland reach 
Wellington through Sydney — Mildness of Winter — Unceasing 
vegetation — Natural pasture — Steam-Mill and Brewery — Me- 
chanics' Institute — Mr. Kettle's Exploring Expedition — Gorge 
of the Manawatu — Plain of the three rivers — Formation of the 
Country — Native legend — Plain of the Ruamahanga — Its Na- 
ture and extent — Wild Hogs — Return by the Hutt Valley — 
Salubrity of the climate — Central position of Wellington. 
Two public meetings had been held at Wellington 
during the month of April. 
The first had been unanimous in agreeing to demand 
the application of the Municipal Corporation Bill to 
Wellington. Mr. Murphy, placed in the ehair as 
Sub-Sheriff, had stated that a rough census gave the 
population of the town as 2600 : and all parties had 
joined in following the recommendations of Colonel 
Wakefield and other leading settlers, to secure the 
great privilege of managing their own local affairs. 
The second meeting was held on the 20th, on a less 
satisfactory subject. Some weeks before, six active, 
industrious, intelligent mechanics, possessed of some 
