bring his information into Court, and write his own verdict on the back of the document. (Cheers.) God forbid that we should live to see such an encroachment upon our liberty-death would be far preferable. What could be the intention of reducing the Jury from twelve to seven unless to answer some sinister or improper purpose? You are called upon to claim your rights, cherish, support them-give vent to your feelings, stand forth boldly and manfully, for unless you do, you are not worthy of enjoying the privileges of being tried by your peers. (Loud cheers.) If the Law Officers of the Crown are inimical to Juries, I shall say nothing to such a Jury,' or 'the Jury then will be compelled to give a verdict contrary to their own feelings.' When men in the highest office can insult Juries, the Juries ought to be protected, and that Judge which will allow an officer of the Crown to insult a Jury, does not deserve-my thanks. (Cheers.) Let our feelings be under the guidance of calm and deliberate judgment, should there be in this assembly an enemy to Trial by Jury, I hope he may never stand there (pointing to the dock). (A laugh.) If there should be such an enemy, let us hear what he has to say, at all events it will be novelty of opinion. We grow wiser every day, and should the Attorney General bring forward his arguments in support of a diminution of the number of the Jury, he may probably convince us (a laugh) we will however hear him with respect and calmness, for there are, I trust, many in this room who will refute his arguments, but should the two gentlemen be left in the minority, as I am confident they will, I wish them joy of their situation. (Laughs and cheers.) When I first entered the Court, I did not expect to have an opportunity of addressing the Meeting. Mr. Kemp having wished me to preside in the chair, I am happy such intention was not carried into effect, as I know no one in the Colony more worthy, or whom I so personally respect as the Sheriff; it gives me pleasure to see him acting in his present official situation, in which he has gained the hearts and well wishes of all. (Loud applause.) Mr. Gellibrand then read the Resolution, which was as follows:

That the sentiments expressed in the preceding Resolution, be embodied in a

or

respectful Address to His Excellency Lieutenant Governor Arthur, soliciting of His Excellency, that he will be pleased to refuse the introduction to the Legislative Council of any restriction limitation of the present Jury Law; and that the Address be presented to His Excellency by the Sheriff, attended by the Mover and Seconder of the preceding Resolution, and a Deputation of twelve gentlemen."

Nothing can be more natural than this Resolution; it is in perfect accordance with the first Resolution moved by my friend, Mr. Kemp, and which has met with your unanimous support; it is the main object of the Meeting. I am perfectly satisfied my Fellow Colonists can have but one opinion on the subject; I am perfectly convinced when His Exceilency the Lieutenant Governor has the Address laid before him, he will say, "shall I be led by two men, or shall 1 follow the wishes of the whole Colony." When Colonel Arthur sees such an expression of public sentiment-when he finds it is the wish of the country to leave well alone, he will not refuse the request. I cannot sit down without congratulating the whole Colony on the unanimity and concord which has prevailed at this Meeting, and which unanimity, it is our interests, as men and brothers, to cherish. J. Dunn, Esq, seconded the Resolu

tion.

The Sheriff put the Resolution, which was carried unanimously.

Thomas Horne, Esq.-Mr. Chairman and Fellow Colonists.-The third Resolution which I am about to bring forward has this moment been placed in my hands; but prepared or unprepared, I cannot refuse such a call. I am ready

indeed any man must be so who has the love of his country, or one spark of patriotism within him. Some years ago a Public Meeting was held in the same room, when it was said we should never have another Public Meeting. I prophesied we should-and here we are met quite as constitutionally as we did then. What has taken place in the interim, I shall not allude to. My conduct on this present occasion will, no doubt, be canvassed, as it was before; but I will go on with it, let the result be what it may. The purpose for which we have been assembled has been sufficiently explained by the gentlemen who have already ad

dressed you. Something has just now been mentioned about the existing Jury Law. What law have we ?a law for seven; but I do not call that the existing Jury Law. We are told there are twothere may be a dozen, or a hundred, who may have a different opinion, and that it is expedient to have seven instead of twelve; but I hope to shew them, that if even it were expedient, it is not the existing law. Mr. Horne traced back the system of the Jury of twelve to the most remote period of the British Constitution. He continued.-We had that Jury Law sealed and brought down to us by our forefathers, which we ought never to part with but with our blood. It must be in the recollection of all, that the liberty of the subject was fixed by a verdict of twelve men on the trial of the seven bishops. The sensation which that verdict produced, excited a shout which reached from London to Hounslow, and which ultimately succeeded in driving King James from his throne; and I hope that the shout of one general exclamation in favour of Trial by Jury may resound from one end of the island to the other. Mr. Horne read the Resolution.

"That the following be the address:"May it please Your ExcellencyWe, the free inhabitants of Van Diemen's Land, in Public Meeting assembled, beg leave to submit to Your Excellency that we have heard with extreme alarm and apprehension, that it is the intention of the Law Officers of the Crown to recommend to Your Excellency the introduction of a measure into the Colonial Legislature, limiting and restricting the existing Jury Law, the adopting of which measure will be most dangerous to the liberties of the people of this Colony.

"We respectfully submit to Your Excellency, that the Local Government possesses such extraordinary and extensive powers, that in all cases where the interests of the Crown may be affected, the subject can only look for safety and protection by Juries possessing not only independence of principle and property, but also being composed of such extent and number, as shall be sufficient to place them beyond the reach of influence of any kind, which must exist if the number be reduced below that established in England, and to which English

men are therefore accustomed to look as their safeguard and security. "To His Excellency

Lieutenant Governor Arthur." I did expect some one would be present to support the contemplated alteration. I did expect that some one would say that seven is better than twelve; can it be for one moment supposed that the liberty of the subject—the liberty of the press would be more secure with a Jury of seven in lieu of twelve. I say, as a good subject, that the liberty of the subject, the peace of society, and last, but not least, the safety of the Crown even is at stake. For what purpose can the alteration be made. Will, I say, the subject be more secure? The press, the Crown, or the peace of the community benefitted by the alteration? No! The only argument which can be made use of in favour of the alteration is convenience-that diabolical argument which is made use of by tyrants. (I will go no further.) (Applause.) Trace it which way you will, you will find as tyranny has encreased, attacks have been made on juries, and as the liberty of the subject encreased, the juries have received additional protection. It is not the feeling of a revolutionist, of a partisan, or of a bad subject, which leads me to support this proposition; but I believe firmly in my own mind, my conscience tells me, that a jury of twelve is better than seven, because confidence can be placed in the larger number. I will not pitch overboard the experience of our ancestors, that experience has proved that Trial by Jury is the very centre of the British Constitution-the liberty of the subject. the liberty of the press, the security of the Crown, all depends upon it. It is with this view, and not as a partisan, that I take up this question, and I do so because I believe it is for the good of all; if I am warm in the expression of my sentiments upon this subject, it is because I would, if I could, throw my very heart into my words.

J. T. Gellibrand, Esq. then addressed the Meeting, as follows:-I am unexpectedly called upon to second Mr. Horne's motion; I do not think it quite right that two lawyers should be concerned in the same resolution. (A laugh.) I think some of the country gentlemen, of whom there are so many present, ought not only to sit down and cry

hear," "hear," but should get upon their feet, and take some active part in this important business, and shew us their opinions on this occasion. One thing is quite clear, we are not in possession of the rights, as Britons, we are entitled to enjoy; we therefore ought doubly to oppose any entrenchment upon the few that remain. If we have only a ground for suspicion that the Law Officers of the Crown are about to advise the Government to infringe upon our rights, it is our bounden duty to shew our determined hostility. I admit there is no magic in numbers, but it does not follow that it is better to have seven than twelve -multitude is power. We all know that twelve men will do what six men will not, and I question whether any six men that could be empannelled, would dare give their verdict as twelve men would do. I can say, honestly and conscientiously, juries that have sat in that box, have often returned verdicts not satisfactory to the Court, but verdicts which have given satisfaction to the country. (Shouts of applause.)

The Sheriff read the Resolution, which was carried unanimously.

Mr. Hemsley rose and said-The object of this meeting is of too circumscribed a nature to strike at the root of the existing and still encreasing difficulties under which we labor. This meeting is to stem an innovation in which the liberty of the subject is at stakewhat is the intention of this innovation I cannot conceive, unless it be to lord it over the community, by having a jury which would lend itself upon all occasions. I need not point out to this Assembly the evils which would follow unless these proceedings had been instituted; and very great credit is due to the gentlemen with whom it originated. Fellow Colonists, let us not forget we are Englishmen, and let us, as such, be united, and endeavour to preserve for ourselves and successors the original jury of twelve good men and true-to obtain this desirable end, we must do away with inimical private feeling, the aid of all is required who wish well to their adopted land, let perseverance and unanimity be the characteristics of this meeting, that the cruel and unqualified infringements of the people's rights may be checked. Seeing by whom the movement is made, namely, by His Majesty's

Attorney General, whose power in this Colony is tremendous, unless we are to suffer, we must make one firm and constitutional effort to oppose manfully, that they bereave us not by little and little, of the few priviliges, as British subjects. that we still possess.

Mr. Watchorn rose and said, I beg to remark, that the Attorney General has a very good argument against you. Gentlemen-Look at the Cape of Good Hope. There the juries are constituted of seven, (hisses and shouts were heard from all quarters) because it is not possible to find men to sit as jurors who understand the English language. (Some of the meeting, who considered Mr. Watchorn was advocating the reduction of the jury, would not allow him to proceed-hisses and shouts were heard in all quarters.)

Mr. Gellibrand rose and explained, stating, that if they would only hear what Mr. Watchorn had to say, they would be satisfied with his view of the subject.

Mr. Watchorn. I only wanted to put you on your guard against an argu ment which might be made use of against you. At the Cape they are almost all Dutchmen. (Loud cheering.)

The Sheriff read the resolution, which was carried unanimously.

Captain Read rose and proposed the following resolution :

"That the following be the Deputation::

Mr. Horne.-I shall feel it as a matter of kindness to allow my name to be withdrawn, as mine will do no good.

The Sheriff put the resolution, which was carried unanimously.

W. Gellibrand, Esq.-The unanimity which has prevailed on the occasion, is a proof that we must succeed-hands and hearts joined in this one common cause. Not one dissentient voice has been heard—not one heart has been base enough to express a wish, that our invaluable and long established rights should be invaded. I now move that the Meeting authorise the Sheriff to

sign the petition, in the name of the assembly.

Seconded by W. Butcher, Esq. J.P. W. Gellibrand, Esq. moved, that the Sheriff leave the Chair, and that Mr. Kemp take it.

Seconded by Mr. J. T. Gellibrand.
Mr. Kemp in the Chair.

J. T. Gellibrand, Esq.-Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, I feel much pleasure in proposing a vote of thanks to Mr. Bannister, for his very able and impartial conduct this day. Those who know Mr. Bannister, well know that I do not exaggerate when I say, that I believe him to be as honorable and as good a man as any in the Colony; and although he has had painful duties to perform, to my knowledge he has frequently incurred personal risk, rather than put the humblest individual to unnecessary inconvenience: he has, as far as he honorably could, studied the interests of all. I will not draw a comparison between this gentleman and the individual whom he succeeded; (Cheers) but I will say, that whoever may succeed Mr. Mr. Bannister, will find great difficulty to gain as much public approbation. (Cheers.) One thing, I beg, may not be lost sight of-hitherto the Sheriff, at the public meetings, has claimed to be Chairman as a right; but this day it has been shewn, the people have a right to choose whom they think proper: this is a precedent I hope the public will recollect as we may hereafter have a Sheriff, who may not be so popular as Mr. Bannister, and who may refuse the right of choosing the Chairman; I, therefore, propose

"That the thanks of this Meeting be returned to the Sheriff, for the promptitude with which he convened it, and for his upright and impartial conduct on the

occasion."

Mr. Thompson rose and said, I beg to second Mr. Gellibrand's motion, and to congratulate my Fellow Citizens on the proceedings of this day-proceedings which will prevent a measure from being carried into effect, which would have the tendency of dividing the community into two classes, having jarring interests; between whom there would exist continual heart-burning and strife, and which would be degrading to the one without exalting the other-but would form the one into a self-constituted and

petty aristocracy, in whose hands would be placed our lives, our liberty, and our fortunes. We have now declared ourselves to be of one soul, one heart, one mind, and who are they who would oppose the will of a whole community? Whoever dare make the attempt shall assuredly fail, and fail with disgrace.

The Sheriff then rose and said-Gentlemen, I should be very insensible if I were not to feel and express my sense of the honor you have conferred upon me. What I have done, and which you have been pleased to approve of, has simply been what I consider the proper execution of the duties of my office. I cannot help expressing my gratitude of your approbation.

The Meeting was dissolved, when Mr. Kemp proposed three cheers for the Meeting, which was most rapturously given. Mr. Gellibrand, senior, proposed three cheers more, and the public went on cheering for five minutes. The Court was crowded to excess with the most respectable people in the island. We noticed among others, His Honor the Puisnè Judge.

We have been obliged to contract our Domestic Intelligence, on account the report of the Public Meeting, at the Court House, on Monday, the 9th of June. That meeting, conducted in so temperate a manner, has exhibited the feeling of the community at large in favor of the old established number of twelve for a jury, and will, we doubt not, be productive of a good result; for however predisposed our rulers may be in favor of any particular measure, we feel assured they will not carry it in opposition to the wishes of the whole Colony. That which has caused no little sensation during the month, is the trial of Major Lord, the unaccountable circumstance of Deputy Assistant Commissary Roberts being on the jury has given rise to the animadversions of the Colonial journals. Only the day previous His Honor Judge Montagu discovered a Commissariat Officer on the jury, and would not allow the trial to go on until his place in the box had been taken by a military officer. The facts are very singular, and various conclusions may be deduced from them.

1

By the Gazette we find the ports of Hobart Town and Launceston are now

defined. The former comprises the coasts of Van Diemen's Land, extending half a league from any part of the shore, all harbours, roadsteads and creeks, lying between the North head of Macquarie Harbour, and Cape Tourville, and situate to the South of those ports, respectively, including all the dependent islands lying south of latitude 42 degrees south. The port of Launceston comprises in like manner, within half a league of the shore, all harbours, roadsteads, and creeks lying between the North head of Macquarie Harbour and Cape Tourville (near the Schoutens) and situate to the

North of those parts respectively, including all dependent islands lying north of latitude 42 degrees south.

Mr. J. W. Scott, that most industrious "Collector of Seeds," is meeting with deserved encouragement from home. He has lately sent a large collection to Mr. Ayton, of the Royal Gardens at Kew, as likewise to the Royal Dublin Society. Gentlemen wishing to send home a complete "flor" of the Island, will do well to be in time, as Mr. Scott is about to make up some of the finest specimens ever seen.