[To the Editor of the 'Wellington Independent.']

I am anxious to guard myself against a misconstruction which may possibly arise as to the significancy of my presence at the meeting of the Settlers' Constitutional Association on Monday evening last; and I trust that the flattering prominence given by you to the part which I took in the proceedings on that occasion may exculpate me from the charge of presumption if I trespass, very briefly, on the attention of your readers for that purpose.

Many of the resolutions which are described as passed "unanimously," have reference to local questions, which I have not had an opportunity of considering, and on which I do not wish to express any opinion. I beg, therefore, to Say, that my object in desiring to become a member of the Association, and in attending the meeting of Monday, was simply to identify myself in the most complete manner with those page 69among my fellow colonists who are seeking to obtain, by legitimate and constitutional means, the inestimable benefits of political freedom, and that I wish to be understood as assenting only to the first five of the resolutions passed on Monday, as being those in which the principle above referred to is affirmed and illustrated. I have no idea of objecting to, or dissenting from, the resolutions passed subsequently to the first five: I merely abstain from identifying myself with them.

I have again to apologise for intruding upon you with a matter personal to myself; but I hold that every person who takes part in the proceedings of a public meeting, becomes responsible for the whole of its formal results, unless he expressly guards himself against such an inference.