PUBLIC MEETING AT WAKANUI.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume III, Issue 694, 21 July 1882, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING AT WAKANUI.

Last evening a meeting was held at the Wakanui schoolroom, about sixteen rate payers being present. Mr James Brown was voted to the chair. The chairman explained that the meeting was called for the puspose of considering a letter from the County Council re the Wakanui Fiat water supply and the Engineer’s report on the same, and also the°queation of protective works. He was sorry to see so few present, as the matter was of great importance to the inhabitants of the district. He stated that certain individuals had subscribed the sum of Ll 9 to meet a deficiency caused by persons who had failed to pay for their share of the work already done for the water supply, and there was L 43 still remaining due, as the cost of the work had exceeded the estimate. The chairman then read a statement of receipts and expenditure in connection with the water supply. Mr David Wilson said he objected to being put down as a defaulter for a small balance due.

Mr Fooks explained that Mr Wilson and himself had gone through the whole matter and had arrived at the amount put down on the list. The Chairman said that Mr Moffat and the County Council had been spoken to in reference to a sluice in the millrace. Mr D. Wilson said he had looked at the place, and Mr Moffat had not diverted the water. The Chairman thought that the convenience of the public must not be thwarted by private individuals. Mr W. Brown said he was quite willing to pay his share shortly, but he didn’t think it was advisable to let the County Council have money. Tho Chairman said the County Council would no doubt deal justly with the ratepayers, and those who had promised should pay, as formerly agreed upon. Mr E. Thomas suggested that all those present should pay LI each to meet the previous deficiency. Several ratepayers present objected to this course, as they had paid already L 5 each in some instances. Mr D. Wilson proposed, Mr Geo. Cole seconded, and it was carried—“ That a deputation be appointed to wait on the defaulters in order to obtain the outstanding amount due for water supply before any steps are taken with regard to the Council’s letter, and that Messrs Meredith, Wilson, and E. Thomas act as such deputation.” The Chairman thought that now the deputation was formed, they should hold another meeting, at which their report could be received, and then if they had not been successful, those present at the next meeting should subscribe equally to meet the deficiency then existing. Mr Richards proposed, and Mr Thomas seconded—“ That the adjourned meeting m water supply bo held on July 27th, in order to receive the report of the deputation. ” —Carried. The Chairman said the next business was to consider what should be done with reference to the encroachment of the Ashburton river in the neighborhood. Ho (

thought the time had come when protective works of some kind were urgently required, The races which were now made would eventually do great damage if not properly looked after. Owing to the state of the Road Hoard’s finances at the present time, and the division of the district, there were no funds available to cope with the grievance. Of course the Road Board would assist to a certain extent in protecting the roads. As a member on the Board for this part of the district, of course he would do his best to carry out the wishes of the ratepayers as far as possible. Mr David Wilson said that it was no use doing anything to the river unless it was of a permanent character. It would be found to be the best way to bring the district under the Canterbury Rivers Act and appoint a Board of Conservators. The Chairman said, with regard to the Rivers Act, a petition would have to be sent to the Governor and signed by two-thirds of the ratepayers The boundaries of the proposed distiict would have to be defined and published m the papers, in order that persons can oppose it if the boundaries proposed are unreasonable The Board could consist of not less than three members, who can receive remuneration for their duties, and they have the power to rate up to 2s iu the pound in certain cases. They had also power to borrow money on debentures in order to carry out works. A. desultory discussion then took place, and nothing further in this matter was done.

A vote of thanks to tho Chairman terminated the proceedings.