NORTH TOWNSHIP HIGHWAY.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume V, Issue 431, 28 October 1876, Page 3

NORTH TOWNSHIP HIGHWAY.

TO THE EDITOB. Sib,— ln your last issue appears a local, in which you say that owing to tbe litigation caused through the informality of the Annual Meeting, the present difficulty in Highway matters baa occurred, I cannot see this; tbe Annual Meeting has never been declared illegal, but quite the contrary ; it was perfectly legal, to prove which, the resignation of one of its members was accepted by the Superintendent (which resignation was illegally forwarded to him). When the dead lock (which Bhould never have taken place) occurred.l took the only proper and legitimate steps to set matters right, and every thing would have been in proper working order long ere tbis, had not unauthorised improper interference and letters written containing a misatatement of facts been Bent to the Super' intendenfc. I have been years Secretary to the Highway, and am thoroughly acquainted with the legal working of tbe Highway Act as well as Shire Councils, and I cannot see how the Superintendent can appoint ; tbe Batepayers did not fail to legally return five gentlemen, one of whom afterwards resigned, and a fresh election took place, and a gentleman again duly elected, afterwards ousted. The Superintendent can only appoint in case of failure at Annual Meeting, and should he \ confirm the resolution of the late Meeting, I am afraid it would only lead to further liti- . gation ; no doubt be sees this, hence the delay. The Ratepayers should have the ! matter fully enquired into for their own ! interests, and they will find' that I took the I proper course for the protection of those interests. At present, I myself, the Fence Viewers, and Auditors, (there is no Engineer) are tbe only offioera of the Highway, and I submit that all correspondence Bhould pass through me, and tbe office, I having tbe legal custody of all books, papers, and documents conneoted with tbe Highway, until a Board is eleoted. — I am, &c, James T. Bbadxey. Beo. T.N.T.H. Tauranga, 24th October, 1876.