GREATER CHRISTCHURCH

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11510, 17 February 1903, Page 8

GREATER CHRISTCHURCH

ECHOES FROM SYDENHAM.

Two "Greater Christchurch" topics were discussed by the Sydenham Borough Council at its meeting last night. The first was relative to the conference of delegates convened at the request of the Mayor of Linwood, and the second concerned the petition to be sent to the Governor, praying for amalgamation.

The City Town Clerk wrote, stating that at the request of the Mayor of Linwood, a meeting of delegates from the City Council, and tlie Borough Councils of Linwood, St. Albans, and Sydenham, would be held at the City Council Chambers on Tuesday evening, February 17th. The Council also invited Sydenham to send three delegates.

Cr. Smith moved that four delegates be appointed. Cr. McMeekan considered that five should be appointed, seeing that Linwood were sending three. He suggested that instructions should be given to the delegates as to the proportion of representatives, and as to the names of the wards.

Cr. Johnson moved that five delegates should be appointed. Cr. Hadfield did not feel inclined to go beyond the number mentioned in the invitation from the Mayor of Christchurch. If Linwood's proposal relative to a change in representation was adopted, it would be a breach of faith with the public generally. The proportion had been fixed before the Greater Christchurch poll had been carried. He thought that the city would support the representation as already fixed—viz., that Sydenham should have four representatives, and St. Albans and Linwood two each.

Cr. Forrester agreed with Cr. Hadfield that the City Council would object to any alteration in the fixed proportion of representatives. He thought that only the three delegates should be elected. Tlie Mayor said after the poll had been taken, an objection had been received from Linwood as to the representation. The poll had been taken on the basis fixed before, and it was not for Linwood to attempt to vary the arrangement. Cr. Johnson, with the leave of the Council, withdrew his motion, and Cr. Smith withdrew his.

It was then decided that the Mayor, Crs. Hadfield and Forrester should be appointed delegates to attend the Conference. At a later stage of the meeting Cr. Hadfield moved—"That a petition be presented to the Governor in Council, praying that the borough be_ united with the city of Christchurch, and' the boroughs of St. Albans and Linwood in accordance with the decision of the electors of this borough, on February- 4th." The motion was seconded by Cr. Clifford.

Cr. Johnson said there was no object to be gained by forcing the motion that night. It would be quite soon enough to pass it when the Council had heard the opinions of the delegates who attended the Conference to be held the next evening. The Council had got to " face the music," and there would be no object gained by rushing into a thing they were all so totally end bitterly opposed to. Cr. Jones said the last two Bpeakers did not seem to take the verdict of the burgesses with very good grace. He himself held the opinion that a mistake had been made, but the burgesses had made it, and the Council would have to abide by the decision of the burgesses. The Mayor said there waa nothing to be gained by delay. As a matter of fact amalgamation would take place whether the Council petitioned the Governor or not. He thought the Council should carry out the wishes of the ratepayers. The motion was then put and carried, Crs. Johnson and Bowden dissenting.