HERRIOT.

Clutha Leader, Volume IV, Issue 186, 1 February 1878, Page 6

HERRIOT.

A public meeting was held at Mr Cameron's, Heriot Hundred, on 22nd January. Mr Wm. M'Kay was called to the chair.

The Chairman explained that the meeting had been called to consider various matters affecting the district. Tbe first matter was to consider as to forming a railway committee, with a view to endeavouring to have the railway from Waipahi to Tapanui extended to Swift Creek. He also referred to the necessity of establishing a Road Board to attend to the roads in the district. This would also secure to tbem the certainty that their rates would be expended locally. There was another matter requiring attention, namely, the road to the wooded hill through Mr M'Kellar's property, which had been shut up. The mail service also was very unsatisfactory. At present the mail from Tapanui to Dunrobin arrived and departed the same day, so that settlers had no opportunity of replying for a week unless they rode fourteen miles to Tapanui. It was high time they had a bi-weekly service, and they should also ask that Mr Lomas be paid a salary for conducting tho duties of postmaster. With reference to the railway, be was glad to see Captain iMackenzie present, and he would ask him to e'ive tbe meeting the benefit of any explanations^

Captain Mackenzie explained that although he had attended the meeting, he had not come for the purpose of addressing them. He might, however,

mention that he. had received a letter from the Hon. Mr Macandrew, which he read, and in which it, was statpd that the line wonM'go to Kelso, and the survey would be commenced a t once, and renders for the work would be called for without delay. A vote of thanks was passed to Captain Mackenzie for the trouble he had taken in tbe matter. A resolution was passed expressing the satisfaction of tbe settlers with the railway being, extended to Kelso. It was considered unnecessary to appoint a railway committee. The matter of a Koad Board was discussed, and it was agreed not to take steps for establishing a Board in the meantime. It was agreed that a deputation consisting of Messrs M'Kay and Lomas should wait upon Mr M'Kollar with reference to the road to the wooded bill. It was resolved that a petition be forwarded to the chief postmaster, praying tbat a bi-weekly mail service, be established in the district; also, asking that a mail be left at. Swift Creek for the convenience of settlers in that district. After some further business of a routine nature the mf-erina* separated.