PUBLIC MEETING AT CLYDE. ALEXANDRA TOWN COUNCIL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 339, 23 October 1868, Page 3

PUBLIC MEETING AT CLYDE.

ALEXANDRA TOWN COUNCIL.

A Public Meeting of the Ratepayers of Clyde was held in the Council Chambers on Friday evening last the 16th inst. for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of building a new Town HallThe Mayor, J. Hazlett Esq. J. P. occupied the Chair, opened the proceedings by reading the requisition calling upon him to convene the meeting, requested some of the gentlemen signing the requisition to address the persons present. Mr. R. Barlow said on account of the disagreement in the Council respecting the building of a Town Hall, involving the expenditure of so large a sum of money as £I,OOO, ho, with others considered that the ratepayers were entitled to have a voice in the matter, and if possible by an expression of opinion lead the alTair to a satisfactory issue. It was much to be deplored that the necessity arose to compel the ratepayers to raise their voices on a question that belongs by right to the Council, but as so much acrimonious feeling existed between members of the Council, and groat irregularities had taken place, the ratepayers felt it incumbent on them to act for themselves Ibe necessity for a Town Hall was agreed by all, but the site was the cause of the contention, and be, .Mr. Barlow felt assured that the majority of the ratepayers were in favor of the present site, Proposed “ That this meeting hog to express its appreciation of the conduct of the Mayor and those of the Councillors who voted for the building of the now Town Hall on the site now occupied, and that the same he carries! into effect. Mr. Beck seconded the resolution, and said,- lie perfectly agreed with the remarks of the last speaker. A very large amount of money was about to be expended thought that those who had contributed in the shape of taxes should be allowed a word in the disposal of the money ; he considered the site now occupied, the best for the new Town Hall A good building erected in the middle of the Town would benefit all, and improve the value of property. The motion was put to the meeting and carried unanimously. Mr. Hucston proposed, That this meeting request the Mayor and Councillors to accept the resignation of Cr. Feraud, seconded by Mr. Clark and Carried. Mr. Patterson rose and said, Tie proceedings of some of the Councillors had been most irregular; meetings had been held, at which resolutions passed at former meetings were rescinded. He would propose, That the Mayor instruct the Town Clerk not to insert in the minute book of the Council the minutes of the irregular meeting of Councillors hold on the 15th inst.; seconded by Mr. Barlow. Mr. W. L. Bailey sail, The ratepayers had nothing whatever to do with the question they were discussing, if the Councillors disagreed among themselves it was nothing to do with them, the Councillors were elected, and during tbeip term of office no one.had right to question their acts, if the ratepayers were not satisfied with their representatives, call upon them to resign, that was the enntee .to pursue, not attempt to coerce them 'at' a public meeting. As he considered the whole of the proceedings most irregular, ho would propose, That this meet ing has no power to interfere with the re[ presentatives (the Council) with regard to its entry of minutes, and trust the Council has not exceeded its duty in respect to the Town Hall. There being no seconder for the amend, ment the original motion was put and carried. Mr. M'Connochie and several other gentlemen also spoke. The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the '■hair.

A special meeting of the Council was held on Thursday the 15th Inst., for the purpose of taking into consideration the repeated absences of Mr. Warden Pyke from his duties at Alexandra. Present: the Mayor a'id full Council. The Mayor stated the object of the Meeting. The following resolut ion was put and received, That the Town Clerk write to hji 8 Honsrthe Superintendent, calling his atten. tion to to the repeated absences of Mr. Warden Pyke, and tofstaterthat he has only visited Alexandra twice sincethe 19th Sept., a period of seven weeks come next advertised Cuurt day on the 26th inst., also, that in consequence of such absences, one of the credges has been off work for si.ice days and various parties have been unable to obtain summonses or even miners' lights. The Town Clerk was also instructed to state to his Honor that a visit of the Warden at least once a week, is absolutely necessary to overtake tka business that aeeumu lates during th'it time. A vote of thanks to the chair concluded the proceedings.