BLACK’S.

Dunstan Times, Issue 427, 24 June 1870, Page 2

BLACK’S.

A CORRESPONDENT.) June 2l

A public meeting was held at Laybold’a Hotel, on tbe evening of tbe 16tb instant, for the purpose of obtaining an expression of opinion on several questions affecting the general welfare of the district. About forty persons were present. Dr. Niven was unanimously voted to the chair, and Mr. Francis Murphy was appointed Secretary. The Chairman, in opening the meeting, said that as it was intended to embody the resolutions passed in a memorial to his Honor thh Superintendent, he hoped the various matters brought forward would be discussed dispassionately. The questions to receive their consideration were : The removal of the township ; the appointment of a resident Gold Receiver ; a bridge across Ihe Manuherikia; the state of the road between the crossings;) the mail service j and other matters.

Mr. Cheeseraan said he could not see the necessity of removing the township. The removal was urged by some on the ground of its being very rich in gold. Me woi.l I disibuse their minds on that point. Years ago he had thoroughly tested the ground with shafts and tail races and found nothing payable. None would be benefitte tby the removal; hut the storekeepers and tradesmen would be ruined if compelled to remove. He was aware that a township was surveyed on the west bank of the Manuherikia. The object of the meeting was to prevent, i! possible, the removal of the Government buildings there, and to repve' sent to the Government the necessity of a bridge across the river for the convenience of those residing on the west side. If it was concluded that the present site was detrimental to the mining interests there was no neces-ity to remove it beyond the river, as there are spots that would not interfere with either mining or agriculture on the east side available for a towship, and he would move, That, in the opinion of this meeting, if it is deemed desirable to remove the present township, that a fresh survey be made on the east side of the river and offered for sale; and also that the sum of tnoney placed on the estimates for building a bridge across the Manuherikia at the Gorge be at once expended for that purpose. Seconded by Mr. Wotherspoon. Mr. Hunt proposed as an amendment, That it is desirable that the present township should be removed, and that the Government be recommended to take steps accordingly. Seconded by Mr. M'Nally. The motion was carried, Proposed by Mr. Hunt, seconded by Mr. M‘Nully, That the Government be petitioned to have the Court-house and Government buildings reiiloved to the surveyed township on the west side of the Manuherikia, and that a resident Gold Receiver and Clerk be appointed to the district.

Mr. Pitches said the convenience of the district would not be suited by the removal of the Government buildings, but with regard to the appointment of a Resident Gold Receiver that was admitted on all sides, and, as an amendment, he would move, That the Government be petitioned to appoint a Resident Gold Receiver and Warden for Black’s District, and that the Government buildings remain as at present. Mr. Cheeseman seconded the motion, which was carried.

Proposed by Mr. Sinnamon, seconded by Mr. Pitches, That, from the irregular manner in which the mail contract to Black’s is performed, great inconvenience is experienced by the inhabitants, and that the Post-office authorities be informed of these irregularities. Carried, Several other matters were touched upon, after which a Committee was forined to draw up a memorial to his Honor the Superintendent embodying the foregoing resolutions,

The meeting then closed with the usual vote of thanks,