DEPUTATIGN.

Dunstan Times, Issue 735, 19 May 1876, Page 2

DEPUTATIGN.

— o— Mayor and Members of the Town Conned of Clyde, as a deputation, waited on Vincent Pyke, Esq., M.H.R. on Monday afternoon last in the Clyde Library, B. Naylor, Esq., Mayor, said the assistance of Mr Pyke was required in the matter of Works connected with the Clyde Bridge; he explained that at the time negotiations were pending between the Provincial Government and the Clyde Council, relative to the construction of the Clyde Bridge, and during an interview Mr Hazlett, M.P.C and he had with the Provincial Executive, his Honor the Superintendent distinctly promised that if the Clyde Council constructed the Bridge, the Government would among other things, make the road from Nieper’s Hotel, Butcher’s Gully, to it. Nothing further had been done than the calling for tenders, and it was the desire of the Council that he Mr Pyke should use his influence with the Government in having the work proceeded with. Ho said without the road referred to, the Bridge would not he of the public utility it was contemplated, and ho might further say it was very questionable that—if the Government had not given their consent the road would bo made—the Corporation of Clyde would have undertaken the responsibility they had. The cost to the Council by the time the Bridge is open for traffic, including supervising the construction, tool-house, and other necessary extras not laid down in the plans and specifications, will not bo far short (if any) of LCOIIO. Another matter was the direct loss to the Council, caused by the delay of the Government in not carrying out their part of the compact and completing the approaches hy the time the Bridge was finished. The Bridge itself

would have boon, or, ho might say, was completed within the contract time, Ist of February, and yet it could not be opened for trafho, through tho non-completion of the approaches, till the Ist of June. It will therefore be seen that the Council is at a direct loss of tho interest they pay on the amount advanced to tho contractor from the Ist of February to tho Ist of June, besides the overplus of tolls over and above tho interest and working expenses. Tho Council would also ask Mr Pyke’s assistance in being recouped for this loss. Mr Pyko in replying said—From the peculiar attitude taken by his Honor tho .Superintendent and his Executive, he had but faint hopes of getting tho work done by tho Provincial Government; ho, however, would give what assistance was in his power, he would write by the next mail to the Premier, Sir Julius Vogel, on the subject, asking his aid. Regarding the matter of interest ho was afraid the Council would have to suffer the loss with the best possible grace they could. Cr Facho would take the opportunity of asking Mr Pyke for an expression of opinion on matters political. Mr Pyko said he had not the most remote doubt but that Hie Abolition Act of last session would bo confirmed in the coming one, but to form an idea as to what further would be done ho could not, as, from his experience of New Zealand legislation, it was nothing but a series of dramatic changes taking everyone by surpri e; however, with abolition of the provinces would follow the constituting of counties, but as counties with one or two, or even more, municipalities dotted through them would never work, he was in favor of the municipalitieswerging into the counties, not that it should be compulsory, bub to be the result of a vote by the majority of the citizens. He had, while at Cromwell, mooted tho formation of what might be styled “ Local Political Protection Leagues” throughout the district, whose duty it would be to watch the political horizon, and to communicate with their member. Such bodies being elected would have great weight, and materially assist their member; be bad proposed that the Cromwell League should embrace Bannockburn and Bendigo, and he would suggest another for this portion of the Dunstan district, which should embrace Clyde, Alexandra and district, Blacks, Drybread, and Tinker’s Gully and district, and be thought the two, on many questions which would arise affecting the general welfare of the people, could work in unison ; in fact, if on all things they would but act in unison, they would not only strengthen their own hands but his also. He was to be present at a public meeting at Cromwell on Saturday next, to further discuss this question, and he was willing to be present at any similar meeting to be held in Clyde. The Mayor said he thoroughly endorsed the suggestion of Mr Pyke. and would call a public meeting for the purpose for any day that would suit Mr Pyke. Mr Pyke said he would let the Mayor know when it would suit him. There being no further business the deputation, after thanking Mr Pyke for the courteous and candid manner he had met them, withdrew.