PUBLIC MEETING.

Dunstan Times, Issue 791, 15 June 1877, Page 3

PUBLIC MEETING.

A public meeting was held in the Library Hall, Alexandra, on Monday evening last, the 11th inst., to consider the action of the Government in abolishing the Licensing District of Alexandra, and merging same into Clyde. ' ' ' V ,'V James Samson, Esq., Mayor, who occupied the chair, after having read from the General Government Gazette the proclamation abolishing the district said, he had convened tho meeting deeming it desirable that the people who were immediately concerned should have an opportunity of expressing their opinion upon what he looked as a most unjust and harsh proceeding on the part ot the Government, Whether the change was made for the convenience of tho magistrate, or the clerk, or whom else he could not say, the fact remained, and he thought the people should not put up with it. The Municipal Council had taken action by writing a very strong letter to the Government, and it was for the people to take some similar action. The abolishing the Licensing Court was to be looked upon as the first step in abolishing the whole of the Courts. The Warden’s and Magistrate’s Courts at one time were weekly, then fortnightly, now monthly, and very shortly there will be none. The question was whether the people would submit to he dragged to Clyde upon every occasion they had Court business to transact, instead of being able to do so at home. He then referred to the Courts appointed for the revision of the County Roll, and said the Courts appointed were not convenient for those concerned. > Mr Forrest said, so far as he could see, it was a part of the centralising policy of the Government He agreed with the Chairman that the change was a most unjust one, and not by any means necessary. He thought that if a memorial, properly explaining the case, was sent to the Government they would reconsider their decision: It was a gross injustice to select one small town for centralising the business of a district, and whether that town was Alexandra, Clyde, or Cromwell, he would alike oppose it. Mr M‘Kersey thought the question should he dealt with on a broader basis, and that a delegate should be appointed to visit Blacks aid Teviot, convene public meetings, and enlist their assistance in crushing out the present centralising policy of the Government. The present system of attending to the Court business at both places gave anything hut satisfaction, and he felt assured both places would give their hearty support to any movement that would give them a readier means of doing their Court business. Mr Rivers coincided with former speakers regarding both the Licensing and Warden’s Courts. The latter, he said, specially demanded attention as, if the centralising policy was continued, tho people of Alexandra very shortly will have to go to Clyde for their miners’ rights, and to do all their other Court business. Mr Forrest proposed, and Mr Cameron seconded—That a Committee be appointed to draw up a memorial to the General Government, asking them to reconsider their decision with respect to abolishing the Alexandra Licensing Court. Carried. MrWm Beresford (one of the Licensing Commissioners for tho districts of Clyde and Alexandra) said he could not see either the hardship or inconvenience as there was but little probability of any fresh licenses being applied for, and as applicants for renewals had not necessarily to attend the Court, except iu cases where there were objections by the Police, and if a man did not keep his licensed house properly, it but served him right to be put to inconvenience. Mr T. Brown asked : Was the business to be done in the Warden’s Court sufficient to warrant tho attendance of the Warden oftener than once a mouth. He was of the opinion that it was not. Mr Theyers spoke against the action of tho Government. He looked upon it as merely the thin end of the wedge which, when driven home, would take all our Government officers from us and centreing everything in Clyde, to the injury of every other place. The people should enter a strong protest, and that without delay. Mr Beresford asked: If similar action were taken at Blacks and Roxburgh Would that better the condition of Alexandra ? If a Committee was appointed, ho thought they should take into consideration Mr Stout’s Local Option Bill. After some further discussion the following gentlemen were appointed a Committee: Messrs Rivers, Theyers, Forrest, M'Kerzie, Ratcliffe, and Ryan. Resolved--That the Chairman telegraph tho result of this meeting to tho Colonial Secictary. Mr M'Kerzie hoped the Corarhittee, before memorializing, wquld confer with Blacks and Roxburgh ip reference to. the sittings of the Warden’s Courts. Mr Rivers thought the people of Blacks and Roxburgh should fight their own battles. He would suggest, if it was concluded

that the business of tho Warden’s Court was not receiving duo attention or was being neglected, that the Warden should bo asked : to attend oftener. Mr M'Kerzie was satisfied that tho existing arrangements of monthly Courts did not give satisfaction. i.’ Mr Simmonds proposed, and Mr W. seconded—That the Committee act as they like with reference to tho Warden.—Carried. The meeting then closed with tho customary complimentary vote to tho Chair.