PUBLIC MEETING AT PORT CHALMERS.

Evening Star, Issue 4131, 24 May 1876, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING AT PORT CHALMERS.

A public meeting was held last evening in Crickmorc’s Koval Assembly Rooms, Port Cbalmers, to take into consideration the of a Volunteer Fire Brigade, and the procuring of a new s.te for a Cemetery. There was a large attendance of ratep iyera, and the Mayor occupied the chair. The Chairman, after explaining the objects of the meeting, stated that in all probability the water would be brought into the town in the course of two or three months, and it was now deemed advisable that steps should be taken to form a fire brigade. The time had also arrived when steps should be taken for procuring a new site for a Cemetery, as in all probability the old one would be dosed in less than twelve months. He then cal ted upon Mr David Mtt.lkr, who, in moving the first resolution, stated that it eras now about eight years since the subject of supplying the Port with water was mooted, but he was happy to say that the long-wished-for time had almost arrived, as within three months they would be in possession of that privilege. Although the Port had been free from fires, which was a good sign of the prosperity of the place, it was high time that a brigade should be formed, and that the members should be able to have a little practice before the water was brought in. lie stated that an old Dunedin captain would be willing to instruct the members once a-week without pay, and intimated that he himself intended, at the next meet ing of the Council, to move that a sura of Ll'iO should be voted towards purchasing the plant required. He moved— ‘ ‘ That it is the opinion of this meeting that a Volunteer Fire Brigade be formed, and that a committee, consisting of six, bo chosen from this meeting to carry it into effect.” <

The resolution was seconded by Mr Wm Reid and carried.

The following.gentlemen were then elected as the Committee of Management:—Messrs Kermond, T. Thompson, J, Joyce, C. de Longville Graham, G. Reid, A. M‘Gregor, and the Mayor, ex officio. Mr Murray moved the second resolution —“That it is the opinion of this meeting that the Brigade consist of a captain and fifteen members, and that the Committee have power to select members and get subscriptions from the insurance companies and the public.” Seconded by Mr Bowj ing and earned.

Mr J. Joyce moved, and Mr Murray seconded, “That the committee submit a report to a public meeting to be held in a fortnight as to the probable cost of plant and any other information,” which was also carried.

The Chairman next called attention to the advisability of procuring another sitefer a cemetery, and in the course of his remarks stated that if no other site was available than a portion of the Town Belt, in all probability a Bill would be required to be passed at the Assembly, and it would be as well to acquaint the member for the Port before he proceeded to Wellington. Mr W. Reid stated that he had suggested the calling of a public meeting, as the Council was not in a position to deal with the matter.

In answer to a question by Mr D. Law, as to how much ground the Government had -aken from the cemetery for railway purposes, the Chairman stated that he believed about a quarter-acre. Mr Murray moved, and Mr LAWseconded, “That the Council send in a claim to the General Government for compensation for the damage sustained by the railway passing through the Cemetery and Town Belt,” which was carried.

In answer to Mr Law, the Chairman stated he believed that ten acres of land tit for a Cemetery would cost LI,OOO. A motion by Mr Miller, “ That tenders be called from parties ■willing to sell from ten to twenty acres within one and % half mile from town,” was lost. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the meeting.