Meeting of Burgesses

Feilding Star, Volume XII, Issue 67, 22 November 1890, Page 2

Meeting of Burgesses

The public meeting last night m the Assembly Rooms called by Mr Peter Thomson, for the purpose of considering the Borough Council's proposals anent diverting the main roads which pass through Manchester Square, was largely attended, lt was estimated that between 150 and 200 burgussea and others were present. The Mayor, Mr F. Y. Lethbridge, presided, and introduced Mr Peter Thomson. He hoped that the meeting would not be rowdy, as they ought to consider the question in an impartial spirit. Mr Thomson, who was greeted with applause, explained his reason for calling the meeting. He did not believe in abusing the Councillors, because theirs was a thankless office, but as some of them had informed him that the proposed work was going to be carried out whether the ratepayers liked it or not, he considered it was the best pLin to call them together to obiect to their money being frittered away m needless works. He then read a petition to the Council drawn up and signed by upwards of fifty ratepayers, Afcer dilating on the disadvantages the proposed work would cause, Mr Thomson proposed, and Mr W. D. Nicholas seconded the following proposition : — That with reference to the Borough Council's proposals for the diviation of Kimbolton road and Manchester street at Manchester Square, passed at a special meeting of the Council on November 14, 1890, this meeting is strongly opposed to such diviation, and fully endorses the reasons for objection as set forth in the petition to be presented to the council on the subject. Mr Lethbridge, speaking to the resolution, thought that the Council would not press the deviation if the ratepayers were ! against it. In company with others he considered the work would improve the condition of the Square, and as to fencing in the four corners it would simply be ridiculous. The projected scheme left any amount of room for traffic, whde footpaths would be constructed through the centre of the Square. Mr Sandilands gave a detailed account of the commencement of the movement, which he upheld. By the original plan of the Feilding township it was clearly shown that no roads were intended to pass through either Manchester or Denbigh Squares. The roads were marked to pass round, thus leaving a proper square for ornamentation work. He explained the Council's action, and showed by the Act it was necessary to publish their proposals, so tbat the ratepayers might express their opinions on the subject. £40 or £'50 would cover the cost of the whole of the work, which was not such a large sum, considering that it would be an improvement to the appearance of the town. But as such opposition had been shown, he for one was willing not to proceed further with the scheme. Messrs Elliot, Lyne and Wickham did not care about seeing their money frittered away on follies. Mr Taylor brought up the action of the Council refusing to culvert the ditch opposite his premises when he offered to do the filling in. The work was one that should be done, as it was dangerous to the children attending the State School, while his own children had fallen into the ditch. The Council could not entertain his request, but could find funds for ornamenting the Square. Mr P. Thomson instanced the effort that was made about five years ago to obtain the same work, viz., ornamenting ihe Square, as beiug a failure, and so would this be. (Laughter.) He understood the reason the former movement dropped through was that it was illegal, his information being authentic. An experienced man had informed him that it would take .£2OO to make the proposed work complet e, which sum would make it an expensive Square, r "*»* .£2OO had already been spe* ofthe loan. Mr Haybittle aske' X) had been spent for works ii which question Mr Thomson wuu .jwer •' tomorrow." In continuing his remarks, Mr Thomson laid stress on the five bridges which required attending to by the Council before indulging in ornamentation work. He considered that the Kiwitea bridge ought to be the first to be looked after as it was one of the main approaches to the town. On Mr Thomson's motion being put it was carried unanimously. Proposed by Mr Nicholas, seconded by Mr Worsfold, That a deputation from this meeting, consisting of Messrs P. Thomson, Worsfold, Carr and the mover, be appointed to wait on the Council in connection with the proposed deviation.— Carried. Proposed by Dr Monckton, seconded by Mr Carr, That this meeting tender Mr Thomson a vote of thanks and confidence for his action. — Carried. The usual vote of thanks to the chair closed the meeting.