Meeting of Pohangina Settlers

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 31, 30 August 1892, Page 2

Meeting of Pohangina Settlers

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.! There was a well attended meeting of Pohangina residents at the schoolhouse on Saturday to receive the report of Messrs Lucas and Arbon who were sent to Wellington to urge on the settlement of the separation question. Mr C. A. W. Hunt was voted to the chair, and called on Mr Lucas to address the meeting. Soon after their arrival in Wellington they met Mr J. G. Wilson, who informed them that the separation petition had received the Governor's assent. They spoke in warm terms of the attention received from our Member, Mr Bruce, and from Mr J. G. Wilson in getting introductions to the different luminaries they wished to speak with on various minor questions relating to separation, road board accounts, payment of thirds, etc. Mr Lucas said that he succeeded in explaining to them that the ward accounts of Kiwitea Road Board were quite distinct one from the other, and that therefore no hitch could arise in adjusting the final financial relations between Kiwitea and Pohangina. In reply to a question from the office relating to the appointment of a returning officer and clerk Mr Lucas at once suggested Mr Goodbehere, because of his thorough knowledge of the road board business. The appointment will probably be made and gazetted this week. The names of live gentlemen are spoken of as likely to be nominated for the wards, but it would be premature to mention them*. With regard to the payment of thirds Mr Lucas in an interview with the Commissioner of Crown Lands learnt that he was having forms printed, the signing of which by the settlers will authorise the payment of their thirds for interest on loans under Loans to Local Bodies Act. The Commissioner of Lands is advising the Government to put £500 on their estimates to make the road through the 1000 acres totara reserve, as it is Government property it cannot be supposed that the road would be made out of loan. Mr Lucas asked the Minister of Lands to put .£IOOO on the estimates tor the same road or suggesting the totara should be put in the market to pay the cost of roading. When separating the new board will have to take over two loans, Wanganui Harbor Board, £3,800, and Ruabine, £4,000. There are above £'300 of thirds due, and have not been applied for, principally from Ruahine. The Minister of Lands cast a few hints of a probable measure to do away with subsidies to local bodies, and instead, Government would pay all proceeds of land in new country to the local bodies for road making and opening up the land. Mr Lucas explained that in his opinion it would be a change in the right direction. As the law now stands a subsidy to one local body means the same to all, whether it is wanted or not. Road boards that have all their roads made and a big balance at the bank can still apply for a subsidy the same as a new country auch as the Pohangina that really stands in need. The new measure would therefore be a great saving to the Government. With regard to the poll for borrowing it was proposed to borrow sufficient for the necessary roads to start with even, if it was not all spent the first year. A polling booth for No 2 Ward was suggested

at Mr Adsett's sawmill. The new board has benefitted greatly by the individual exertions and time given by Mr Lucas to this public businecs. I have no doubt the public will show its appreciation in some public way. The cost of separation to the ratepayers is only £4 16s. Mr Lucas called for a vote of thanks to Messrs Bruce and Wilson M.H.R.'s for their assistance to the cause of separation, and, also, for the help they were to the deputation ia Wellington. — Seconded by Mr Arbon, and carried. Messrs Charter and Nelson took advantage of the meeting to attend and speak a few words to the settlers on the advantage that would accrue to them if a creamery was established in their midst, and asking them to form a committee. Any information on the subject could be obtained from Mr J. S. Freemau, Ashurst; and saying that they would be willing to attend on some other occasion when more time could bo given, and deliver a lecture on the subject.