Pohangina Notes.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 84, 6 October 1896, Page 2

Pohangina Notes.

A meeting of the ratepayers of the Tamaki Riding was held at Mr Phillpott's woolshed on Saturday last to select a candidate for the Riding and to discuss local affairs. The councillor for the district, Mr H. Fraser, wrote apologising for his absence. A good number of ratepayers were present and Mr F. Arbon, being voted to the chair, called npon the conveners, Messrs F. Gorringe and J. G. Browne, to address the meeting. Mr Browne spoke first at considerable length, discussing the County balance-sheet. He declared that the expenses of management last year amounted to 25 per cent, on the yearly income, and that the recent appointment of a clerk at Ll5O brought it up to at least 30 per cent, and that in the Tamaki Riding, owing to the disproportionate manner in which the expenses were apportioned, the Tamaki proportion of management expenses was 60 per cent, or 12s of every pound of revenue. The revenue for the County in all was something over L2OOO, while the management expenses tbis year, based on last year's balance-sheet with the addition of in* creased salary for clerk, would amount to L 728, so that, divided by seven (the way that these expenses are apportioned) this Riding, out of a revenue of Ll7B j would pay LlO4 for purely clerical ex ! qenses. He proposed that these expenses i should be borne by each ridiDg acoording to its valuation, and contended that the expenditure in this respect should be reduced, or no reduction in rates could be expected. He considered that a bye-law should be passed by the Council, by which, if necessary, a wheel tax might be levied upon waggons. Mr Gorringe then addressed the meeting, apologising for his inexperience as this was his first attempt. He said that in the main be agreed with the previous speaker, and if returned would do his best. Mr Gorringe was then proposed as a candidate b 3' Mr Phillpotts, and Mr Browne was proposed by Mr Richards. As a result of a show of hands Mr Gorringe received four and Mr Browne three votes, whereupon Mr Browne withdrew in Mr Gorringe's favor. Mr J. G. Browne will address the electore in the Pohangina Public Hall on Saturday, the 17th inst, in response to a requisition asking him to define his politics with the view of being asked to contest the Rangitikei seat in the Government interest. I understand Mr A. A. Wagstaff will address tbe ratepayers of the Pohangina Riding on the 24th inst. Next Council meeting, and the last of the Council as at present constituted, on 16th October. The Pohangina and Awahou schools will combine and hold a great concert and dance in aid of their general and prize funds on November 20. — Standard.