AMALGAMATION PROPOSALS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 450, 21 June 1902, Page 3

AMALGAMATION PROPOSALS.

COMMITTEE INTERVIEW MR CARROLL.

. The Amalgamation Committee yesterday waited upon the Hon. J. Carroll and laid before him the position with regard to the petition sent to Wellington for the amalgamation of the suburbs with Gisborne. Tho following members were present: Messrs Matthewson (in tbo chair), Bright, Harris, Harding, Lysnar. Mr A. F. Matthews also formed one of the deputation. Mr Matthewson recapitulated the steps that had been taken from the outset in favor of amalgamation, and urged Mr Carroll, not in his official capacity as a Minister, but as a member for the district, to do all that ho could to get a commission set up to inquire into all matters affecting both tho petition for as well as that against amalgamation. Mr Matthewson remarked that there had been many harsh things said through tho Press of late, but these wero due to the laxity of tho Government in not replying to chc various communications that had been sent to them. Ho did not think that it was prudent at tho present stage to go into the pros and cons of tho matter. These could very well be left to the commission to deal with. All that tho Committee desired was that a commission should bo set up, and that everything should be thoroughly understood. He hope I Mr Carroll would do all he could to see that this was done.

Mr Bright followed in the same strain as tho Chairman. He dwelt on the necessity of sotting up a commission to enquire into tho petitions. He quoted the section of the Act referring to tho matter, and concluded with a few remarks favoring amalgamation. Mr Matthews was the next speaker. He claimed that he represented those who wore opposed to amalgamation. As far as Whataupoko was concerned, the majority of ratepayers affected by the proposals had signed against amalgamation. He contended that everyone who was affected by tho Act had a right to object to the petition. Tho number of residents in Whataupoko who opposed amalgamation was increasing every day, and would continue to do so. He did not think the Government had a right to interfere in a matter between ratepayers, and things should be allowed to remain as thoy were. One great reason that prompted him to opposo amalgamation of tho suburbs with Gisborne, was the question of roading in tho suburbs. Some of the settlers in tho suburbs were at present beyond the town boundary, and they were able to cut up tbeir lands without going to heavy expense in roading it. If amalgamation were carried, it would bring them within the radius, and they would be prevented from cutting up their properties on account of the heavy cost of roading. Mr W. D. Lyanar said that if there was anything that Bhowed the necessity for a commission being set up it was Mr Matthews' own remarks in regard to tho Government not interfering in tho matter. He (Mr Lysnar) contended that the Government had already interfered by usurping the power of the Act and not setting up a commission to inquire into both petitions. He hoped Mr Carroll would do all in his power to seo that a commission was set up. He strongly urged tho need of amalgamation of ihe suburbs with the Borough, and concluded by stating that nevor until a commission was set up to inquire into the pros and cons of the matter would people properly understand it, neither would they be satisfied.

Mr Harding said that he had not taken an active part at the commencement, aud was rather suspicious about the way matters were going. He considered that until a commission was set up and the matter gone into the public mind would not be set at rest. On his part ho would he quite prepared to abide by tho result of the commission.

Mr Harris pointed out that Mr Matthews’ remarks in regard to the ratepayers of Whataupoko could not apply to Haiti. In the latter suburb there wero threefourths of the inhabitants in favor of amalgamrtion. He urged upon Mr Carroll to see that a commission was set up. Mr Carroll stated that he would represent tho views of both sides fairly and impartially to the Colonial Secretary. His personal opinion was that no harm could come from a full investigation. Ho would ask the Colonial Secretary for a copy of the counter petition. Both sides had, he said, stated their case clearly, and they would [receive every consideration. Up to the present he had not done anything in regard to amalgamation. Papers had been referred to him, and he minuted oh them that be had no recommendation to make. But now the position was different, and he would see that the matter had full investigation. A vote of thanks to Mr Carroll was proposed by Mr Matthewson, and seconded by Mr Matthews, who said that if amalgamation took place, he hoped they would join heartily in trying to push ths place ahead, and that there would not be so much contention as there was over the band rotunda site. •%