PUBLIC MEETING AT WALTHAM.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 335, 9 July 1875, Page 4

PUBLIC MEETING AT WALTHAM.

•- On ' Wednesday evening a numerouslyattended meeting of the ratepayers of Waltham was held in the Waltham Hotel, to receive the report of the deputation appointed to wait upon the Heathcote Board,' with the view of obtaining the formation of roads, &e., through that portion of Waltham lying between the Railway and Going’s road. The chair was occupied by Mr J. Whitelaw, who, in introducing the business of the evening, said that while he had great pleasure in taking the chair, his interest was more that of a neighbor or onlooker in the present case than anything else. He had not signed the requisition to the Board, as he had no frontage on any of the roads sought to be formed. At the same time, the immediate formation and drainage of these roads was a matter of the utmost importance, not only to those who were forced to use them, but to every householder in the district. He pitied the former in their present plight, and as one who had taken his share in getting the roads of the older portion of Waltham placed under the control of the Board, he had rejoiced in hearing that they had moved in the same direction. He was not aware until this forenoon that the Road Board were not proceeding on the same footing as they used to do in carrying out the work. Upon being informed such was not the case, his interest was aroused to learn the grounds upon which the Board declined. He was not aware that any change had been made in the Ordinance under which they worked since 1872, and he was curious to know how it came to pass that they had not power now to rate for road making, when under the same Act they enforced a special rate for the construction of our now famous drain. There could be no doubt whatever as to the roads proving a useful work, although from the first there had been not a few who doubted the wisdom of the drain. He entertained too much respect for the gentlemen who constituted their present Road Board, to join in any groundless cry about unfairness to this portion of the district, but he thought if the Board either could not or would not undertake such a work on the expressed willingness of those requiring it to pay for it, in terms of the Oniiuuuco, it was time to consider the cost of their connection with such a body. He would now call upon Messrs Burberry and Leigh, whose names appeared at the bottom of the advertisement calling this meeting, to explain the business they wished to bring before it. Mr Burberry explained the action taken by Mr Leigh and himself in obtaining signatures to the petition, requesting the Heathcote Road Board to strike a special rate for the purpose of forming the streets or roads through section 79. While the work had been undertaken by his colleague and himself as a labor of love, it had turned out to be one of no little adventure. The recent heavy rains bad so transformed the locality that, instead of the usual roads, they were confronted by mudholes and ditches. The place seemed an endless series of lagoons, the several houses wearing the air of detached settlements, communication between which would have been greatly improved by the aid of a canoe- Thinking, however, all would be right with the completion of this part of their task, they had plodded on. and with a full complement of names upon their sheet, had confidently waited apon the Board. Here, however, they were doomed to disappointment. The Board, while granting them full hearing, and treating them courteously, at the same time gave them to understand they had no power to form the roads as requested. They had passed a bye-law to the effect that they would in future take over no new roads until formed by and at the expense of the inhabitants requiring them. This was in effect, though not in exact words, their answer. In fact, they were given to understand, that the Board were notin a position to receive them until they were formed, nor form them until they were received. They would, however, cause them to be measured, and an estimate of the cost of formation made by their foreman of works. They would also carry out the work if the sum required was placed in their bands within one month from that time. It was subsequently arranged, after the estimate of cost of formation —viz., 35s per chain, was given in, that Mr Leigh should act as collector of the money. The contributions as arranged then, was to be made on the basis of length of frontage, at the rate of 17s 6d per chain. These were the heads of what they had done in the matter, and they considered it was better that they should lay the matter now before you, as they plainly see that it would be almost impossible to proceed on this footing.

Mr Leigh endorsed the statements made by Mr Bdrberry, adding that the Board gave thfem to understand that they had no power whatever to undertake the work on any other footing. Mr Burberry moved, and MrLeigh seconded —“ That the work be proceeded with, but that the contribution be at per allotment instead of at per chain, as proposed by the Board.” This would, he considered, be fairer, and 21s for each intermediate, and 35s for each corner section, would produce a similar amount to that raised by the other method.

The chairman said that it appeared to him some misunderstanding existed in connection with the thing, either on the part of the Board or on that of the deputation. Before beginning further liscussion on the motion proposed, he would, with their permission, read to them those clauses contained in the Canterbury Beads Ordinance, 1872, under Which similar 1 works had been executed. These clauses, although repealed in the Roads Amendment Ordinance of the same year, had been re-enacted therein, and, as be took it, remained now in force. If such were the correct interpretation, the action of the Board would point to the conclusion that a bye-law had been made by them which virtually overrode the Act. Such he thought unlikely, as if true it reduced us in our present condition to be dependants on the caprice of the Board, and made not only pay for the work, but actually do the Board’s work in collecting the money. In addition to this the Board forced us to undertake a public work by private subscription (for that was what it amounted to), instead of their doing it by special rate, in the manner provided by the Ordinance. A long discussion ensued. Several amendments being proposed and withdrawn, in the course of which it transpired that the right and title to the land of the roads had not been transmitted to the Board, although it had been conveyed to the Superintendent. Ultimately the following resolutions were agreed to unanimously—Moved by Mr Jones, ind leoonded by lit Crowley ; " That in the

opinion of this meeting his Honor the Superintendent should be communicated with, respectfully requesting him to furnish such instructions or powers as may be required from him to constitute the roads on section 79, recently dedicated to his Honor a part of the public property, or trust, of the Heathcote Road Board,” Mr Burberry having, by permission, withdrawn his original motion, proposed—“ That after hearing the report submitted by the deputation recently before the Heathcote Road Board, re formation of roads on section 79, Waltham, this meeting respectfully requests the Board’s reconsideration of their decision, and would solicit their attention to section 60 of the Canterbury Roads Ordinance, 1872, in reference to formation, &c, of roads, and hope that as the work is of urgent necessity on sanitary grounds, they will strike a special rate, and have the work put in hand with the least possible delay.” Mr Leigh seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. It was proposed by Mr Crowley—“ That upon being informed of his Honor’s notification to the Board of the dedication of the roads, a deputation from this meeting, consisting of Messrs Burberry, Leigh, and Jones, wait upon the Board in support of the above resolution.” This having been seconded, and carried unanimously, a vote of thanks to the former deputation for their services, and to the chairman, terminated the proceedings.