MEETING AT SANDRIDGE.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1355, 18 June 1878, Page 3

MEETING AT SANDRIDGE.

A meeting of the ratepayers of Sydenham, resident in Clarkson's paddock, relative to the formation of the streets in the district, was held last evening at Sandridge, when there was a large attendance. The business of the evening was to receive the report of the committee appointed at last meeting. Mr McSherry was elected to the chair. The minutes of the former meeting were confirmed.

A letter was read from the Sydenham Borough Council to the effect that the Council could not comply with the request of the ratepayers of Clarkson's paddock to levy a separate rate for the formation of the streets in the district, unless 50 per cent, towards the cost of metalling along with the rate for formation was contributed by the owners and residents. That the Borough clerk had been directed to form an estimate of the cost of forming, bridging, and metalling the Btreets and that notice be served on the owners of land for their share of the cost. Tenders to be oalled for the work when the rates were paid. Mr Moffat then gave a report of what had taken place since last meeting. Consequent on the favorable report furnished by Mr Cuthbert, the committee had interviewed the Council on the usual night of meeting. The Mayor then referred them to the chairman of the works committee whose report was to the same effect as the letter just read from the Borough Clerk. It was for the meeting that evening to decide on what further steps should be taken in the matter.

After some desultory conversation, Mr Martin moved the following resolution — "That, in the opinion of this meeting, the action recently taken by the Sydenham Borough Council in adopting the report of the works committee with respect to the formation of streets in Clarkson's paddock is highly injurious to the advancement, promotion of settlement, and general welfa-e of the district." In moving this resolution, Mr Martin referred to the various schemes that had been laid before the residents of the district for the formation of the streets. It appeared that overtures had been n ade by the Heathcote Road Board, but matte) s being then in a transitional state, nothing had been done till lately, when a committee was formed and application made to the Sydenham Borough Council to take over the streets. The anewer received was to the effect that when the streets were dedicated the residents were to communicate with the Council. Having aated on this advice, the committee prepared a list of residents and owners of property in the district, the great majority of whom expressed themselves willing to meet the necessary expenditure for the formation of the Btreets. To their surprise his Worship, on the ad vice of the works committee, stated that he could not receive the memorial. He maintained that the works oommittee had treated the residents of this district very unfairly. The resolution was seconded by Mr Moffat, and carried unanimously. Mr Weir then proposed—" That a respectful address be presented.to the Sydenham Borough Council, asking them to reconsider the works committee's report with respect to the formation of streets in Sandridge."

Mr J. Mill e seconded this resolution. He thought that this was the only instance in which a section of the ratepayers of a district had been asked to contribute 50 per cent, towards the metalling of streets. It would be rircullected that the chairman of the works committee had on one occasion aßked the Heathcote Koad Board to shingle tv private street in which he was interested. It was a well known fact that tyadeamen had refused to come intio the district owing to the bad state of the streets. This resolution was carried.

Mr Haig proposed, and Mr Smith seconded —.-" That this meeting decline to have the streets formed on the basis of 50 per cent, of the cost for metalling being added to the cost of formation." Carried.

The last resolution was proponed by Mr Cain, and seconded by Mr Yeats —" That a committee be appointed to give effect to the foregoing resolution, with power to take what further action in this matter tlioy may coneider expedient, and to report at next meeting." This resolution being carried, the following gentlemen were elected : —Messrs McSherry, Innes, Parson, Moffatt, Jackson, jun., Olliver, and Milne. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting.