RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1717, 21 August 1879, Page 3

RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of ratepayers, convened by circular, was held in the Oddfellows' Hall last evening, for the purpose of forming a ratepayers' association for Ohristchuroh. There were about fifty present, and Mr W. Pratt was voted to the chair. The Chairman explained that the business before the meeting dealt with matter* of great importance to the city. A number of influential gentlemen had considered that the time had arrived when some organisation should take place to prevent municipal matters drifting as they had done in the

pait. What was everybody's business was nobody's business, and hitherto matters had been loft to ohanoo. He proposed the first resolution—" That an association of the city for certain municipal purposes should be formed."

Mr Louisson seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. It was resolved to call it " The Ratepayers' Association for Christchurch." The Chairman said an association of this kind must have certain defined objects to be carried out, and after carefully weighing and considering tho subject, these had been made on as wide a basis as possible, so as not to bo exclusive or restrictive in any sense of the term; nor was it desirable that any undue influence should be brought to bear to fetter or bind the judgment of any individual or candidate.

Tho Chairman then proposed tho description of the association's objects as drawn up, and the clauses having been considered seriatim, the following amended form was agreed to :—"I. To form a combination of ratepayers to watch matters of municipal interest. 11. By combined action, to secure the election of members to the City Council who shall be nominated by the association. 111. To discuss any matter that may from time to time arise in connection with tho interests of the citizens."

The suggested constitution was next discussed, and the following resolved upon : - "I. That the association shall consist of a president, two vioo-preftidents, secretary and troasurer, a small working committee (day twelve), and a general body of members. 11. That all ratepayers shall bo eligible for membership. 111. |That members of tho association shall be— (a) Those persons to whom this circular is addressed (if they consent to join). (£) Any qualified person who is introduced by one member and seconded by a member of the committee, on payment of his subscription." The election of office-bearers resulted thus : —President, Mr W. Pratt; vice-presidents, Messrs L. E. Nathan and N. K. Chorrill ; secretary and treasurer, Mr W. Jamieson; committee—N.E. ward, Messrs O. Lawson, J. V. Ross, F. Trent; N.W. ward, Messrs F. Hobbs, W. R. Mitohell, and H. Thomson ; SE. ward, Messrs A. Cuff, R. Allan, and W. Savage ; S.W. ward, Messrs R. H. Wood, O. Kiver, and D. Reece.

The Chairman congratulated the meeting on havißg inaugurated what he considered a most important associaticn. It would take up matters that had hitherto been allowed to remain in a very unsatisfactory state, and the strong committee they had elected would call the members together at certain intervals to discuss matters.

A desultory discussion onsued regarding the relation of the association and members of the City Council, during which it was explained that the association would endeavor to secure the return of the best men, but would not interfere with them while in power. The meeting passed a vote of thanks to the chairman and adjourned.