PUBLIC MEETING AT SOUTHBRIDGE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 202, 17 August 1880, Page 3

PUBLIC MEETING AT SOUTHBRIDGE.

A public meeting of the inhabitants of Southbridge was held at the Royal Hotel on Saturday evening last, to consider the advisability of taking steps to prevent the proposed amalgamation of the post and telegraph offices with the railway station. There was a large attendance of influential business men, besides a fair representation of the general public. Mr J. R. Campbell, JP. having been voted to the chair, explained the object of the meeting. Mr Cameron proposed the first resolution as follows“ That a petition be forwarded to the Hon. John Hall, drawing his attention to the fact that, although a small community, we learn from published statistics that the telegraph office at Southbridge pays as well in proportion to the population as do much larger places, viz.:—Christchurch, Napier, Wellington, &c., which still enjoy the privilege of having their telegrams sent at the old rates, and pray that this town may be placed on the same favorable footing as others throughout the colony.” Mr P. De Ridder seconded the proposition, which having been spoken to and supported to by Messrs R. T. Webb, Stavely, Des borough and others, was carried without a dissentient. Mr Webb then moved—“ That in anticipation of tile rumored amalgamation of the postal, telegraph and railway departments here, the attention of onr member be drawn to the fact that the time of the officers in charge of the various departments here is fully occupied, and that any attempt at amalgamation will be -very detrimental to the public interest.” Mr Wanchop seconded the motion, which, after some observations from Messrs Stavely and Desborough, was carried unanimously. A lengthy petition in accordance with the resolutions was then read to the meeting. Mr Stavely moved—“ That Mr B. J. Lee be -asked to forward the document to the Hon. -J. Hall, their representative, with a request that he nee bis best efforts to have the views therein expressed complied with.” The motion having been duly seconded and carried, it was decided that Mr Desborough should in the meantime take charge of the petition with a view of procuring the signatures to it of the principal inhabitants represented. This closed the business, and the proceedings terminateed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.