PUBLIC MEETING AT LEESTON.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2045, 13 September 1880, Page 3

PUBLIC MEETING AT LEESTON.

A large aud influentially attended meeting was hold at Spring’s Hotel, Leeston, on Friday afternoon, Mr Robert Lockhoad was voted to the chair, and explained that the object of the meeting was to consider the best means to adopt to put an end to the reckless expenditure of the North Rakaia Board of Conservators. They had power at present to return two members by acting in concert, whereby the district, already overtaxed, could bo relieved of a portion of its burden.

Mr J. W. MoLachlan dwelt fully on the financial position of tho Board, and endeavored to show that the rents derivable from the leases of the reserves were sufficient to cover the interest and sinking fund on the debentures, without having recourse to levy the annual rate. He trusted that the candidates to be brought forward by the meeting would have the support of every one that was of their way of thinking. He begged to propose that Mr Simon Forsyth be nominated as one of the candidates, provided his opinions were favorable.

Mr Forsyth, in answer to questions put to him, stated that he thought any additional protection should bo paid out of special rates. He thought however that the _ land actually affected did not warrant anything being expended on it. Ho certainly would not be in favor of further borrowing, unless the whole district was proved to the satisfaction of every ratepayer to be in danger. He knew nothing about Hr Doyne or his report. He did not think any portion of the country between Leeston and Killinchy in the remotest danger. Mr Bonnie supported Mr Forsyth in his remarks, and would support him on the understanding that although not obliged to repudiate existing liabilities he, Mr Forsyth, would firmly decline to contract fresh ones. Mr John Bennie was then proposed as a candidate by Mr John McLaohlan, and seconded by Mr Job Osborne. Mr D. McDonald was proposed by Mr H. Hogg, and seconded by Mr Cant. Mr Alex. McLaohlan, another proposed candidate, was of opinion that the land saved from being washed away was not worth the money spent on it, and that it was time to leave it alone. It would be no hardship to stop the works now that the Government had decided to lengthen the bridge. During the past seventeen years the district had received no adequate return for the enormous expenditure. If returned ho would do away at once with treasurer, secretary, and the whole staff, and if they required clerical assistance it would have to be done by ono of the members voluntarily. Mr L. White said that if elected ho would guarantee a fresh start, and an immediate termination of existing engagements. Messrs Wm. Anderson and J. L. Mcllraith were also proposed as candidates, but declined to stand. The chairman having answered several questions in reference to tho past action of the Board, it was decided on the motion of Mr J. McLaohlan, seconded by Mr Osborne — “ That this meeting pledges itself to support Mr A. McLaohlan and Mr S. Forsyth, and to uso every reasonable means to secure their return.” A vote of thanks to tbs chairman concluded tho proceedings.