PUBLIC MEETING AT SOUTHBRIDGE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2048, 16 September 1880, Page 4

PUBLIC MEETING AT SOUTHBRIDGE.

A public meeting was held at the Boyal Hotel, Southbridge, on Monday afternoon, for the purpose of eelectiug two members to represent the ratepayers on the North Bakaia Board of Conservators. The meeting was attended and addressed by the same persons that were present at the meeting previously held at Leeston on the same subject, and Mr John Bennie, of Doyleston, was voted to the chair. The Chairman prefaced his remarks by stating that ho was not aware who had convened the meeting, but he was nevertheless happy to preside. A meeting had been called at Leeston to consider who were the best candidates for election. Mr McLachlan detailed what had taken place at Leeston, and said he had been proposed by Mr Dasborongh, who no doubt thought the motion would not be carried. On that occasion he said he would “ sack 11 the whole lot —secretary and all, and that the amount expended was out of all proportion to the work performed. He said that twothirds of the work at the Bakaia had been done about the island, and that as the railway bridge was to bo lengthened, there would be no need of much farther outlay ; but it occasion should arise, he should most certainly vote for protective works. The district, he was of opinion, could not successfully cope with the river if it rose above the ordinary height. Mr J. Mcllraith asked if Me McLachlan was in favor of striking off the rates ? Mr McLachlan was not disposed to have any rates at all for the object in view. The fact was the district was too small to cope with the river. From a calculation he had made ho thought that £15,000 had been expended without a proper equivalent. In reply to Mr Smith, the speaker said he was in favor of levying a special rate on those most interested, and a smaller rate on others. A Bill had been introduced into Parliament with that object, but had for some ro*aon or other been thrown out.

Some further questions were put, and some irregularity prevailed. Mr Bluett thought the best plan would be for the candidates first to express their views, and then for the ratepayers to put questions to them. Mr Smith said it was evident that Leeston wanted to knock the conservation of the river on the head, and he was sorry to think they would be successful.

Mr Q-abbio agreed with a portion of the remarks of the chairman and Mr Smith ; but was of opinion that the money had been expended in a haphazard way. He was averse to borrowing money for the conservation of the river, as he had found that the works had been mostly carried on in one locality. Ho was not aware there would be so many candidates, and was in favor of taking a ballot. Mr J. E. Campbell said that if elected he would do his best for the district at large, and not merely for particular portione. He was prepared to stand if requested ; but did not desire to thrust himself forward.

Mr Buddock thought the money had been badly spent, and said that, if elected, be would serve the district impartially. Mr Campbell, in reply to Mr McLachlan, said he was not well acquainted with the financial state of tho Board, and that ho would not pledge himself with regard to the borrowing of another £7OOO or £BOOO for further works. Ho would not indeed pledge himself to any particular course. The Chairman, after some previous remarks by other speakers, deprecated a division of the district.

Hr Bluett was not in favor of taking a narrow view of matters as they stood. Lst them pick out two candidates, and tha boat man win. He thought tho whole of the district should bo made conservative, and asked if the candidates were in favor of including the whole district in tho matter of conservation. Mr Campbell said he would not pledge himself to such a course.

Hr Gabble viewed tho proposal to have the whole district from the Selwyn to the Bakaia embraced in one comervativo district as being good and worthy of support. Mr Buddock agreed with the proposition that the district should extend from the Selwyn to the Eskaia. Mr L. H. Herdman then proposed - “ That tho various candidates bo officially nominated at the proper time and place, and that they go to the ballot box,” a motion which, having been seconded by Mr J. Mellraith, was put, and declared lost.

Mr Storroy then moved the adjournment of the meeting to that day week, which, having been seconded by Mr Smith, was carried.

A vote of thanks to the chairman brought the procsedings to a close.