PUBLIC MEETING AT SOUTHBRIDGE.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2680, 8 November 1882, Page 3

PUBLIC MEETING AT SOUTHBRIDGE.

A public meeting was held in the Town Hall, Southbridge, on Monday evening to discuss the advisability of having Southbridge proclaimed a town district. There was a large attendance of householders present, the body of the hall being comfortably filled, Mr E. G. Stavely, chairman of the Southbridge Improvement Society, opened the meeting by reading the advertisement convening it. Mr Stavely was then voted to the chair, and stated he had called the meeting that a free discussion should take place on the subject. It was a matter of great importance to the township, and it was for the householders to decide, after having the question thoroughly ventilated, as to whether it would be to their benefit or otherwise. They must make up their minds whether they would go in for local self-government, or still seek the shelter of the wings of the Eoad Board. Ho then read a letter irom E. B. Willis, Esq,, regretting his inability to attend the meeting, but giving the movement bis warmest support, and enclosing a copy of Government “Gazette,” sth October, ISS2, constituting the Linwood Town District. The chairman also stated he had received letters from Mr J. B. Smith and Mrs Bridge also giving them encouragement to the project. Mr Alston read the draft of the original petition forwarded to the Government, and signed by over two-tbirds of householders included in proposed district. By request of the meeting, the secretary of Southbridge Improvement Association read all correspondence with the Hon. the Colonial Secretary relating to the petition and counter petition. Mr J. R.‘ Campbell felt hurt at some of the allegations contained in some of Mr Bishop’s letters against him as chairman of the Eoad Board. As a private individual he would have taken no notice of them. As it was, he gave them an unqualified denial. Mr Bishop had no intention of reflecting on Mr Campbell as a private individual. The statement bad been made to him as emanating from the chairman of the Eoad Board, and as such was open to public criticism. What he had written had been done by direction aud concurrence of the association to which he was secretary.

Mr Woodbury knew there was a number of names on the original petition who wore not ratepayers. His (Mr Bishop) and Mr Alston’s amongst the number. Mr Bishop—Mr Alston’s name is not on the list. He refused to sign it, for he was not a householder. He himself was a householder. The Act did not require that you should be a ratepayer. Mr Stanley—How was it you refused to show us the names ?

Mr Bishop—Oh, Mr Stanley,how can you? Mr Woodbury wished to state that the remarks he had used about Messrs Bishop and Alston were not premeditated ; he was excited, he saw them laughing at him. Mr Campbell stated that, as far as the licensing fees were concerned, he had been assured they would not come to the Town District.

Messrs Ennis, Stanley, Alston, Frame, Woodbury, Webb, and others having addressed the meeting, Mr Stanley moved the following resolution :—“ That on account of the vexed question as to licensing fees not being satisfactorily settled, this meeting adjourn till this day six months.” Seconded by Mr Harney. Mr A. Cameron moved as an amendment—" That the meeting adjourn till such time as the question of taxes is definitely settled.” Seconded by Mr Mumby. Mr Webb proposed a further amendment —■" That no resolution be taken at this meeting re the Town District,” Seconded by Mr Howes. On being put to the meeting, Mr Webb’s amendment was declared to be carried. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the meeting.