WAIROA.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume IX, Issue 469, 11 April 1867, Page 2

WAIROA.

[iS-OM CUE. OWN CORRESPONDENT.] A meeting was held at the Clyde Hotel on the.3rd April for the purpose of inviting Colonel Whitmore to meet the residents of the Wairoa district. Mr Towgood having been called to the chair, introduced Coi. Whitmore to the meeting, and stated that that gentleman was present at the request of the constituency, and would be happy to give attention to any suggestions emanating from any elector, or non-elector about to become an elector, or any resident; and to answer any questions that such gentlemen might desire to ask him. Colonel Whitmore then stated his desire to be guided in his political conduct by the wishes of his constituency, and begged that they would supply him with information of their wants, &c. After considerable discussion, and much opposition from a gentleman who called himself a “ deputation,”— Mr Walker, of Mahia, (to cut short a profitless discussion), moved “That this meeting was a public meeting, and the gentleman in opposition not a deputation.” Mr Single seconded, and common sense carried the motion, which, thus disposed of, business proceeded. Mr Carroll moved, and Msjor Fraser seconded, “That Colonel Whitmore be requested to endeavour to obtain the appointment of a European pilot in place of the one now in charge, whose qualifications were not equal to the proper execution of his duties.” Mr Carroll proposed “That in the opinion of this meeting all public works to be executed in the district should be submit ted to public tender.” This was seconded by Mr M'Namee, and unanimously carried. Mr Finlay son moved “ That it is desirable that the Impounding Act be proclaimed within the district,” which was seconded by Mr Carroll and carried.

Mr Carter nest moved “ That the Chairman should write to the two non-resident trustees of the Wairoa School, asking them to resign in favor of resident trustees.” The meeting endorsing the request, the Chairman kindly promised to do so. Mr Carter then moved “ That it would be desirable for our member to endeavour to procure some small increase of salary to tbe ferryman, so that children living on north side of river should be crossed to school gratis.” Colonel Whitmore would attend to this. Mr Locke proposed “ That our member be requested to take steps to procure the removal of ■ the punt from the Ngaruroro to Clyde.” Mr Prentice seconded the proposition.

After a good deal of opposition from Mr Carroll, called for an explanation from the Provincial Engineer, who was present, and who kindly volunteered the information sought, concerning practicability, expense, &c., —the question was put and carried. Mr Thorpe proposed “That some steps be taken to procure the erection of a bridge across the Turiroa creek, and that the road thence be improved.” Seconded by Mr Peter Walker, and carried unanimously. Colonel Whitmore said that in his opinion a most important omission had been made by all in neglecting the great question of steam communication. Large sums of money had been paid into the public treasury out of sale of lands in the district, and as the difficulty of making a good road would be enormous, and beyond the means of the province at present, we are fairly entitled to ask for considerable assistance from the Government in procuring good and sufficient steam communication between tbe capital and the river. At the suggestion of Col. Whitmore, the matter was put in the form of a motion by Major Fraser, who proposed “That the residents in the Wairoa get up a petition to obtain a subsidy from the Provincial Government for a term of years in furtherance of the speedy establishment of thoroughly good steam communication between Napier and Wairoa, in lieu of further expenditure of public monies on an overland route.” Seconded by Mr Finlayson, and carried nem. con. Business being pretty well exhausted, Major Fraser proposed, and Mr Worgan seconded, “That Colonel Whitmore enjoys the confidence of both the electors and non-electors of the district,” which was carried unanimously.

Col. Whitmore rose in acknowledgment, aid after thanking the meeting for their courtesy to him, moved a vote of thanks to the Chairmen, which terminated the proceedings. [The above letter was received too late for insertion in Monday’s Times.—Kn.]