INDIGNATION MEETING.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 225, 15 January 1910, Page 2

INDIGNATION MEETING.

Strong Resolution Carried. The public meeting held in Hattaway's Hall, Te Kuiti, last night to consider the developments in connection with metalling the Te KuitiAwakino road was largely attended, the building being crowded to the doors. Mr Boddie was voted to the chair, and in his opening remarks sajd that those present had gathered to discuss what was probably the most important question that had cropped up in the district. The work in question was of the highest degree of importance, not only to the district, but

to the Dominion. They were not there to fight for town interests, but also for the large body of unfortunate settlers concerned, who had been struggling for years against immense disabilities. As far as he was personally concerned, Mr Boddie said he proposed to give a plain, unbiassed statement of all that had occurred in connection with agitating for starting the work on the road this season, and the people could from that form their own opinions. Early in October last, in view of the urgency of the work, a public meeting convened by the Chamber of Commerce was held at Te Kuiti. It was then decided to send delegates from town and country to Wellington to urge the necessity of pushing ahead with this road, and with other roads in the district. On October 23rd the deputation waited on the Minister, and on that occasion the first indication that the Government intended to entrust the County Council with tVe expenditure of the road grants was given. The Minister advised the deputation to have specifications prepared and forwarded to Wellington. Immediately afterwards, at a meeting of the Waitomo County Council, the clerk was instructed to write to the Minister for confirmation of his statement as to County Councils undertaking the work. This was with the object of placing matters on a business-like footing. No reply had been received to that letter. However, acting on the Minister's statement, the Council had set up a special committee to draw up a schedule of works throughout the County and had forwarded the same to Wellington. The receipt of the schedule had been duly acknowledged. Some time elapsed, and the Chamber of Commerce and others agitated strongly to move the Government to have the work of metalling the main road started. The Chamber of Commerce requested the County Council to assist in urging the Government to stretch a point and commence work, and representatives from the Council and the Chamber were appointed to proceed to Wellington to advocate the matter. The Council authorised him as its representative to state that the Council would carry on the work and finance it until the usual Government appropriations were available. Major Lusk represented the Chamber of Commerce on the deputation. When they interviewed the Minister he went into the probable cost of metalling three miles of the road, and instructed them to have specifications for such work to be prepared. The Minister further made a definite promise that no time would be lost in doing the work. He said he knew its importance to the district and expressed a wish to have it done with and off his hands on account of the widespread and continuous agitation. The chairman said he made this statement explicitly and it could be verified by those who accom panied him. The specifications were sent to Wellington within a few days and their receipt was acknowledged on December 13th. Nothing further was heard, and a further aigtation was organised which produced in reply two telegrams, and subsequently the extraordinary letter from the Department, which had caused the present meeting to be called. Needless to say, the letter was a bombshell to them. Mr Jennings, their Member had been immediately wired to and he was evidently taken as much by surprise as they were themselves. As to the question of subsidy, there had never- been any mention of such a thing by any Minister or Departmental official. The Government had always undertaken the work and bad evidently realised their responsibility. In addition, if the people concerned entertained such a preposterous idea as rating themselves and raising a loan, it would be an impossibility to carry it. The area of Native land that would have to be included was in too great a proportion to the European land to allow of such a proposal being carried. Further, it was a significant fact that the County Council had been endeavouring to raise some special loans for small amounts, and upon applying for provisional approval from the Government had been informed there was no money available. The chairman asked what could be thought of a Department that pursued such methods. It was difficult to deal with the subject without using strong language, or to find words to express an opinion of a Government which exhibited such stupidity as to make the proposal referred to in the letter. (Applause). Personally his own feeling was that if any community was willing to take such treatment without the strongest possible protest, they were unworthy of the name of Britishers. (Applause).

Major Lusk, who was a member of both deputations to Wellington, on rising to speak was greeted with" applause. The Major said that, like Mr Boddie, he wished to restrain himself and not speak roughly. At the same time, he felt he probably would say some hard things before he finished. There was a time when good straight talk was necessary, and if ever plain speaking was necessary it was at present. The speaker related the experience of the deputations at Wellington. One of the chief recommendations of the first deputation was the entrusting of the expenditure of Government road grants to the local [ bodies. No mention was made by the Minister of subsidy at any interview. The Minister would not commit himself regarding the works projected further than to assure them there would probably be a good sum for the main road. The Minister also promised the stone-crushers would be at the disposal of the Council. The speaker reviewed the work done on the road during last year, and the grants voted by Parliament. The. action of the Department in suggesting at this late hour that the sum at present available should be used as a subsidy was simply a dodge, and a more scandalous and double-faced business had never been heard of. There were placed in such a position now that it was apparent nothing would be done on the road this year. (Cries of "Shame"). The trick was about the worst he could remember in connection with the Government. The speaker also referred to the promise of the Native Minister that Native lands would be made rateable last session, and no attempt had been made to carry out such promise. It was a disgrace to the country to have a man like that keeping back the country and baulking progress. Major Lusk

then proposed the following resolution :

"That this meeting of residents of Te Kuiti and district, having heard a full statement of the position in regard to the work of metalling the Te KuitiAwakino road, and the correspondence relating thereto, is of opinion that the letter of 10th January, from the UnderSecretary of the Public Works Department to the Waitomo County Council is either a blunder on the part of some official, or a gross insult to the district on the part of the Government. The great importance of, and the urgent necessity for the rapid prosecution of the work in question has been so frequently admitted by both the Premier and different Ministers, that the meeting can only look upon the action of the Government as embodied in the present proposals, as an absolute breach of faith with the settlers, and a gross injustice to the whole district, and hereby protests in the strongest possible manner against such treatment."

In concluding his remarks, the Major said it was up to those present to express their opinions and let their voices be heard at present. By and by they should make their votes tell the lale. (Applause). Mr F. H. Sims, in seconding the motion, thanked the chairman for the able and unbiassed manner in which he had laid the case before the meeting. The resolution expressed his views on the subject, and, he was sure, the views of everyone who understood the matter. The proposal contained in thi Minister's letter was ridiculous, and even if the people were willing could not be carried out. He was of opinion no work would be done on the road, and the Government had no intention of spending any money. The whole thing was a gross scandal which was correctly described as an egregious blunder or a direct insult. (Applause, and cries of "Shame"). Mr Chilcott wished to know why Mr Jennings had not made an effort to attend the meeting.

The chairman said that in fairness to Mr Jennings, he was sure the Member had done his utmost for the district, and as to coming to the meeting the notice was too short to allow of him arriving in time.

Doctor Fullerton, speaking to the motion, said the matter was such in the case of a private individual it would be characterised as a grossly dishonest action. The Government resorted to an elaborate system of window dressing in respect to the votes. In a public way large sums were voted for works, and privately an endeavour was made to got the people to pay for the work out of their own pockets. Mr King, a member of the deputation to Wellington in October, corroborated Major Lu3k's remarks as to the interview with the Minister. The settlers did net go to Wellington to be made fools of. They went in good faith and in the public interests. Tho action of the Government in this instance was dispicablo, and he was unable to find words to adequately express his feelings on the matter.

Mr W. Bauckc said he considered enough hud been said on the subject. The resolution expressed their sentiments and their votes would do the same in future

The resolution was then put and carried unanimously. Major Lusk said he had another resolution to propose, and thought it was a Rood opportunity to say a few words with regard to their representation. He could find no fault with Mr Jennings in the way he had worked for the district. Still, he thought there were some ways in which the Member should take a stronger position. Th?y should hint to the Member that unless he was prepared to take an independent stand ho would not suit the electors very long. Unless they got better treatment from the Cabinet Mr Jennings should say so, and withdraw his allegiance. Under those circumstance?., the speaker said he would vote for Mr Jennings as ho had done in the past. (Applause). Major Lusk then moved the following resolution:— "That Mr Jennings, M.P., Member for the district, be at once communicated with by wire, and that he be asked to lay the whole position before the Prime Minister at the earliest possible moment." Mr Bauckc seconded the resolution. Mr Howarth said he was glad referonce had been made to the Member's position. Every time a meeting was held at Te Kuiti there was seething indignation; Mr Jennings was wired to, and he rushed around and did what he could. Still our position was no better. He did not think Mr Jennings was likely to sever his allegiance, and in any case straight-out opposition waa better. The treatment the district had received was sufficient to make them all vote outright for the Opposition. The chairman said in view of the feeling of the meeting he had already allowed considerable lattitudo in introducing the party clement. It was in a manner expressing their indignation, lie did not think any of tho speakers wished to take undue advantage of their Member. Mr Sharpies said he failed to seo where the speakers had transgressed. The introduction of party politics was excusable; it became imperative at times. He suggested a "csolution on lines referred to by Mr Howarth should bo interposed:—"That unless before next election Cabinet provides us with performances instead of promises, this meeting pledges- itself to vote for an Opposition candidate." Major Lusk said he could not accept such an addition to his resolution. They mould be content with expressing their views at present. Mr Sharpies resolution was not seconded, and the resolution before the meeting was carried unanimously. Major Lusk then referred to the desirableness of supporting the Farmers' Union. If the townspeople realised what a benefit the Union waa to the country they would support it, and with a strong Union they would very soon settle, questions like that before them. The speaker said hp had for a long time voted for the Opr poistion. Last election he had supported Mr Jennings, and might do so, again. But they must have a Member who considered the district interests in spite of party leanings. (Ap? plauso). • The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair and to the conveners.