MAYORALTY ELECTION.

Kumara Times, Issue 270, 16 August 1877, Page 2

MAYORALTY ELECTION.

The Theatre Royal was crowded last night, at the Invitation of • Mr R. J. Seddon. At eight o'clock, however, there was no appearance of the candidate. At a quarter-past eight, Mr Cuming took the chair, and addressed, the meeting, amid much interruption ; after which Mr Anchor read a telegram which had that afternoon been received at thiß office from Mr Seddon, showing that that gentleman had been in Hokitlka about four o'clock. He believed that some delay,had arisen, and probably if the meeting would have a little patience the candidate would arrive. Mr Cuming addressed the meeting again for some time, calling upon any of the candidates for municipal honora to come forward. At length Mr Simmons came on to the stage, amidst shouts and laughter. Before he could commence his address Mr Cuming called him to order, as he had no resolution to propose. Mr Anchor again came forward, but for some time the confusion in the body of the Theatre prevented him being heard. Mr Simmons in the meantime retired from the stage, When Mr Anchor succeeded in making himself heard, he protested against Mr Cuming occupying the chair, or using the Theatre which had been engaged by Mr Seddon. He suggested that the meeting should adjourn (Hear, hear). Mr Cuming again addressed the meeting, quoting at random from old saws and proverbs, finally dismissing the meeting with hearty good wishes. He was about to descend from the stage when Mr Seddon entered the Theatre (at 20 minutes to nine). Mr Ancher then took the chair, and introduced

Mr Seddon-, who opened his address by apologising to the ratepayers for his la'e appearance, which was caused by his having been engaged in looking af rer their interests in the County-!Council. He exhorted the ratepayers to see that their first mayor was one who would care for the interests oE Kumara. If they were satisfied with what he had done in the past, he trusted |they would reward him by allowing him to further those interests in the future. Mr Seddon then referred to his connection with Kumara from April, 1876. He had applied to have the township properly laid out. On the 26thMay, Warden Fitzgerald asked him (the speaker) and others to meet him on the 29th May, and the result was that the town was advantageously placed, so as to allow of easy drainage, and not to interfere with mining. When Mr Bonar came here he (Mr Seddon) had persuaded him to proclaim Kumara a special licensing district, an advantage to the public. He would say nothing of the manner the licensing officer had conducted the business of the licensing. It was now time that the special district should be abolished. As a member of the County Council he had advocated the interests.of the town, and of the outlying districts. He had done the same in the Road Boatd. In January last he had advised the amendment of the ratepayers' roll, bo as to include the names of householders in Kumara. It was not done, though he poiated out that it would otherwise be impossible to make a proper roll. The result was that a new roll had to be compfli by the magistrate of the district fie (the speaker) was not to blame for this blunder. The people who had caused the new roll to be made ohjected to it, and he had opposed the attempt made to increase the rates upon Kumara, by about £SOO. This attempt lad to the determination to form the borough, as the onlymeansto secure the drainage and street formation of Kumara. When this proposition was first mooted, he believed the movement to be premature, as he feared the revenue of the town, f >r this year, was jost. Mr Cumint; asked him to be neutral, and he cnnseuted as long ns his neutrality did not injure the interests of the commnhity. He afterwards advised the municipality committee in certain 'steps. (Mr Cuming : " No ! ") 0;i the formation

°f the municipality a requisition had been presented to him, and he was pleased at receiving it, as he felt the position would be a high honor and a suitable reward for his years of service for the publio welfare. He wished now to show his fitness for the position by proving his knowlodge of what would have to be done in the Borough and how the money would have to b e obtained. There would first be the appointment of a Town Clerk and Surveyor. The appointment should be united, and paid by a salary of about £3OO a year. The next work would be the drainage of the town; main drains at the rear of the premises fronting Main-street, and crossdrains intersecting them, would be all that were necessary. The next thing would be the formation of the streets, and making footpaths in the leading parts of the town. Another thing would be a water supply. The Municipalities Ac* provided for the Council undertaking a scheme for this. He could not shut his eyes to the fact that there were facilities} for the Bupply of water for domestic purposes and for protection from fire. The question of lighting the town was of a secondary consequence. The cemete y Bhould be vested in th.e Council, who should at once have it cleared and fenced. To do all thiß they mußt have funds ;—first of all the amount, paid to the County Council, which should belong to Kumara, £ISOO for licenses. By the Act it was provided that a fair adjustment of finance should be made, and he could assure the meeting that the County Council was willing to come to an equitable arrangement. He thought £IOOO would be fair from the Council. As to the Road Board, he believed the Borough was entitled to the whole of the rates, less expense of collection ; this would amount to another £IOOO. On the amount raised by rates the Government subsidy of £1 for £1 will be payable after March next. This would give another £IOOO. Altogether for the first 12 months the revenue.■w'oTild.-be about £3OOO. With 1 "this, and their borrowing powers, all he had mentioned could be done. For he would remind them that they could borrow money very advantageously (Mr Cuming: °" You're a jolly good fellow.") The Borough would have to subsidise .liberally the Hospital and the Fire Brigades. H* would see that no miners should he interfered with as 'onor as no injury was done to the borough property, and he would, not require them even to ask permission to mine. He was in favor of exeropfing rnilu-s from rate.*, and helteved by facilitation; mining he wa g beru'.fitHng the ratepayer;*. He was willing to answer any questions upon the various Acts connected with municipali ties. Whether be was elected or not he would do his best for them as he had always hitherto done. He concluded by inviting any oppoDentß to come forward and give their objections to his candidature, and referring to the personal motives which he believed actuated soma. He resumed his Beat amid loud applauß The candidate was ; subjected to cons . derable oatechising from Mr Cuming.

In answer to Mr Amott he' said he would not take a salary, but he would expect to be re-imbursed for any subscriptions he might have to give as Mayor. In answer to Mr Quinn, he said that if he was appointed a J. P. he would give up his publican's license, Mr Simmons moved that Mr Seddon was a fit and person to be first Mayor of Kumara. Mr Hanna seconded the resolution. The chairman put the motion, and de* clared it carried.

Mr Seddon returned thanks, and the meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the chairman.