PUBLIC MEETING.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 102, 15 February 1868, Page 5

PUBLIC MEETING.

On Tuesday evening last a meeting of householders and owners of property in Blenheim, was held in the Council Chamber, for the purpose of considering the advisability of bringing into operation the Municipal Corporations Act. C. H. Moffitt, Esq., having been moved into the chair, read the notice convening the meeting, and hoped that attention would be given to the matters advanced by the speakers who would address them. Mr. Henderson said, as Chairman of the Board of Works, the position into which they had got rendered an appeal to the ratepayers necessary. Hone had paid their rates, and consequently the Board was brought to a stand-still. There was an overdraft owing to the Bank of Hew Zealand, but they were unable to' pay it, consequently they had brought the matter before them, and it was for them to say whether such a body as the Board was necessary, and if so, what form it should take. The Board had served the town to the best of their ability, and. they now sought to consult with them. Eor his own part, he considered it both necessary and desirable that some such body as the Board of Works should exist, for although a small community, if we allowed nature to have her way with us, the water running down our streets, and destroying our bridges, &c., we should soon come to grief; it was absolutely necessary that some Board shoud exist. If they made up their minds to this, it rested with them to say whether it should be the present Board or one under the Municipal Corporations Act. The present Act had proved a difficult one to work under ; crudely prepared by the Provincial Council, and containing many defects, A short time ago it was declared by the Court of Appeal to be invalid ; soon after this the Validation Act was passed* making it valid again. Before taking action under it, they had sought legal advice as to its provisions, when they were informed that it was doubtful whether the Act itself was valid. In less than another twelve months it

would lapse, and it was very doubtful whether we should get another passed in the interim ; under the Municipal Act it was feasible for the Board to merge into a Council, and so continue. The questions for consideration wex-e whether we should have a Board at all, and if so, under what form.

Mr. Litchfield thought all would agree that some Board was necessary, and asked for information respecting the provisions of the new Act. He hoped that next time we should have such an Act as no one could slip out of, but be made to pay his fair share of the rates. Mr. John T. Eobixsox said it would require four or live hours to give an exposition of the Act. The rating clause was, however, the most important. Under the old Act it was understood that improvements should not be taxed, but the land only. Practical experience, however, showed that it was impossible to do otherwise, and however undesirable it might be, yet it was done. He then instanced a piece of unoccupied land worth £6OO, which under the Municipal Act, allowing five per cent-, on its value, would only yield about 16s. ; the moment a house was put upon it, it would be rated accordingly at a much higher sum, which he considered unjust. Under the new Act no dispute could arise about the assessment, and here he urged that where the Judges were equally divided in opinion upon the matters brought before them, how should the Board step in and decide. The Act empowered the Council to erect toll-bars, license hawkers, he., as a mode of increasing the revenue. He considered jiersons residing out of the town should pay their share towards maintaining the roads since they used therm Another improvement was that the Council could amend the assessment at any time ; while under the present system, an appellant had to appeal to a Magistrate. Many cases had occurred where persons had paid unjustly, having no other alternative. The Act was very voluminous, and we could only acquire a knowledge of it by experience. Any land without improvements is by the 213th clause to be assessed at five per cent, upon the fair capital value of the fee simple. He was against taxing improvements, but improvements had been extensively taxed. Some sections which a few years ago cost £lO, were now assessed at £OOO. The persons who would be benefited were persons holding large allotments of land, and those who would have more to pay wore those who had most improved their land by covering it with good buildings. He then named a few instances in illustration. There would be a mayor and a council of nine, the only paid officer being the town clerk, and it would require no more expense than the present Board to work it. The mode of bringing the Act into operation was by means of a petition signed by fifty resident householders, and unless a contra petition signed by a greater number of persons was sent to the Governor within two months, he would declare it in operation.

In reply to Mr. Wall, Mr. Robinson said the present rate realised £4BO, while under the new Act it would be £450. Mr. Dodson said that he was there as a member of the Board. They had found it impossible to go on under the old Act, all kinds of difficulties having been thrown in the way of collecting the rates and working the Board. He felt assured that none who meant to make the town their home, but would consider it necessary to have a Board of some kind. They had found the old Act totally unworkable, and had a great disinclination to go on any further ' but before giving up, they thought it best to consult the ratepayers. He had heard it said out of doors by a few that we wanted no improvement—no rates or taxes. People who did not mean to stay in it, but only to make as much as they could out of it, and then leave it, might talk in this way, but he meant to remain here; The new Act would get more workable with practical experience, the mode of rating was a novel one, but the most singular anomalies would disappear with time; many difficulties would present themselves, not the least of Avhich was that nine councillors were required; another that a person was wanted for mayor, but he thought some one might be found willing to take the offices, as we had found persons to take the office of Superintendent and Provincial Council. He recommended that the matter should not be decided to-night, and thought an adjournment for a short time might be best. A tax on certain callings and by toll-gates were a very proper means of raising revenue. Bridges would always be a very heavy item of expenditure* and we could not expect aid much longer from the Government, either Provincial or Colm>

nial. Tolls wei'e objectionable, as all taxes were, but he thought a small toll would not be found very oppressive. The Act had been founded on the wisdom and experience of the old country, added to that of another colony. It had been found to work well elsewhere, other towns were preparing to adopt it, and a meeting had been lately held for the purpose at Wellington. He should always object to an Act which would allow some to escape paying their rates, while others had to pay, and concluded by moving,—

“ That this meeting is of opinion that it is advisable to have a public body to carry out the necessary improvements to the roads, bridges, &c., in Blenheim.”

Mr. Collie, in seconding the motion, reminded them that he assisted in starting the present Town Board, and sat for the first session. He thought that the Board ought to have appealed to the ratepayers at an earlier period, and not have gone on till they came to a stand-still. As to taxing improvements, he thought it only fair that they should be taxed, as if a person built a fine house on his section, the improvement was to his benefit ; thus one person might erect a house worth £2,000, while another only at £SO, the latter would have to pay as much as the former. He considered the Municipal Act as a great stride forward, just because it would tax a man according to his advantages. (Applause.) He knew it was against the grain of many persons to have their possessions taxed, but according to a person’s means, he ought to conti’ibute to the support of law and order ; he objected to tolls—(applause)— as the poor man driving his dray would have to pay as much as an Earl in his carriage , they were further a great nuisance. You could not go anywhere unless you had a sixpence in your pocket. He also objected to wharfages, which he thought a poor, paltry way of doing things; the moment a parcel was landed on the banks, a person held out his hand for money. He would like to enquire if the control of the rivers came under the control of the Board. [Mr. Bobinson ; I think not.] He thought the new Act very applicable, and advised great discretion in the choice of members of the Council, and trusted that political parties would cease, and that persons would not act for themselves, or on behalf of particular districts alone, but for the common good. We had long laboxxred under many disadvantages, sometimes from land, and at others by water. (Cheers.) Mr. Litchfield, in backing up the last speaker, wished to know whether a more inexpensive Act could not be devised. Taxes and tolls were necessary. Property had its duties as well as its rights. In addition to tolls and wharfages, ho thought all taxes a nuisance.

Mr. Lawrence complained that the amount of notice of the meeting was insufficient, and was called to order by the chairman.

Mr. Donsox rose to say in explanation that the difference in rating was not so glaring as it might at first sight appear. Lands around the town would pay less. The Act would press most heavily on small holders; as for himself it would be much the same to him.

The motion was then put and carried unanimously. Mr. Jas. Robixsox thought it was not likely that there would be a larger attendance at any future meeting, and he would therefore move—- “ That in the opinion of this meeting it is advisable to take the necessary steps to have the town of Blenheim constituted a borough.”

Mr. Lawrence was again called to order. Mr. Joseph Tatloh, jun., seconded the motion.'

Mr. Hendeeson explained the mode of bringing the Act into operation. There ■would be a mayor and nine councillors. In places where a Board existed it would consist of such Board until the annual period of election came round. For himself and the rest of the Board, he would say that they would not do anything of importance until the time arrived in September next. A petition required to be signed by 50 persons, and if not approved of, it would not prevent another being got up. The Act showed a principle of justice, since it provides that all arrears of rates due should be paid. Ample provisions were made for everything necessary, and he thought and hoped that we should get on more harmoniously. Mr. Collie thought there were strong objections against the Town Board merging into the Council. Legal objections might arise, as many like himself doubted the existence of a Board at all.

Mr. Hexdeesox explained that Blenheim was among the places named in the schedule of the Municipal Act, in which special provision was made for merging into a Council.

Mr. Sinclair considered the Act a step in advance, but he knew many had not considered its provisions. He would prefer that the meeting should be adjourned for a month, and that in the meantime the local papers should explain its various provisions. It was expensive in its working, the mayor might be paid. We must face our difficulties. Toil gates were a barbarous institution, and to be of service at least four would be required. About 20 municipal officials would be wanted of various kinds, some 8 of whom would require to be paid. We ought to know beforehand what should be done in case we accepted the Act, and there were many difficulties which should be well considered. The speaker then pointed out how many alleged illegalities in the past might have a prejudicial effect on the future, and concluded by moving the following amendment :

“ That this meeting adjourn till a fortnight from to-morrow at £-past 7 p.m.”

Mr. Horgrove, in seconding the amendment, said the present self-elected Board seemed to die hard and clung to office very pertinaciously. It was necessary that the ratepayers should consider a few things. Had the Board used the same tact which they did in their own business, they would have escaped the difficulties into which they had fallen. Mr. Dodson supported the motion which he first suggested. He was surprised to hear what had fallen from the last speaker upon the Board. He had always found the utmost business tact brought to bear, but everv advantage had been taken to evade it by persons who seemed to have a show of justice on their side. He most positively denied that the Board wished to bring the Act into force, and he would put the Validation Act itself against Mr. Horgrove’s law. Mr. Collie thought it competent for the meeting to consider the course taken by the Board. The Chairman explained that the meet ing being a public one had nothing to do with the actions of the Board. Mr. John T. Hobinson thought Mr. Collie in order. That meeting was called by the Chairman of the Board, and it was for the ratepayers to say what course should be adopted. Mr. Henderson said ho would be glad that the meeting should be adjourned seeing that people’s minds were disposed to adopt the Act, and cordially supported it. Mr, Litchfield hoped the local Press would give such an exposition of the Act in the meantime as would enable them to come to the next meeting prepared to decide the question. Mr. James Boswortht would have supported the amendment had it been brouglxt by any other person, but Mr. Sinclair had always acted as an obstructive. (Marks of disapprobation, cries of sit down, &c.) At the request of the Chairman, Mi. Dobson took the chair.

Mr. Moefitt said he had no intention of saying anything at the meeting, hut he felt he must make a few remarks after what had passed. He had not hitherto taken an active interest in the town affairs, but he felt it was necessary that some one should do so. He should oppose the amendment; the Act before them was a very voluminous one, containing upwards of 300 clauses, and he was sure many persons would never look into it. They must look to the principles; these were chiefly the rating clause and the expenses. In reply to one speaker, he must say that any member of the Council receiving pay or emolument would cease to be a member thereof. He held with those who urged that improvements should be taxed, and to tax the land alone would be useless. He referred, in illustration, to the progressive principle of taxing deeds, and thought the same should be applied to improvements to property. Another matter was that referred to by Mr. Sinclair ; unhappily in this locality we had more bridges than elsewhere, which would be so expensive to keep in repair that they would take all the rates that could be levied in the borough; but he believed a Road Act lately passed was now, or soon would be, in operation, which would assist in supporting these main roads and bridges. He urged that the present opposition should cease, and that the Council should be in a perfectly legal position. An impediment to him was that the nine councillors should elect the mayor, who might be one of their own body, or outside it. The community was not a numerous one, many persons were unwilling to take part in matters of this kind, and it might be difficult to find nine such persons. With reference to the present Board merging into the Council, he would much prefer that a new body should be formed. He felt certain few had, or would desire to read the Act, and many would go to others and listen to what they considered was the object of it, and he urged this as a reason, why the subject should be settled now without adjournment.

Mr. James Robinson- did not see that we should he any nearer if we put it off for a fortnight, and thought it would be the best way to settle it at once. Mr. Btthell objected to an adjournment because he thought it would be adjourned again, and after all we should be no wiser.

As to the toll-gates, he would object to them also. He was determined in case the Act was adopted not to act unless re-elected, but to resign as soon as possible. He did not wish for office, but some one must come forward and act, as the roads required repairing. With respect to publicity, sufficient notice had been given of the object of the meeting, by advertising in the papers for two weeks, during which time persons had had an opportunity of making themselves acquainted with the matter. Mr. John T. Robinson would oppose the adjournment because he did not think they would be any wiser in a fortnight. He defied Mr. Sinclair to prove that the Act authorised the payment of any one but a town clerk. “Observer” might give us his exposition, but he did not think they would be much the wiser for that. He did not think the local papers could give them much information on the subject in the next fortnight, nor were they likely to give anything like the able articles which had appeared in the Nelson and Wellington papers. After this meeting had decided, the signatures of 50 resident householders were required, who might delay signing as long as they chose. As for the repairs being made, he lived in a main street and could do without them as long as any other person. He thought some one would have urged the injustice of the old Act, but none had done so; the new one would not press unduly on the farming land outside the town, nor did he think it would press unduly on any. Mr. Dodson would support the adjournment, as the meeting was not the town of Blenheim. There need be no hurry, as no election could take place until September next. There were two modes of bringing in the Act; if by the Board of Works, 50 names only would be required, but otherwise 100 names, and he thought it would be difficult to find so many willing to adopt it. Mr. Sinclair claimed the privilege of reply. Both the Chairman and two or three others had insulted the judgment of the people by stating that they would not be much wiser in a fortnight than now. He hud no doubt the papers would give such a digest as he had suggested ; he had also bought a copy of the Act at a cost of 175., which he would lend, or leave for public inspection at some of the stores, say Mr. Dodson’s. He was in favor of the measure, but was not prepared to demand that his fellow-townsmen should swallow it without due consideration. Had anyone, lie asked, a greater interest in the welfare of Blenheim than himself? He hoped the meeting would resent the insult that the inhabitants were not capable by studying the Act to form some knowledge of its provisions. The Chairman said he was sure that the audience was not of opinion that he had said anything intentionally to insult them ; he simply meant to convey an opinion that the length of the Act and its nature precluded a popular examination of it. Mr. John T. Robinson explained to the same effect. The amendment having been put, was declared to be carried. Upon Mr. Sinclair proposing a vote of thanks to the Chairman, Mr. Moffitx said that when he was told by a person in that meeting that he came there to insult it, he felt no wish to interfere further. The present was only the second time he had taken the chair in that room, and it would be the last. The meeting then dispersed, but an excited debate was kept up outside for a considerable period.