MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS ACT.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 137, 26 September 1868, Page 5

MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS ACT.

On Wednesday evening last a Public Meeting was held at the Provincial Hall, for the purpose of considering the advisability of bringing the Municipal Corporations Act into foi’ce in Blenheim. The attendance was very fair, and it was one of the most orderly meetings we have yet attended.

Mr. C. J. Rae having been voted to the chair, read the advertisement from the Express calling the meeting, and trusted that a fair hearing would be given to any one wishing to express his opinions. Mr. Litchfield had originated the advertisement, considering it was quite time they did something towards mending the roads, especially as the proper season for work was coming on. It would be a pity if they let the season slip without mending their ways. The question this evening was what they should do. He then proposed—

“That, in the opinion of this meeting, it is desirable to petition the Government to constitute the Town of Blenheim a borough, under the Municipal Corporations Act, 1867.”

—Taking all things into consideration, it was better to be under the Municipal Corporations Act than under the Town Board Act. The machinery of the Act need not be used in such towns as these to the extent the Act allowed ; as the town expanded, they could apply for further powers under the Act. This having been passed by the General Government was less likely to be opposed in any way, and having been fully considered was more likely to succeed. The principal difference in the two Acts was in the way of rating. The Corporations Act recognised the value of the property to let, and the extreme rate was Is. iu the pound. The expenses of working need not be more than those of the old Town Board. Mr. Hutcheson said he had much pleasure in seconding the resolution. My. Sinclair rose to support the proposition. They wanted improvements, and they would have to carry 'these out themselves. At the last meeting it was, understood that the liabilities of the old Board should be a first charge upon the Corporation. If they now petitioned the Governor they must not leave—it was with the intention of not leaving—any of the members of the old Board in the lurch. He was an advocate for the Municipal Act, as it would protect them better than the old Town Board Act. (Applause.)

Mr. Goruie would like to know what, was understood to be the Town of Blenheim. It had been proposed to include land in Maxwell Road—and properly he thought—and it was desirable to exclude other lands, which it was unfair to tax. (Applause.) Mr. Litchfield said it was a question whether they should first get the new Act, and afterwards petition for alterations, or whether they could get all done at once. Mr. Earll thought they should have the Act, and then they would be able to get the boundaries altered.

The Chairhax said it was best to settle one question before they entered upon another. If it was their opinion that the resolution was a proper one, it was best to pass it first. Mr. Sinclair coincided with the Chairman. The resolution was then put and passed unanimously. Mr. H. Dodsox proposed the following resolution ; “ That the boundaries of the Town of Bleu* heim be the same as those in the Opawa Breach petition.” —lt had been found that the old Act included properties that ought not to have been included. It ought to have included lands that might be built upon, and not mere agricultural land. He thought there would be no difficulty in pi esenting a boundary along with the petition itself, and then there would be no cavil or dispute. The boundary he proposed took in so much in Grove Road and Maxwell Road as might reasonably be expected to be built upon } and it left out the objectionable parts of Messrs. Romford’s, Sinclair’s, Rose’s, and Adams’ section. It included only two chain® in depth from the road in Mr. Sinclair’s farm.

Mr. Sinclair was pleased to second the proposition. The boundary hitherto had been merely that of an Electoral district, and as including country lands was not fair ; but he thought the new boundaries very icasonable. (Applause.) The proposition was then put and passed unanimously. Mr. Litchfield moved—

“ That a Committee of three be appointed to draw up the Petition to the Governor, and get the same signed and presented, such Committee to consist of Mr. M‘Hutcheson, Mr. Bomford, and the mover.”

—He was glad to be able to congratulate them on the smooth way they were getting along, and hoped that they would be like the bundle of sticks in the fable—•united and strong. Mr. Gokeie, in seconding the motion, said he was only sorry that some time would elapse before they could act; and he would like if the Committee could be made a standing one, so that they could get any necessitous works done before the winter came on, and in anticipation of the Act. The proposition was then put and carried unanimously. Mr. H. Dodson gave Mr. Gorrie credit for the very best intentions in the suggestion he had made, but he thought they could get through the summer, and that only a very few months would have to elapse before the Act would be brought into operation. Before winter came on they might see the extent of what might be required to be done, and then Mr. Gorrie’s proposal could be kept in mind. He would propose a vote of thanks to the chairman, who had truly done his best to keep the proceedings short and to the point. He was glad the meeting had passed over without any discord, and he hoped it would prove an omen of future amicability, and that the best men would be brought forward in the new Board. Mr. Litchfield seconded the . vote of thanks, and the meeting dispersed, struck with the shortness and sweetness of the proceedings compared with the discussions and warmth of previous performances in the Town Board time.