BOROUGH MEETING OF BURGESSES.

Marlborough Express, Volume IV, Issue 175, 15 May 1869, Page 3

BOROUGH MEETING OF BURGESSES.

On Tuesday Evening last a public meeting was held at the Council Chambers for the purpose of obtaining some expression of opinion from the various candidates, most of whom were present. The hall was crowded. Mr Gorrie in the chair.

Mr. Nosworthy, upon being called upon, said he did not see why, because his nomination paper was sent in first, that he should be the first to address the meeting. Mr. Hudson came forward to answer any question. He had been invited to stand, but as yet could not say what he would do if elected. He had no particular views, but considered all works should be by tender, and that the rates should be small, as we were but poor. As to the spending money in districts, he thought it would be better to repair all the roads through the town, the bridge at Collie’s, draining near Collie’s and behind Dr. Williams’. Did not consider the embankments of the Opawa should be done by the Council, for his private opinion was that it was little use doing anything to that river, for it would shortly resume its old course again. Dr. Williams wished to know what he thought of draining the Blenheim swamp ? Mr. Hudson did not know where it was, but thought the first thing necessary was to get the streets into repair (Applause) In reply to the Chairman, as to whom he would support as Mayor, he said he did not know; he might be a candidate himself. He would not be in favor of borrowing money, if they could help it, Mr. Litchfield said that, as one of those that had been instrumental in getting the Act brought into force, he now wished to come forward and help to work it. His policy would be for spending their money not so much where it was collected, as where it was most wanted. Ha would not be for borrowing, as they should not do larger works than their means would allow. A special rate might be levied upon those in Grove Road who were affected by the water as only fair, in case the Board dealt with the floodi in that quarter. (Applause.)

Mr. MoElwain next addressed the meeting. He wished to see the roads of the town raised, so as to be serviceable at most times ; and he thought, if it could be managed, the pathways should be laid with asphalt, which would not wash away in a flood as gravel did. He could not say the amount of rate he would be in favor of, as that would depend upon the work to ba done. (Applause.) Mr. Bythell rose and said he thought Grove Road and High-street would be the first thing* to be attended to. If they allowed the water to destroy the roads in one part of the town it was an injury to the whole. He would not believe in a toll-gate any where, as it would be merely taxing people to pay a toll-man, and they were taxed heavily enough alaeady. Hawkers and carriers might be licensed, not for remunerative purposes, but as a protection to themselves against unauthorised persons. (Applause.) Mr. Norgrove rose amidst great applause. He had been asked to come forward. If elected he would serve them faithfully to the best of hi* ability. He would canvas no man, nor thank him when he had given him his vote (applause). Mr. Jas. Robinson being called on said that if elected he would serve them to the best of his ability, and pay just as much attention to one part of the Borough as another, according to it* requirements. (Applause.)

Mr. Collie addressed the meeting at great length. He congratulated them upon the introduction of an Act that would be of so much more service to them than the old Town Board Act, however well administered. He regarded Blenheim as a place to be vastly improved, and to take a place not second even to Nelson. He held, with Air. McElwain, that the roads would have to be raised very considerably. It would not be advisable to erect large or substantial works till the floods were stopped, as the character of tha work would be so difficult. The floods would yet be stopped, Blenheim paying its quota of the expense. The Tayleur river too some day might be attended to, that it might be kept out of ths town altogether ; for such a river rushing through it when well built upon would do incalculable damage. No matter was of more consequence than their river. Everything ought to be done by the Municipal Council to assist the commerce of Blenheim ; and no doubt if they showed themselves worthy, powers would be delegated to them for the improvement of the river and tha wharves. As the Provincial Government had no means with which to deal with these matters themselves, they would not be likely to oppose any application on the part of the Municipality. If they did not offer any facility to shipping by straightening and deepening the channel, forming quays, &c., they would be stopping the growth aud prosperity of the place, and raising up other towns to their loss. The new Act was not, he opined, so much complicated as it was comprehensive- giving them powers to deal with subjects of instruction and ornament as well as those of bare utility. They could establish exercise and pleasure grounds. Why, the greater part of the attraction of some of the chief towns of Europe lay in these things. He was glad a public meet--iug had'been called ; meetings of that sort kept members up to the mark when held regularly. The people ought to look after the reins of power as their prerogative in modern times, in contradiction to slavery under tyrants in the past. Regarding the floods in Grove Eoad, it would be simply a disgrace to the Municipal Corporation if they allowed it to continue. Respecting wards, he would be sorry to see the town divided into wards. It would be an admission of a pitiable jealousy, and that they ceuld not trust the Councillors in doing justice to all parts. It was all very well in large cities like Manchester or London, where it was impossible for Councillors to be acquainted with any but their own quarter. In small places like BienhSfmf wards would be a drag upon general improvement. The appointment of a Mayor, ho was afraid, would always give rise to disputes and partizanship, and, inch - pendent of merit, would be at the mercy of the privileged class. Ha held that that mark of esteem and honor should emanate from an expression of the people; and he believed no better pb* could be adopted than that of appointing the individual who should bo at the head of the pell. The Mayor and Councillors would thus fall into their proper places without any jealonsy or wrangling. The rate levied the first year could not be on a very low scale, as they had the debts of the bid Board to defray, as well as initiatory

expenses, plans, legal assistance, &c. (Applause.) Mr. Dodson rose and spoke at considerable length. He was always happy to meet the electors, and tell them what he thought. He was willing to be a candidate, as he believed he knew what the requirements of the town were. There was no particular honor in being elected a Councillor, but he held that every one owed a duty to the public, to give a portion of his time as well as of his means if he could thereby advance the common weal. He would advise the burgesses to vote for the best men, as this would be found to be the soundest policy in the end. After the assessment was made, the Councillors would have to pay the debts of the old Board, which, whether rightly or wrongly expended, could not be repudiated. The Town Clerk would have great powers given to him, and the Council would have to be careful in electing a man of some degree of business acumen and knowledge of the town. * * He would not be in favor of borrowing for a year or two at least, unless necessity compelled them —such as for the erection of a large bridge, when they might borrow for a term of years, so that those who in the future participated in the benefit would pay a share of the cost. It would be invidious in|him to offer any remarks as to who they should elect; but they should see that they were men likely to reside amongst them the longest, who conducted themselves with most propriety, and whom they might expect to see in after years in better positions. [The Reporter is obliged to omit the fluent and forcible language which succeeded, as being beyond the privileges of public speaking; as well as the hot reply of one of the assailed who was present.] In reply to a question, he would not object to the people in some way electing the Mayor, but he would not agree to the person who might be at the head of the poll. (Applause.) Mr. McHutcheson said that if elected, he would attend to his duties just as he attended to his own private business. He had made this place his home, and ho would like to see it prosper. He would agree with the proposal that the man who had the most votes should be elected Mayor. (Applause.) Mr. W. Nosworthy said he had been tried before, and if elected, he would servefthom to the best of his ability. It was premature to talk about works, as it would take much time to levy asaesment. It was best that the Council should elect their Chairman, as they would have more confidence in him to work with him. (Applause.) Mr. Lawrence said he came there as a candidate, free and independent, without any hole and corner creepings in, and private meetings. If returned, he would do them justice. (Applause.) A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the proceedings-.