Wellington Ratepayers' As

Manawatu Herald, 10 June 1899, Page 3

Wellington Ratepayers' As-

Bociation.

There was a large attendance of ratepayers of both sexes at the meeting held in connection with the newlyformed Ratepayers' Association in the Trocadero on Thursday night. The main business before the meeting was the election of officers and the question of membership, and it was intimated that when the latter had been placed on a satisfactory footing the Association would commence its work In real earnest. Sir Robert Stout was unanimously elected President, and Messrs J. G. W. Aitken and H. Hurrell (who convened the original meeting) Vice- Presidents ; Mr J. Gallagher, Hon. Treasurer; and Messrs Brandon and Hislop, hon. solicitors. The latter will draw up rules which will be submitted to another meeting for confirmation. A very strong work ing committee, comprising some 30 ratepayers, was appointed, and in the course of a free discussion a vigorous campaign was decided upon. The annual subscription was fixed at ss, and.next arose the question of obtaining members. After further expressions of opinion, Mr Short (late Superintendent of the Home for the Aged Needy) was appointed a paid canvasser, to visit every ratepayer in the city and also to be supplied with circulars explaining the objects of the Association. Pending th& appointment of a permanent paid Secretary (applications for which position are to be invited), Mr William Miller consented to act as interim Secretary. A proposal that central rooms should be taken so that regular meetings could be held was also adopted, and the whole of the proceedings were characterised by considerable enenthusiasm. It is expected that within the next fortnight some 300 or 400 ratepayers, at the very least, will be enrolled. It was pointed out that representations for such a body must have weight with the powers that be. It was resolved that a general meeting of all ratepayers be held next Thursday evening, when the draff constitution will be presented for adoption and the Association inaugurated. The Hon. T. W. Hislop has consented to give a short addressjit the meeting upon the benefits and duties of the Ratepayers' Association.— Post.