PUBLIC MEETING.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 257, 6 February 1874, Page 3

PUBLIC MEETING.

SQITATTINO COMPANY. The meeting of those who were in favor of forming a company to invent in station property met last night at the Victoria Hall—about thirty being present.. Mr. Inder was called to the Chair. '■: On the arrival of our reporter a: letter of opinion was being read from Mr. Geo. Oliver, of Eweburn Station, strongly ■■ urging the advisability of a company locally formed; and the sterility and climate of the Maniototo. At the conclusion of the letter, Mr. Thomson asked: What would you propose, a joint stock company, a limited company, or what ? Mr. Oliveb : I am not certain. Mr. Bbemnee : Is there any immediate purchase in view P Chaib : No ; this is quite a preliminary meeting, the object being merely to see whether a favorable view of the scheme was entertained generally; if bo,'to appoint a Committee to devise a scheme. Only three or four signed the requsition calling the meeting. Everything was left to the meeting. No prospectus had even been thought of or prepared. I think the meeting may take Mr. Oliver's statements as correct, as he is a man of experience. lam firmly of opinion that if a company is not formed locally, it will be formed elsewhere. I shall do my best to float it in Dunedin. jam confident of success , Mr. Thomson : How are other companies paying ? The New Zealand Land Company, for instance. A Voice : That is an agricultural company. Mri Babhon : There is the Otago and Canterbury Association. Mr. Thomson : I? this to be a mere district —mere local—affair, then?—— Well, I believe there is a good deal of capital lying in the banks seeking investment. All that is wanted is security. Some may say that Mr. Oliver's views are interested. (Laughter.) The Chairman : Of course he is interested, as I am. It was very evident that, whether the.district moved in the matter' or not', the company would be floated. Mr. Newman suggested that an expression of opinion should be obtained by the chairman. A. unanimous show of hands was held up in favor of the scheme. Mr. Newman suggested that the names of those in favor of guaranteeing preliminary expenses should be taken. Mr. Geoboe was called upon to act as Secretary. Mr. Plummbb thought another meeting should be called before money was taken from people. j. he following gentlemen then agreed to guarantee preliminary expenses : Messrs. Newman, Thomson, Lamont, Bar.ron, Vickery, Jackson, Hewitt, Gihnour, Pirider, Plumnier, George, and Oliver. Mr. B ■ übon then proposed that a Provisional Committee of 'seven ' be appointed! Secodded by Mr. Newman and curried. ' Tae following gentlemen were appointed : —Messrs. Inder, Newman, Tlunnson, Oliver, George, Barron, and Jackson. Mr. Thomson would'have .liked Mr. dp Lantour to be on the Committee if he would consent. Mr. dk Lactoto : Uc.would not, as being

opposed to f.lie scheme, w'ljch lie thought was against tlie infceruVis of tlie district. Mr. Thomson : We dont. want your opinion. Mr. de Lautoub r Bub you -will hear it soon enough. * . Mr. Bresiner proposed a vote of thanks to the Chair, which was carried. The letter from Mr. Oliver, which had been read to influence the meeting, was asked for by our reporte*, as being a public document After some discussion the Charman decided to refuse permission for a copy to be taken. Thus this very valuable opinion is utterly lost to the public. The Committee held a meeting at the clo3e of the proceedings.