LIVINGSTONE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 807, 12 November 1878, Page 2

LIVINGSTONE.

fi'KOii our own cokhespostdent.] November 11. A public meeting was held on Saturday, in the sehoolhouse, Mr. J. Fraser occupying the chair. The Chairman explained that in "a very short time s, poll would be taken in connection with the return of a representative for the riding in the Waitaki County Council. It was thought the present member would have met his constituents, and given them some account of what had transpired in their interest during his term of office. This he had not done, and, since in his public capacity he had been called upon to deal with public funds, it was due to the electors .that such a statement should be made. He therefore thought that as the time was now so short, an arrangement with the Committee of the Miners' Association should be made, by which Mr. Sutherland should be requested to meet them and give an account of his stewardship. Mr. Roberts, in the absence of the Secretary, explained at great length the action of the Miners' Association. It niight be thought by some they had taken on themselves too much, but the difficulty j of convening a public meeting at so short a notice in such a scattered district was a sufficient excuse, and they trusted their efforts | would be appreciated, and Mr. Sumpter be sent in at the head of the poll. A letter was then read from Mr. Sumpter, in reply to the Secretary of the Association, in which he alluded to the current report that there was little chance of his being returned because he was an outsider. This facb would, however, be an advantage in

fj= -1many ways rather than othernfcse, as he would always be on tho spot tofcttend any si'eeial meeting, and to watch theV interests, and lie should be proud to seM'c a constituency which had firs?; honorewhim with their confidence. Ke also aliudedfto the fact that the railway to Dimtroon was a project adopted in the Provincial Council upon his motion. The Chairman remark-d that ho could say nothing by way of .introducing M.\ Siiiiiptcr, but trusted thej r would supper tho Committee's action by returning him at th; head of the poll. Attention was drawn to the fact th a "jjjßfig the present member—Mr. Suthtria ?.'t—"a 4 asked by the Council for hi 3 opink-i. to the ! proposed railway to Livingsio;!, he ;•■;- .>:! its follows : "Railway to Livingstone impracticable. Consult Engineer." It was then resolved on the motion of Mr. F. Reed, seconded by Mr. Howe, " That the Secretaiy of the Miners' Association be instructed to write to Mr. VT. Sutherland, asking him to meet the Committee on Monday next, and give an account of the action he has taken in the Council to represent the riding, especially in respect of certain moneys voted by the same/' ; No amendment being made, the motion was carried unanimously. \ Mr. M'Qiindc proposed, and Mr. C'arrMe seconded, the following, which was cairieu '■ without a dissentient voice:—"That this' meeting heartily approves of the action taken by the Committee of the Miners' Association in their efforts to secure the services of so good a representative for the riding in the County Council." ; Mr. Smith referred to some vnmoi current as to the assistance rendered to party interests in the Comity Council by Mr. \\\. Sutherland to the neglect of his own coni-: stituents. \' In reply to Mr. Howe, Mr. Roberts e.\i plained the action taken by the Committea in connection with the land sales, a report!: of which has already appeared in you.-| columns. ] Mr. Howe then proposed, and Mr.' F. Rotting seconded, " That this meeting expresses its conlid.ence in Mr. (I. Sumpter as a fit and proper person to represent the Riding of Otekaike in the Waitaki County j Council, and pledges itself to do all in its power to secure his return."' In reply to Mr. .Smith, Mr. Robertsquoted clauses from the Counties Act, lS7f>, and Regulation of Local Elections Act, IS7(>, bearing upon miners' right qnaliik-a-tions. The Chairman said he had made enquiries of the Council re the Warden's return, and the validity of miners' rights, but had received no reply. Attention was drawn to the fact that in consequence of tho refusal of the Ranks in Oaniaru to "buy gold at current value, it was now being sold in Ihmedin, and this accounted for the small amount of revenue accruing to the County Council from here as export duty. There was a good attendance, and with the usual votes of thanks the proceedings ended.