Merging.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 26, 28 September 1894, Page 2

Merging.

MEETING AT AWATUNA.

A meeting to consider the merging of Waimate was held at Awatuna on Thursday, when about forty ratepayers were present. Mr R. Hewson occupied the chair.

Mr Proudlock stated what action he and others had taken since Mr Hemmingway had broken faith with them by presenting the petition after promising that he would not do so unless the district rate could be protected. He (Mr Prouulock) had been appointed to interview Mr Caplin as to* the legality of the petition, and, having received his opinion, read it for the information of the meeting. It was to the effect that the petition was illegal and could be upset on everal technical points. Very free expression of opinion was giver, by those present, a d all, with one exception, spoke against merging. Mr Forsyth was of opinion that the petition could be amended, and possibly be again presented; and, in his opinion, the best course to pursue was to gel up a counter petition. Mr Hemmingway came in for some very rough handling, but he was not present, although he had been invited to attend.

Mr Proudlock moved, and Mr Burgess seconded. That a counter petition be circulated for signature. The motion was carried with only two dissentient voices.

The following committee was appointed to draft the petition and allot districts to canvassers : Messrs Proudloclr, Henson, Watson, Maloney, and Perrott.