MEETING OF OTAKI NATIVES.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 1 September 1920, Page 3

MEETING OF OTAKI NATIVES.

DECIDE AGAINST BOROUGH

PROPOSAL.

A number of Natives congregated al the “Raukawa” last, night ior the pur nose of listening to an address by tkcChairman of the Otaki Town Board (Mr J. r. Brandon) with respect to tin proposed formation of a borough. Mr Pul.u Rikihuna was elected chair man, and ia introducing Mr Brandoi stated that if ho (Mr Brandon) coulo satisfy the meeting there were benefits to be derived from a borough the Natives would pass a resolution agree ing to give their support. Mr A. J- Knocks was interpreter. Mr Brandon, who apologised for tin absence of Mr H. McMillan, membe, of the Shannon Borough Council, ol; account of illness, explained that that oentleman had decided to speak on th advantages of a borough from the Natives’ standpoint. It was unlor tuuate he was absent. Mr Branca said at a previous ineetng he hnusei^ ■ had outlined the advantages of 1 borough, Jjut the Natives had since ex pressed a desire to hear of the disadvantages. in bis opinion there were none, and contended the Natives ha J everything Jo gain and nothing to lose. ' Speaking of the desire of tlio Native* •to have their rates remitted on th '“raukawa,” Mr Brandon said he hue

cone carefully into the matter aim found it could not be done—rates were remitted on church property only. Touching on the question of outstanding rates which the Board had decided to sue for, Mr Brandon stated no distinction was being made between Pakeha and Native. . ' \t this stage several Natives said 1 they had received summonses for tarn! which they did, not own, and asked th. reason. Brandon explained th;... their names wore or. the valuation rod as owners, therefore the Board had no other course to pursue. It was evidence transfer of land had never been \ notified. He advised all in future to inspect the roll and make objection u thdT bad a grievance. This was matt id - that would bo put right it borough' were formed, as a Govcrnmeu. official would be sent to make prop.--adjustments. Those who had sum mouses ho advised to plead gurfy ‘ “ make an otter to pay amounts due b, instalments— the Board had no Uesm to bo hard on anyone. Several more questions similar to th, above were asked and satisfactorily

answered. In answer to Mr William Biaiham-. Mr Brandon said if the district pro tressed everyone must benefit by it all would share in the prosperity o the place. A general rate would be ‘ -end over the whole district while the rating powers of a borough am town board were identical. In answer to Mr T. f'cotes, Mi Bran don stated that a borough or town board could not levy more than t ,<i o the capital value, while any loan warn h. have to be submitted to the i. T>uv en« t when the majority would rule. 1 Mr Tarake Tewiata asked writ would become of Native binds ita borough was formed. lhe could not pay the rates. Mr Brandon said a lion would b put against the land, but in protore, u Ihc Natives should pay overdue rate l.v instalments. Mr Tewiata said he had never been notified that Ids rates were due. n - first intimation was a summons. Tin • statement was supported by others. -Mr Brandon said a demand notice should have been sent'to each on no doubt notices had been scat but liar, gone astray in transit. ‘ Mr Cootes considered the meeting was wandering from the main quest,on —he had also got a summons, but n had served him right. The chief rssim to decide was whether a borough wuadvisabte. In his opinion the m<n - was premature for the Natives, am u moved that the Natives vote agn««« it. This was seconded by Mr 11l Kikihana and declared unanimously

carried. ~ Mr Brandon in thanking all lor patient hearing said d.espitc the resolution lie felt sure many of the Natives would change their mind and vote to* the proposal on polling day.