OTAKI RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXIII, 24 November 1920, Page 3

OTAKI RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual general meeting of members of the Otalci Ratepayers’ Association was held in the Druids’ Hall on Monday night, Mr J. S. Pole ooeu- - pying the chair. There were only about a dozen members present. Owing ,to being incapacitated with a poisoned hand the secretary (Mr C. H. Williams) apologised for the fact that there was no report, while he stated the balance-sheet showed a credit of ten shillings. He stated the Association consisted of twenty-eight members, that regular meetings of the commit tee had been held and were well attended, that the Association had done fairly good work and been tlu. means of securing several minor ini pvovments. It had proved a stimulus to the Town Board, and given it confidence to carry out certain works, while he considered the Association could take credit for the success of the recent election. Some suggestions made could not be given effect to b,' the Board on account of lack ot finance. The Board had, nevertheless, always met the Association in a reasonable, courteous, and straightforward wav, and there was only one small item—-that of removing the post office fence further back —that had been turned down. He hoped, however. that the Board would re-eonsidei its decision, and have, the matter at tended to. Mr J. P. Brandon (Chairman of tin Otuki Town Board), on behalf of the Board, expressed his appreciation of the work done by the Association, especially as regards the recent election when the “ticket” representing, the Association had been returned. He considered every person in Otaki should be a member of the Association and thus help in the progress of the town. Mr Brandon then took the op portunity of introducing the newly appointed town clerk (Mr Davies). The Chairman, on behalf of the Association, then welcomed AH Davies, and said as lie came with a good reputation ratepayers generally could hope for a better state of affairs. Mr Davies, in returning thanks, mentioned that the Association should be invaluable in assisting the Board, but a lot depended on its activity. He hoped to justify his appointment, and said ho hud no doubt but that he would be happy in his new sphere. The following officers were then elected:—President, Mr J. S. Pole; vice-presidents, Messrs C. 11. M illiams, \Y. Bassett, and the litsv. G. F. Petrie, M.A.; secretary and treasurer, Air AY. Vaughan; executive, Messrs E. Irvine, Albert Smith, and L. St. George; auditor, Air H. Witelioll. • On the motion of Air A\ illiams it was decided to raise the membership fee from Is to Us (id, the mover stating that at present the subscription was not even sufficient to pay tor I stationery and stamps. Air AYilliams j also gave notice of motion that ! no person be allowed on the executive j or any ticket for Town Board election purposes unless a member of the Association. At present, said Air Williams, a person could be elected a commissioner by the Association’s efforts, ,

even though he was not a member. Mr Smith moved as a recommendation to the committee that the Association make application to the lowa Board for two extra lights—one at the doctor’s, the other at the police station, while the Kev. Petrie suggested that the Board be asked to reconsider its decision relative to putting back the .fence at the post office.

Mr Brandon said this matter had been held in abeyance by' the Board on account of finance .‘ami the fact that more urgent, work fes.: necessary. He assured the?: Association that the matter would not be lost sight, of. A Tribute to the Secretary-

The matter of appointing a seeretnrv proved a difficult one, Air C. H. Williams declining to again accept office. Air Brandon, in endeavouring to induce Air AYilliams to allow himself to be re-elected, said that gentleman had done a lot of useful work for the Association, and was fully conversant with the requirements of the district.

Air AYilliams considered that as the Association had wandered from its iwu rules he could not see liis way to iccept, besides pressure of business also prevented his standing.

The Rev. Petrie suggested letting ly-gones be bv-goncs, and that the meeting pledge itself to adhere to the rules ill future. Air AYilliams, he considered, had made the Association, and it was the wish of all that he should continue in office. The position was an important one, and he considered he was admirably suited for it.

The Chairman and several Others endorsed these remarks, but Mr Williams still declined to accept. Air Bills, in proposing that Air Williams be accorded a very hearty vote of .thanks for work done, expressed a hope that he would continue to help the Association in other directions. This Air AYilliams consented to do, and said he had always had the welfare of Otaki at heart and was anxious to see it progress.