PATEA COUNTY.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 138, 5 August 1876, Page 2

PATEA COUNTY.

Public Meeting at Waverley. A meeting was held in the Town Hall, Waverley, oh Tuesday last, at 8 o’clock* to consider the proposed boundaries of (he Patoa County, and to decide if it would be advisable for (lie Wairoa district to he a portion of the proposed county. Mr G. 8. Bridge occupied the chair, and expressed himself favorable to the boundaries proposed by the present Government. There was a large attendance, including several persons from Carlyle and the adjoining districts. Mr J. W. Kenah proposed —“That this meeting heartily approves of the boundaries of the Patoa County, as defined in the schedule of the proposed Government Rill, the resolution to be telegraphed to Mr Bryce, M.11.R.” The mover spoke at considerable length in favor of the same, pointing out the advantages that the Wairoa district would have in being a portion of the Patea County, instead of joining the Wanganui ; that for a number of years at least Carlyle would be the place of meeting of the County Council ; that they would therefore bo able no doubt to get good men to represent that portion of the country, who would not go to Wanganui to attend meetings. That taxation would not be so heavy in the Patea County, as in the Wanganui one. That for several reasons it was advisable to become a portion of the proposed Patoa County ; therefore ho had great pleasure in proposing the resolution. Mr. A. C, Fookcs seconded the resolution, also dwelling at length on the advantages which would accrue to the Wairoa District being a portion of the proposed Patea County. Mr W. Dale, of Carlyle, also addressed the meeting in favour of the resolution, and to disabuse the minds of those present who were afraid that joining the Patea county meant heavy taxes for improving the Patea river, in the course of his remarks he read the following telegram he had received from the Hon. Major Atkinson on the subject, and a reply to the same. Mr W. Dale, Patea. “ Re Harbour, I propose to ask for a block of land to endow it with. No power will be given to tax the county districts for such a purpose, but a rate may be levied upon the town of Carlyle under certain circumstances for harbour purposes.” 11. A. Atkinson. Hon. Major Atkinson, Wellington.

“ Presume borrowing powers will be given to Harbour Board to construct works. Should revenue from insufficient to pay interest and sinking fund, Government and County should assist out of land fund, because improvements will increase the value of unsold lands. If taxation necessary should not be restricted to Carlyle, the county will reap greatest benefit.” W. Dale. He the speaker did not consider it would be necessary to tax the settlers for such a purpose, if proper land endowments were made. . The Harbour Board when formed would be able to raise.without difficulty, sufficient money to complete the groin on the south side, which Mr Carruthers estimated at £4OOO, but suppose it was decided to impose a tax on the lands.within, the county for the purpose of paying the whole of the annual interest and sinking fund on, say £30,000, which exceeds the

estimate for all the proposed works, it Avonld be a amall tax on such valuable land as there is in the county, and that the benefits that Avonld be derived by every landholder, Avonld far exceed the small rate that would have to be paid. The speaker concluded by staling that the Wairoa settlers Avonld act Avisely in agreeing to join the proposed Patea County. Several oilier gentlemen addressed the meeting in favour of the resolution, Avhieh upon being put to the meeting was carried unanimously.

After the meeting had finished the comity boundary question, a discussion took place Avith reference to matters connected with education, and a memorial Avas read, adopted, numerously signed by those present, praying the Government to grajit an educational reserve in the district.