PUBLIC MEETING AT WAVERLEY.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 176, 16 December 1876, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING AT WAVERLEY.

(FROM OUR OWN COURESrOXDKNTi) A public meeting of ratepayers was held on Thursday evening, at the Town Hall, Waverley, for the purpose of eliciting opinions upon the Counties Bill. Mr Bridge was called to the chair; Air Bryce, M.H.11.j being also present. Mr Bryce, in a lucid manner, explained the leading features of the Bill, giving bis opinion that it would be some time before it wotild get into working order, as the Council would have to deal With educational matters, rates, licenses, sheep inspection, &Ci; and eventually absorb the present Road Boards. He viewed, not without alarm, bis previously expressed opinion, which now almost amounted to •certainty, that ere long the financial condition of this county would bo most critical, and that in all probability the subsidies provided for in the Bill would have to be withdrawn, and besides a very direct tax to be imposed upon the people. He thought a weak point in the Bill was, that it made no provision for the Settlement of the land ; and also alluded to the vexatious, he might almost say malicious opposition, the Bill had encountered in every stage through the House : still, they laid been glad to get what they could, but it would have to be amended from time to time. Adverting to the railway, lie thought it would be perfectly useless unless carried to Waitolara, of which he saw no chance. Considerable discussion arose upon some of the clauses in the Bill, which were not capable of very clear explanation,—differences of opinion arising as to their construction. Eventually the amendment of Mr Thomas was adopted, to the effect—■“ That it would not be desirable to exact pledges of any kind from the Councillors, but leave their action entirely unfettered.” The nomination of Councillors for this district takes place at.noon on Mondaj-. The three gentlemen proposed at the meeting wore, Mr Bridge, Mr Wilson, and Mr Kcnah. After passing a vote of thanks to Mr Bryce, for his attendance, and to the Chairman, the meetina- separated.