HAWERA.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 177, 20 December 1876, Page 2

HAWERA.

( FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Since I last wrote, we have been experiencing most unpleasant weather, and consequently everything has been at a standstill ‘so to speak. The rain and stormy weather has been a great source of annoyance to our run-holders and farmers, as it has obstructed shearing and harvesting. The improvements which the Town Board are making by levelling and forming the footpaths in the township, have also come to a standstill, owing to the same reason.

The nomination of candidates for the County Council of the County of Patea (Eawera Riding) took place here to-day (Monday), but the proceedings were of the tamest description, very few electors turning up to take part in the proceedings. A question arose whether electors would be entitled to more than on 9 vote, some stating that they ought to be entitled to more votes in proportion to the value of their property, but the Returning Officer (Mr Meredith), stated that one vote would bo the recognised mode at the first election.

The meeting of the Committee chosen to canvass this district with a view to raising subscript!ous to enable the residents to make terms with a duly qualified medical gentleman, who would be willing to practise in and around Hawera came oil a day or two ago. A large proportion of members of committee were present, including Messrs Adamson, Bate, Cameron, Davidson, Douglass, Goodson, Hicks, Hunter (2) Henderson, Livingstone, Tait, T. Middleman, McFarlane, McLean, A. Winks, Nichols, Stevenson, Thompson, J. Winks, E. Wilson.

Mr Thomas Middlemas was voted to the chair.

Proposed by Mr Moore Hunter, and seconded by Mi Bate, “That £2 10s should be the subscription for married people, and £1 for bachelors.” An amendment was put, to the effect that the subscription for married people bo only £2 ; but the original proposition was carried. . Proposed by Mr Moore Hunter, and seconded by Mr Hicks, “ That the district be canvassed to ascertain how many persons would be willing to subscribe, so as to enable the Committee to form an idea of how much money could be offered as a guarantee for the services of a medical gentleman.” Carried unanimously. Mr Goodson proposed, and Mr Livingstone seconded, “That the sum to be offered as a guarantee, bo £250 per annum as a minimum.” An amendment was made by Mr Davidson, and seconded by Mr Moore Hunter, to the foliowhg effect: —“That this cpicstion be left open until the district has been canvassed.” The amendment was carried by a Urge majority. Proposed by Mr Davidson, and seconded by Mr Livingstone, “ That those wishing to subscribe should sign an agreement, binding them to do so for a period of three years but on this an amendment was proposed,, “.That the binding clause bo for two years.” The latter was carried. Proposed by Mr Livingstone, and seconded by Mr Goodson, “ That the doctor be a resident in, Ilawera, and that_ his practice be not limited to the district.” An amendment was proposed, “That the bounds of his practice be limited to the boundaries of the Patea County.” After considerable discussion, the amendtnent was carried. Proposed by Mr Livingstone, and seconded by r Mr Moore Hunter, “That subscribers be attended free (not including medicine), non-subscribers to pay medical fees.” Carried unanimously. Proposed by Mr Davidson, and seconded by Mr Goodson, ‘.‘ That the Doctor shall collect the guaranteed subscriptions, and that the subscriptions shall be paid halfyearly.” An amendment, proposed by Mr Bate, and seconded by Air Livingstone, “ That the Committee shall collect the subscriptions quarterly, and hand the same to the Doctor,” was carried. Proposed by Mr Livingstone, and seconded by Air Goodson, “That subscribers pay the sum ,o£ £s.,ea;ch for preliminary expenses.” Carried unanimously. Proposed by Mr Winks, and seconded by Air Davidson, “ That the subscribers in all cases shall have a prior claim on the doctor’s services over non-subscribers.” Carried nem. con. It was resolved, “ That, every one who subscribed at this meeting, be allowed to vote on future Committee meetings ;” also, “ that Air Cameron be appointed canvasser, to obtain subscriptions in the district.” The proceedings closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the chair. After this meeting was concluded, a meeting of the Commissioners of the newly-formed 24th (Ilawera) Load Board, took place. Present ; Alossrs McLean, Winks, A* Goodson, Thompson, Henderson, Livingstone, and J. Winks. Air J. Winks was elected Chairman to the Board. Resolved—- “ That Messrs D. McL’Dowie, and J. Stevenson, be appointed valuers to the Board.” “That Alessrs Greig, and Inman, be asked to tender for the office of Secretaryship to the Board, the term of office to extend till 31st March, 1877. Tenders to be sent to Chairman of the Board, vdio was empowered to accept the lowest tender.”

i <! That a tracing of the Standard Map of the District be procured from the District Land’s Office, Patca.” “That the debits of the former Board be paid.” The proceedings then terminated. Later in the''evening a meeting _of the ratepayers was held, with a view of electing’ a member to till the vacancy in the Town Board, caused by the resignation of Mr John Black.

Two gentlemen (Messrs A’Conrt and Furlong) were nominated to fill the post, and consequently a poll was demanded, to take place on Tuesday (yesterday). We have been, to a certain degree, roused out of our apathy lately by the advent of two newcomers in the soft goods lino. The weather has been very nnpropitions for them at present, but, from all we can learn, we behove that the good people of Hawera will, in time, appreciate their efforts to sell first-class articles at very moderate rates.