PUBLIC MEETING AT KAKARAMEA.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 982, 10 January 1883, Page 3

PUBLIC MEETING AT KAKARAMEA.

A meeting, to take-into consideration the suspension of the Counties’ Act, was held in the Town Hall on Monday. A very fair number of ratepayers attended, and Mr E.J Morgan occupied the chair, Mr Mcllac proposed and Mi Ball seconded the following resolution : —" That, the necessary steps be taken to secure the suspension of the Counties’ Act in the Patea County.” Carried_ Mr Mcßae spoke of the unsatisfactory way in which the County Council had carried on affairs and thought that a change was urgently needed. After some remarks, respcctingothor Boards in the district, Mr Brodie said, “ If wc can show up our own grievances, that is sufficient, let others look after themselves.” Mr E. Hamilton asked what would take place if the Act was suspended.

Mr Gibbs explained the provisions of the Act, and stated that the object is to try if (he Road Boards will act independently of the County Council. Mr Clover referred to debts lining taken over by Road Boards, and wished to know if it would bo necessary to have an engineer for each Board.. Of course if the work could be done without an engineer that would be a saving, but if each Board required an engineer the expense would be much greater. Mr Hamilton: By doing away with Road Boards there would be a chance perhaps, of belter representatives on the County Council. Mr Pearce thought that small districts could be much more easily worked and better than largo ones. Mr Ball : 1 should be sorry to see Road Boards done away willi. because if they look over the management of affairs if would do away with County Council officials altogether. Mr Hamilton spoke of the advantages of centralization, and said that in the event of itoad Boards conducting matters there would probably be an inequality. of rales, whereas if the Council had the management there would be a uniform rate throughout the county. Af ier some desultory discussion it was proposed by Air M‘ Rae, and seconded by Mr J Burke. " That the following gentlemen be appointed a eommitfc to carry the previous resolution into effect, and hike steps to secure the co-op ualien of oilier Road Boards, namely;— Messrs Ball. M'Rao, Pearce, Gibbs and Burke.' Carried. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.