PUBLIC MEETING.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 229, 6 September 1884, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING.

A meeting was held last evening at McFar. lane’s Hall to consider the working of the Borough Council and Harbor Board. There were about 400 present. Mr. File was voted to the Chair, and said they all knew that a requisition had been forwarded to the Mayor, who had refused to call the meeting unless the requisitionists paid for the hall. The requisitionists, however, thought if they had to pay for the hall they might as well elect their own Chairman. Mr. J. G. Henderson— Thought the requisitionists had been treated with very scant courtesy by the Council in refusing to grant what the requisitionists asked for. Mr. M. J. Gannon was called on to give some remarks on the bridge. He said it was an unexpected honor thrust upon him. He had not taken any part in getting up the proceedings, but had simply come as a listener. He declined to open the ball. Mr. John Somervell was next called on. All he knew about the meeting was that he had been asked to take part at a preliminary meeting on Thursday night. He had forgotten all about it until reminded by Mr. Joe Griffin. The persons at the preliminary were Henderson, Thompson, Smith, and another individual whose name he did not know. The unknown party had a great roll of paper which he read out to them. He thought if the document was produced and read to the meeting it would amuse, if it did not instruct the assemblage. He would advise that it should be done. No one could help being struck with the number of resolutions passed by the Board. They had passed three different motions on the same question in one night. No one would believe how funny the document was unless they saw it. The further they got on the more they seemed to get muddled. He suggested the gentleman whom he didn’t recollect should read the document

as he had got it all off by heart. He didn’t know what was best to be done. The Council were talking about, brick walls. Well, he thought those who made the proposition had friends in the Council who were either brickmakers or bricklayers. As he was a carpenter he would go in for timber.

The Chairman said there are two other names on the list, but as they were not there it is hardly worth while calling them out. For his own part he knew nothing about what the parties who had called the meeting intended to do. He had heard it rumored that some awkward questions were to be put to the Mayor and Councillors. He was told that if the Mayor would call a meeting they would provide the questions. They had asked several to take the chair, but no one could be got, so he consented to take it “ without prejudice.” He did not feel much interest in the doings of the Council or Board, and as to the Common Shelton business, which appeared to stick in some of their gizzards, he had heard some dissatisfaction, but did not know the posit ion'affairs were in. He thought they might have had resolutions prepared, but as the object for which the meeting was called had collapsed 1 he thought the candidates for municipal honors might give their views. The promoters of the meeting had failed to bring forward any material, and that would be a very good way to wind up the proceedings. At this stage Captain Tucker arrived, and was immediately spotted by the Chairman, who announced the fact. Captain Tucker, however, did not respond to the numerous calls from the audience. Mr. Ward thought that as the affair had fallen through, the best thing he could do was to propose a vote of tkanks to the Chairman.

Mr. DeLautour had come hoping to hear something, he was not very sure what. He hoped they would carry a strong resolution to assist the Harbor Board in doing all they could to strengthen Mr. Locke’s hands in regard to local matters which were now in his charge. They owed a great deal to the gentlemen who carried on the work of the local bodies. He would propose “ That this meeting thanks the local bodies for their efforts in furthering the harbor scheme, and urge upon them to do all in their power to assist Mr. Locke in passing the bill now before Parliament, and particularly calling his attention to the clause altering the constitution of the Board.” He thought their member would do very well if left alone, but what could be more disgusting than the rubbish they saw in the newspapers every evening of what Mr. Locke was doing. The eternal Locke-jaw would only make the district ludicrous in the eyes of the whole Colony, and would have the effect of damaging the successful issue of the bill now before Parliament.

[Mr. DeLautour said newspapers, when referring to certain matters sent from Wellington, but we suppose he meant to use the sin jular member only. He can hardly lay the charge at our door.] Mr. Gannon seconded, and said they could not have a better opportunity of bringing to a successful issue the matters now in the hands of their member, and to further which a deputation was about to proceed to Wellington. As to the primary object of the meeting, he knew nothing about it. A copy of the resolution should be forwarded to Mr. Locke. The motion was carried. Mr. Rufus Thompson proposed that the “ documents ” be read to the public, so that the world might know all about them. (Cries —“ Grey street drain,” “ Who’s got the document ?” &c.) Mr. Thompson remarked that he had smelt powder and shot, and was not afraid of anyone there. He then retired amidst volleys of applause.

His Worship the Mayor thanked them for the compliment contained in the resolution. The public must be well aware that many difficulties arose during the carrying out of public matters. The Common Shelton question had been finally settled, and he trusted they would hear no more of it. If under the present system of working there was any inconsistency it would be upset by the bill now before the House. It would do away with many difficulties. They should all take an interest in furthering the bill. He would be happy to answer any questions. Mr. Jennings—-Why do you take such interest in getting the bridge at Gladstone Road ?

Capt. Porter—Because I think it is the best site. I have no private interest whatever in the matter.

Mr. Jennings—Why not deepen the river first?

Capt. Porter—The two questions are not comparative. Government will supply money fur a bridge, but not for deepening the river.

Mr. Jennings asked several other unimportant questions, on which he was evidently misinformed.

Mr. Rufus Thompson again appeared on the scene. He thought those who signed the petition might have been men enough to come to the meeting and not put the whole burden on his shoulders. The CommonShelton business was a “ wrongly swindle arrangement” on the people. (Cries “Don’t burst yourself.” He proposed that the people don’t grant the license. He had been in Whitechapel and seen men there who could snuff all the Councillors out. The business people of Gisborne were a band of small pirates. It was dangerous to touch any of that band. (Cries, “ Have you paid your rates.”) He had paid £2 for a “ document,” which ought to be read. The promoters ought to be ashamed of themselves. By Jingo I if he had to depend on Gisborne he would lean on a rotten stick. Why didn’t the men who signed the petition come up. He did not like to take the battle all on his own shoulders. They were all afraid of one another, but he was not afraid of any of them. He demanded that the “ document ” be read. They were a lot of petty-fogging coons. (Voice —What about the oil springs ?) They are a d—d swindle. He told them a

year ago they would get no oil. They were paying away their money and would never see it again. (Tremendous cheering, during which the speaker again retired.) Mr. E. ff. Ward thought as there was such a large number present it would be a pity to disperse without doing something. He would propose “ That in the opinion of this meeting the legislation practically prohibiting dealing in Native Lands (Bryce’s Act, 1883) has seriously retarded the settlement of the East Coast, and has prevented lands which the Natives themselves cannot utilize from being peopled, and has contributed largely to the depression on the East Coast, and that the said provision should be repealed.” Capt. Tucker, for whom great cries were made, now appeared. [As he mounted the stage Mr. Rufus Thompson suddenly rushed out of the hall.] The speaker knew nothing about the object for which the meeting had been called. He was dissatisfied with the course the Common-Shelton affair took, but was not prepared to say the mode of settlement was not the best that could have been co.,ie to. He was surprised to hear what the Mayor said about the bridge. His own account of it was that the Mayor had guaranteed to find any sum over £3,000 which the bridge would cost. It was quite likely to cost £2OO or £3OO more if the contractor was any good at all. If the Waimata scheme had been death to Gladstone Road it would have been life to the other parts of the town. He was confident a majority of the ratepayers desired to have the bridge somewhere else. Capt. Porter was sorry to have to contradict the speaker, but he was sure the members . of the Council and the public prints would all bear out what he said. (Cheers). [Mr. Thomson again made his entry at this stage bearing a large roll of paper which subsequently proved to be the “ document.” The expressions of joy on the part of the audience prevented any further speaking for some time.] What he said was that if the County Council were averse to applying for the extra Cl.OOO he would guarantee £250 so that the Borough Council could get it without adding anything further to the liability of the ratepavers. As to the odd £135 he proposed by the Council that the contract shou’d be modified so as to come within the £3,000. Mr. Townley bore testimony to what the Mayor had stated. (Applause). They would find in the public print that the statement was finite correct. Captain Porter said if the County Council refused the £l.OOO he would guarantee the £250, so that the work could be completed. He never referred to any surplus. Some of the councillors were in favor of the Waimata scheme. (Mr Joyce— No. Name the Councillor.) When they failed to get, it over the Waimata Mr. Joyce wanted it on his section at Harris-street. He seconded the proposition of Mr. Ward. •

Mr. Joyce must differ from the last two speakers. Mr. Tucker’s was the true statement. (Voice —Give ns a bottle of fizz). Shut up. You will tire yourself out before you begin. No member of the Council wanted the Waimata bridge. The manner of procuring the money was discussed and Captain Porter guaranteed £250. The Mayor and others tried to push the bridge. He would call on Mr. Tutchen for support. The Borough ratepayers were being saddled with expense to benefit land owners up the Coast. It would require £l,OOO or £l,lOO more to finish the work. (Voice —What rot). The rising generation would have to pay the debt. (Voice—You’ve got none). The meeting was called to bring accusations against members of local bodies. The ratepayers had a right to call as many meetings liked to enquire into the acts of their servants. They had agreed to purchase Adair’s store for £460. He had in his pocket plans and specifications for a better building to cost £250. He had made his voice heard in the Council, but it was not at all times heard as plain as they heard it then. Mr. Lewis confirmed the remarks of the Mayor and Mr. Townley regarding the £250. He was surprised to hear Mr. Tucker make such remarks. Captain Porter never guaranteed anything over £3,000. Mr. Joyce’s claptrap was very good to secure a little applause. They could get money to build a bridge but not to deepen the river, which would be only throwing money away. He felt called on to contradict the false statements made, and hoped others would do the sane. Regarding the forthcoming election he would say that, he had, to the best of his ability, done his duty conscientiously, and if returned again would continue to do so with out fear or favor. Mr. Tutchen had come to hear some charges. (Cries—“ Put him on oath.” “ Read the ‘ document.’ ”) He would endorse what Mr. Joyce had said. Last Tuesday he reminded the Mayor of his promise, and called attention to the fact that the borough was not to be charged more than £5OO. They might think he was a rogue. (Loud applause.) The bridge would not enhance the value of borough property. He was glad to meet the ratepayers, and would submit to the strictest investigation. (Voice —“ You were too sick to attend when Common Shelton was being settled.”) He had only been absent from one meeting. (Voice— 11 That was the meeting.” “ Pretty cockey.”) One fool at a time, please. He thought the settlement of the Common-Shelton question very unsatisfactory. (Cries of “hurry up.” “Read the ‘ document.’ ”) He would be glad to answer any questions. The resolution was then put.

Mr. Somervell—Hold on there. He didn’t believe in any side winds being brought in. Bryce’s Bill was the best measure the country ever had. He then spoke at some length, pointing out the benfits of the measure, and concluded by proposing an amendment, which however was afterwards withdrawn. Captain Tucker proposed as an amendment, “ That the question be not discussed.” (This was after the discussion had been going on for about an hour.) The Chairman ruled the amendment out of order, but afterwards ruled in it again. Mr. Joyce seconded. Mr. M. J. Gannon had great reluctance in coming on the platform. Mr. Somervell had shown considerable acquaintance with the question of native lands looked at from his point of view. But his sole season for coming on the platform was to remind them that a deputation was to proceed to Wellington to-morrow in connection with matters of vital importance to the district, and what would be the effect if a large meeting like that refused to give an opinion. The whole proceedings had been very irregular, but they ought to do all in their power to strengthen the hands of the deputation. (Applause.) In the confusion which followed Mr. Tucker voted against his own amendment, which was declared lost. , Mr. Somervell’s was declared carried although it had been withdrawn, and no show of hands was asked for or against it. Mr Ward’s motion was declared lost, there being no votes for it, and two against. Altogether the meeting was the greatest farce that has been perpetrated in Poverty Bay for some time. As the audience filed out the Chairman drew attention to the “ document,” a large roll of paper covered with the well-known hieroglyphics of a gentleman recently connected with the Press of Gisborne. However nobody could begot either to read or listen to the “ document,” which was ultimately taken charge of by Mr. Rufus Thompson, and is since stated to have been deposited in the Grey Street drain. Like most agitations of the kind, the prime movers were not to be found when it came to the struggle.