PUBLIC MEETING.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume I, Issue 22, 11 April 1890, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING.

A public meeting was held in the Town Hall on Wednesday to take into consideration the new electoral boundaries. There was not a large attendance of the public, but those present appeared to be unanimous in the belief that the present boundaries were not what they might have been, nor were the alterations suggested at the meeting of delegates likely to prove beneficial to the best interests of the district.

Mr C. H. Mills occupied the chair. He regretted that the interest taken in the matter was not stronger, apparently the settlers did not understand the true position.. If they thoroughly understood the way the boundaries were fixed he believed there would have been a strong feeling of indignation throughout the district. Mr Mills then explained what had taken place at the meeting of delegates, which has been fully set forth in previous issues of the Guardian. Dr Chilton, in moving the first resolution, considered if the alterations were carried out we would simply be left at the tail end of the electorate, and would have no power in the choice of a representative, and proposed, That this meeting considers that any divi-' sion which would only add a portion of North Marlborough to the present Wairau electorate would be most disastrous to the best interests of this district.

Mr Perry seconded the resolution. ' Mr Eeynolds regretted the paucity of attendance, but it was generally the case when any great question affecting the material advancement of the whole community was to be discussed a large majority did not put in an appearance. If it were a dance or any thing of that nature there would be a large number present, but anything of an intellectual character was sufficient to keep a large majority away. He thought the people wanted educating up to the importance of taking an active part in the discussions of all political and; social questions affecting our future well being. ’ The motion was then put Tknd carried unanimously. Mr W. H. Smith then proposed the following resolution, That in the opinion of this meeting community of interest, facility of communication,, and topographical features have not been sufficiently studied when adjusting the new boundaries of the Waimea-Picton electorate, and we strongly recommend, if the Commissioners cannot amalgamate the .old , Provincial District of Marlborough' with the Wairau electorate, that the Wairau lUver from Tophouse td the ocean be fixed as the S.E. boundary of the Waimea-Picton electorate. Mr John Wheadon seconded.

Mr Brown spoke in favour of the resolution, and considered that was what was wanted.

Mr Wheadon wanted to knowhow far down the Sounds Mr Seymour’s proposed alterations extended, which was fully explained by the chairman. Mr Mills thought that when the electors in the district saw the matter in print they would consider it of great importance, and that they were sacrificing their best interests by not being present. That the privilege of every man having a vote should be jealousy guarded, as every one stood on an equal footing with regard to the franchise. The man who had 50,000 acres of land only had the same power as one with no property at all. There was no such thing now as a man, voting in one district and gqipg over the boundary and then voting in another, and for that reason everyone should feel they had a duty to perform and not neglect to exercise the power given them. ,'^C Mr Reynolds thought neglected their duty in not against the reduction of members. If the Government wanted to make a reduction they might very conveniently have done so in the Upper House. He felt, however, quit© hopeless in the matter seeing that so little interest was taken in so important a question. The resolution was then put and carried unanimously. Mr Reynolds then proposed, and Dr Chilton seconded, That a copy of th^

foregoing resolutions be sent to the Commissioners appointed by Parliament to adjust the new electoral boundaries. A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the proceedings.