The Pahiatua Star. (Published Tuesdays and Fridays.) FRIDAY, JULY 9, 1886.

Pahiatua Star and Eketahuna Advertiser, Volume 1, Issue 9, 9 July 1886, Page 2

The Pahiatua Star. (Published Tuesdays and Fridays.) FRIDAY, JULY 9, 1886.

I’aiiuti * i i-au virituiliy constituted it Town ldintrict, we sliaii eiiiltiitvour to lay liefurw the rati‘pu_.er.* : omf of Hit* litOKt mlpoitant featuresoi tlie Act by vv iiicli life town will be governed. We made a slight mistake hv*t issue in saying that at the first election only bouseliolders within the prescribtid ihstric i could vote; for on looking Blore < 10-cly into the Act we tind timl every person whose uaiiie shall appear i n the eleotoral roll for any riding within which the district is included, ai. 1 who shall own or occupy property situated within the district, shall be entitled to vote at the first and any other election of Commissioners prior to any rate being levied ; after winch the ratepayers of the district only shall be entitled to vote. The number of votes to be recorded by individual ratepayers will be fixed according to the rateable value of their property—that is to say, less than i'so, one vote ; not less than A'/iO, but less than A'UK), two; not less than i'loo, but less than £ISU, three; not less than AToO. but less than i‘3so, four ; A'.'liO and upwards, five. The election must be conducted under the Regulation of Local Elections Act, and so soon ns possible after the Returning Oflicor must publicly notify the names of the Commissioners elected. At the first meeting of the Hoard, a Chairman must l>e elected, who shall continue in office for two yenrs unless he resigns or forfeits liis seat in the meantime. The meetings of the Board are open to the public, but power is given to exclude strangers when any private matter is about to be discussed. Every question coming before the Board shall be decided by open voting, tile Chairman having a deliberative and casting vote; but no business can be transacted unless a quorum is present. No commission* r is allowed to vote on any matter in which lie is interested under j . unity not exceeding £SO, and loss of seat. If no quorum is present within half-an-hotir alter appointed time of meeting, a Commissioner, or the Clerk, may adjourn same to a date not later than seven days thereafter ; notice of which must be given to each Commissioner. No extraordinary business can be taken at an ordinary meeting unless notice has been previously given. The Board shall provide a public office within the district, such to bo publicly notified, as also the hours during which it shall be kept open for public business ; and the minutes of all meetings are open to inspection during office hours by members, creditors of the Board, or ratepayers of the district. No Chairman or member can hold office with salary ; and in no case shall the Chairman hold the office of Clerk. Regarding the borrowing powers of the Board, if at any time it is desired to raise money for the purpose of constructing or establishing public works deemed necessary for the convenience, safety, or health of the inhabitants, special loans may be negotiated in the same manner as is done in boroughs ; the proposal to raise such loan must, however, be carried by a two-thirds vote of the total votes exercisable by all tho ratepayers in the town district. The Board will have all the powers granted to Borough Councils by enactments relating to auctioneers, cattle trespass, cemeteries, dog nuisance, fencing, fire prevention, licensing publicans, municipal police, public pounds, roads or highways, and any other matter of social economy. The main road through the town, although not under tho control and management of the Board, will be subject to the operation of any bye-laws in force within the district. Power is given for the lighting of the town by means of public lamps ; and all the functions of Local Boards of Health are conferred on the Bourd. The term of office of each Commissioner is two years ; and according to the Act the general biennial election takes place in Heptemlar of this year, but provision hashe'-n made that when first elections are hold within six months of the biennial election, members then elected shall continue iu office until the succeeding biennial election.