TOWN BOARD.—SPECIAL MEETING.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 19, 14 July 1864, Page 3

TOWN BOARD.— SPECIAL MEETING.

A special .meeting of the Board took place in the Board Room, Tay-street, on*the evening of Tuesday lastj at seven o'clock. There -were present Messrs. Clarke (chairman), Smith, Livesey, Jaggers, Broad, Moffatt, and. Webster. . , The object of the meeting -was- to take into consideration the advisability of appointing new assessors for the purpose of having those sections on which the assessment had not yet been paid re-assessed. The Chairman" thought that the Board should take into consideration the case of those ratepayers, also, who had paid their assessments without appeal, and suggested the re-assessment of their properties likewise. Mr. Smith could not see that any relief, in the present state of then* finances, could be afforded to those parties who had paid their rates; but it occurred to him that their assessment for the following year should be reduced in proportion to the amount which had been over paid by them this present year. A desultory discussion now ensued as to the lat6* magisterial decisions on the cases of appeal against the assessment. ■ Mr. JaggehS sard it was of no use their now dwelling on the subject, as, by the provisions of the Ordinance, the decision Was a final one. Mr. Livesey differed. He also thought that the assessment roll should be submitted to the Resident. Magistrate in future, before proceeding to send out the notices of assessment. Mr. Shith agreed with Mr. Livesey so far, and further suggested that a sub-committee be appointed to consider as to petitioning for the repeal of the objectionable clauses of the act. He suggested, also, that the clerk should be appointed assessor, which he thought would be a moat advisable proceeding. * Mr. Jaggeks thought it would be unjust to the inhabitants to exclude them from the right of appeal. Circumstances might in future arise which might render thi3 necessary on their part. The Chaibman now asked the opinion of the Board as to the collection of back rates. There are £604 in arrears, and as it was not expected that any part of that sum would be paid, unless some pressm*e was used, he thought that one or two cases might be brought before the Court. Mr. Liyesby thought the provisions of the Ordinance were unworkable, and suggested delay till the Council met, when the subject might be there discussed, and if the appeal clause was expunged, the amended act could be sent on to the General Government for final approval. This, he considered the most advisable mode of procedure. After some further discussion, Mr. Jaggers moved — "That the clerk (Mr. Joyce) be appointed assessor, to levy rates on the sections and improvements in the town. Mr. Smith seconded the motion. Mr. Webster moved — " That the meeting go into committee on the subject." Mr. Jaggers wished to know on what point, or for what reason Mr. Webster made the motion. Mr. Webster.— Perhaps you know what you have been talking about ? Mr. Jaggers.— Oh ! Oh ! Mr. Webster.— You need not " Oh, Oh " anything at all about it. There is nothing unreasonable in my request. The Chairman informed Mr. Webster that the ! point had been discussed before he entered the room. Mr. Webster. — I merely make the amendment to oppose the motion. Some members seemed to have the work of the Board cut and dry before I they came to the meetings. Another desultory discussion followed on the subject of the Ordinance and the appeal clause, and j aloo with reference to the speedy collection of the rates. Mr. Webster's amendment found no seconder. Mr. Liv.es.ei- then moved, as an amendment — ■ " That a committee of three or four members be appointed to wait on His Honor the Superintendent, to ascertain the opinion of the Provincial Government on the matter of the assessments in Invereargill." Mr. Webster seconded the amendment. Mr. Jagg-ers could not sec what good result could follow from such a course ; it woidd be a mere waste of tune, and what was wanted was the collection of the rates. Mr. Webster. — I don't see that there will be any waste of time ; but I don't consider myself a wiseacre. Mr. Jaggers may think himself one. (Oh!) The motion and the amendment were then put to tho vote, when there voted for the amendment, four ; and for the motion, two. The amendment was therefore carried. Messrs. Livesey, Webster, Moffatt, and the Clerk were then named as the committee to wait on His Honor, and to report to an adjourned special meeting, to be held tins evening, at seven o'clock. The Board then adjourned.