OTAREWA ROAD BOARD.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 66, 31 October 1864, Page 3

OTAREWA ROAD BOARD.

A meeting of " persons assessed by the above Board, and interested in the repeal of the Ordinance levying rates on the annual value to let," took place at Mr. H. B. Monkrnan's peemises, Dee-street, on the afternoon of Saturday last. The following were present : — Messrs. Dalrymplc (convener), W. H. Calder, James Blacklock, Copeland, Frisian, Ott, and 11. B. Monkman, as agent for J. T. Thomson, Esq. S. M. South, solicitor, was likewise present by request. Mr. Dalrvmple was called to the chair. The CHA.rK3IA.ST then explained in a few words the objects of the meeting. Mr South recited to the meeting the particulars of ' a case which was recently tried before the Resident Magistrate's Court, at the instance of the trustees of the Otarewa Road District, against Mr. Dalrymple, and in which a verdict had been awarded in favor of the plaintiffs. He explai )cd the features of the case, which he submitted were quite exceptional. Mi*. Dalrymple had never heard of the " Otarewa Road District," and had not been served with his notice of assessment until after the advertised time for appealing had expired. He then referred to what he termed the absurdly high annual-value-to-let which had been put upon the lands in question. As regards this point, all present were fully of the same opinion. Mr. Calder remarked that he had suggested to the trustees the plan of extending the present levy of rates over two years after being reduced one-half. At present the rated annual value of the lands was fixed at 18s., whereas these lands were leased at 3s. per acre, or one -sixth only of the reduced valuation of the Road Boards assessor, who had primarily set 30s. per acre down as the annual value. Several other ratepayers present here testified to the annual value of their lands. Mr. Copeland stated that his lands were assessed at 355. per acre. Mr. South remarked that the most objectionable power vested in the trustees by the Ordinance 13 that three or four persons could assess the land of the district and levy rates, &c, beyond all control of tho ratepayers. There was one course open for them, however, and that was that it was competent for them to apply for a writ of mandamus to the Supreme Court, to have the rato quashed. He must eav, however, that it would be an expensive course to pursue. The meeting did not seem inclined to entertain this latter proposal. After some further desultory discussion, in which nearly every one present joined, Mr. Copeland moved : — " That this meeting is of opinion that the Trustees of the Otarewa Road Board have used the power placed in their hands by the ratepayers in a most oppressive manner, and has therefore no longer confidence in them. It is also of opinion that practically the rates sought to be levied make the interests of the majority of the ratepayers subservient to those of the few, and are calculated to retard bond fide settlement." Mr. Monkhau seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously. Mr. Monkman then moved: — "That this meeting further pledges itself not to support any candidate at the coining election ft>? the Provincial Council, who will not undertake to support any motion brought before the Council having for its object the repeal or amendment of the Roads Ordinance, 1862, and oppose the passing of any Ordinance levying rates on tho annual value to let." Mr. Caldeb seconded the resolution, remarking that he had strongly opposed the passing of the Ordinance at the first, as he fully believed it to be unworkable and inapplicable to the present circumstances and requirements of the province." The resolution was carried unanimously. Mr. Galdek thereafter moved .- — " That the Chairman be requested to send copies of these resolutions to the Trustees. This was seconded by Mr. MoxKMAif, and carried. The proceedings then terminated.