MEETING AT TE AROHA.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 73, 25 October 1884, Page 2

MEETING AT TE AROHA.

( )n We Inos'lay last a privately convened meet ins: of Te Aroha residents was l-eld afc Warren's Hotel to discuss the advisability or otherwise of taking any further stops at the pre^nt. time, with regard to having Te Aroha, Waiorongomai, ami • listiict constituted a Borough. Amongst those present were — Messrs Cuff " (in the chair), Wells, Pavitt, W. Wilson, Dobson, Ahier, Lavery, Farrell, Ilott, Puel, Staffer- 1, Hotc'iin, Hethrington, Cnrrie, Heathcoto, Fr.user, Mills. T. Wood, Bennett, Llobson, Lipsey, Orump, etc., etc., etc. The Oiainiian, in opening the meeting, stated that it had been called for the purpose of talking over amongst themselves the advisability of forming a borough, or taking any immediate steps to obtain self-government of some kind He was very glad to see Mr Wells amongst them, as many of those present would remember the very able manner in which he addressed them respecting this matter some 15 months a.go, and he waj sure they would all be very glad if Mr Wells would again give expression to his views on the m itier, as, from his great experience in connection with local governing bodies, he could give them much practical information and advice. Mr Wells then addressed the meeting much as follows : " You are all aware of my opinions on this question of selfgovernment, as expressed at the public meeting held in the Te Aroha Public Hall over a year ago. Nothing that has since transpired has tended to alter those views. With respect to the meeting held at Waiorongomai last Saturday evening at which, I am informed, it was proposed to form a Town District, we may fairly discuss the question. Is it likely to mar the best interests of the district as a whole ? For my own part I thought so when the meeting was held last year, and I think so still. I am strongly of opinion that it would be suicidal on the part of those most concerne I in the matter to adopt the town liistrict form of self-government. As a Town District, W'iorongoin.ii would still remain part of t i' county, have to mai itain the road-, over which traffic would pass to the j'old field, t\m\, whilst doing so, derive no benefit whatever in the form of gold iel Is revenue of any kind. The Tow'i District, is not suitable in this instnnc •, neither does the county system work - itisfactorily. lam of the opinion that t ) district as a whole should be k>. .iici into a borough, by # adopting this course one place would help the other. Does any one iiiiagine For a moment that the Thames Borough would ever have received £50,000 for their big pump, and other large sums of money from Government if they had been cut up info two or three distinct governing bo lies? Most assuredly they would not. It was solely through their being looked upon as a large and united body that this money was obtained. Things at present are not veiy bright here, and we may have lo wait patiently for some little time longer, but I have personally the greatest possible faith in the future of this district. Apart from the goldfiuld altogether, with the extent of good agricultural land on eveiy side, the excellent water communication, and the railway completed, 1 do think this place will yet become, of very groat importance and any movement likely to interfere w.th that should be jealously watched. When the former meeting was held the liabilities of the County Council were very different to what they are now. Although the matter was allowed to stand in abeyance, still the meeting on that occasion resulted in good, as much light was thrown on the matter by the discussion that took place, the town district movement was not proceeded with, and nearly all the movers in the matter at that time assured me personally that in consequence of the light thrown on the s"bject, they were very glad it had proceeded no further. Their could be no doubt the gold field, To Aroha and Waiorongomai, had much better let the matter rest until the time ! comes for forming a borough. Rather, ; however, than see the district cut up now to the ultimate injury of all con- j cerned, I would sooner risk forming a borough forthwith, but nevertheless would much regret to see this done. They must bear in mind the present position of the County Council, tramway, etc., etc., and that they (Te Aroha Hiding) would have to take over their proportion of the liability. The members of the County Council were trying every possible means to get the Government to assist them out of their difficulties, and with a fair show of success. Now every £1000 so obtained would help to reduce the liability which would have to be taken Over. I would advise having nothing to do with a Town District in any shape whatever, it was much bottor to wait until tiie time s\as ripe for forming the whole into a Borough. 1 feel sure t.io.-e who so strongly advocate tie formation of a Town District • nagine, so constituted, tuey will be on- 1 ureiy oxoiiiptud uom any iuiuii ay m oou-

u'clnhi wall tl^ County tramway, but. hey in. ike a ifi-and mistake if t.fey thiu!< lius. The nyncv to^'fell in jfejl? construction or' tiWHnunwiiy '-was 'ailvlanotH to the Te Aroha Ri ling as a whole. How that liability would be apportioned uul yet to he shown, hat most assure.! ly ..that portion of the distinct referred to "would have 'to hear its share. If the 1 County Council #et a Further subsidy from Government they will have to give us credit For it." Considerable discussion having taken place respecting the different aspects of the question, resolution .No. 1 as follows, proposal by Mr A .ier, mid seconded by Mr T. Woo ! : " That this ;ueetin,«r is of opinion that it is inimical to the best imprests of the district rV my portion of it to he forme I info small yfovernin^ 1 hodii"*, b^lievinjf that whoi» tho pn.pfir time arrives it will be ,nlvis»l)lc that the whole district be formed into .1 Borough." Carried m>m con. Uosolution No. 2. Pn>po<o I by Mr Frazer, secou ie<l by Mr Bohsoti, '• That a committee be formed to confer with the inhabitants of the Waiorongomai portion of tiie district inviting (heir cooperation in tfivhiif effecf to the fore^oin^ resolution, such committee to consist of Messrs Robson, Lavery, Bennett, Dobson, Crump, Peel, Mills, Ahier, Lipsey, T. Wood, and the mover. Mr Ahier to be nominated as convener." Carried nem con. The meeting closed with the customary vote of thanks to the Chairman, after which a (irst meeting of the committee was held to make further arrangements.