PUBLIC MEETING AT TE AROHA,

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 176, 30 October 1886, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING AT TE AROHA,

On Saturday last a public meeting was held in tbe Te Aroba Public Hall (o furtber discuss the question of local selfgovernment. Air J A. Dobson was voted to the chair, and called upon Mr G. Robson, as convener of the meeting, to state the business. Mr Robson said tho meeting had been convened for the purpose of further discussing tbo question of local self-government. Those present were no doubt aware that a petition had some time ago been not up and 1 lrtjely signed for the constitution of Waiorongomai, Te Aioha, and the goldfield as a Borough. Since then, however, tho new Mining Act had been cirI culated, and it was found that by that Act, which would come into operation on January 1st, the question of revenue from goldOelds was greatly affected ; so much so that lie was of opinion it would be most foolish to forward the petition for a Borough now, as, were it granted, they would thereby be hampered with rery great expense, but hrtve veiy little revenue to expend ; and he felt satisfied a Town District would be the best form of government for all concerned. The C haii man stated he had given the matter much consideration, and it was evident the new Act referred to put matters in a very different aspect to what they were when the Borough movement was started. Whereas, hitherto the rental from gold mining leases had been £3 per acre, it would now be only 10s, and the revenue, which last year was about £^00, were a similar area held next year, be only £100 or £200 ; and he could not see how they would be able to keep the goldfield in working order, or develope its resources, if a Borough. Government had also notified that in future subsidies for roads and tracks on goldfields would only be £1 for £1 instead of £2 to £1 as hitherto. The Chairman also stated that several of the Waiorongomai Improvement Committee were away at present, but so far as he had been able to ascertain they too were quite opposed to the formation of a Borough now. Messrs Devey, Frazer, and Ilott also spoke at considerable length, directing attention to the completely altered position of affairs since the Borough movement was inaugurated, and expressed the opinion that a Town District would prove far more preferable at least for some time to come. Mr Jas. Mills spoke at some length in favour of proceeding with tho Borough petition, and characterised the ac-

tions of those who had altered their views on the matter as mean and cowardly. He referred to the amount of money the Thames Borough had received from Government and to the large and valuable endowments they i lieU, and did not see why the Borough of Te Arofha should not be equally well treated. In his own mind he had no doubt if it was found they could not carry on as a Borough through lack oi funds, Government would not see them stuck for money, Mepsrs John CJornes and C. A. Cornes also spoke strongly in favour of the Borough petition being gone on with. Messrs N. Olenry, Thos. Cook, E. Qninn, P Dillon, and others also spoke. Mr Fiazer proposed, That the petition re Borough be not sent, and that Te Aroha township be formed into a Town District, which was seconded. Mr Mills proposed as an amendment, That the Improvement Committee be requested to proceed with the petition for a Borough. Seconded by Mr J. Cornes. A fuither amendment as follows was proposed by Mr P. Dillon, That Te Aroha remain as at present a portion of Piako County. Seconded by Mr J. Wallace. On being pub by the Chairman, only some throe or four voted in favour of Mr Dillon's amendment ; whilst Mr Mills' amendment was carried by a large majority of those who voted ; a great many however of those present refrained from voting at all. The short notice given that a meeting would bo hold, and being Saturday ni_>ht, no doubt accounted for the attendance being so small, and for the absence of many business men.