The Temuka Leader SATURDAY, MAY 17, 1884. GERALDINE TOWN BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1178, 17 May 1884, Page 2

The Temuka Leader SATURDAY, MAY 17, 1884. GERALDINE TOWN BOARD.

Thebe is the deuce of a “ how-do-you-do ” going on in Geraldine at present. Some time ago a number of the inhabitants put their heads together, and thought it advisable to bring their town under the provisions of the Town Districts Act. They got up a petition, obtained the signatures of more than two-thirds of the inhabitants, and forwarded it to the Colonial Secretary. These facts have already appeared in this paper. The matter was referred to at a public banquet, letters on the subject were published, and, so far as we were aware, we understood that everyone in Geraldine knew all about it and, with the exception of a few, were agreeable to it. In fact, we do not know how it could be possible that the petition could have been signed without the whole town being aware of it. Still some people say they know nothing at all about it, and these accuse us of having suppressed all information about it. When we published several “ locals,” several letters to the editor, and & speech in which it was referred to, we do not think we ought to be accused of any such thing. There was no reason why everyone should not have known all about it. It appears, however, that a private meeting was held a few nights ago, at which some business concerning the projected Town Board was transacted. Wo far as we can learn a letter was received from Wellington asking the Geraldine Committee to name the date on which they wished to hold the election, and intimating that the proclamation constituting the Town Board would be gazetted as soon as a reply was received. Nothing about this appeared in this paper, because the meeting specially requested that we should keep silent on the aubject, and if we were to take notice of it after such an injunction it would certainly be a breach of faith, which would warrant the expulsion of our reporter from meetings henceforward. Reporters always make it a rule to take no notice of what the parties concerned do not wish published. It is not fair to us, therefore, to be accused of conniving at carrying the matter through without the knowledge of the public. Neither is it true that the public did not know of it. It appears now that a very active opposition has risen up all at once, and that every effort will be made to prevent the town being brought under the provisions of the Town Districts Act, but why this step has been delayed bo long is a mystery. We have not hitherto offered any opinion on the subject. Wheu the drainage agitation was going on we hinted to the Board that such a contingency was possible, in the hope that it would induce them to do what the Geraldine people wanted, but we never referred to the matter since, for this reason—we knew that the town of Geraldine was under the wings of a rich Road Board and that its streets were kept without rates being levied, and consequently we did not feel justified in advising them to separate, because we did not feel certain that it would be for their good. When, however, it became known that steps were being taken for forming a Town Board we did not deem it necessary to oppose it ; first because the people had a perfect right to judge lor themselves, and secondly because we felt they would get a share of the funds of the Road Board, and that the interest from that, together with the revenue from license fees, dog tax, etc., would keep their town without the necessity of rating. The Clauses of the Act which bear on the division of the Road Board funds run as follows :

“11. So soon as any town district is consituted, lire Boards of the town district and of the road district, of which the town district was theretofore a part, shall agree together and determine as to the following matters ‘ (1) What part of the property, real and personal, of the said road district shall become the property of the town district ; (2). What part of anj 7 rates payable to such road district at the cate of the establishing of the town district shall be deemed to be rates payable to the town district ; (3.) What part of the liabilities and engagements of snch road district outstanding at such date shall be liabilities and engagements of the town district ; (4). What part of the interest and sinking-fund of any loan (if any) raised by snch road district shall be paid by such town district ; And snch agreement shall be in writing, and shall be final as between the said districts.’ 12. ‘lf no such agreement is made within two months after the first

election of the Board of the town district, the Governor may, upon tha application of either of the two Boards between whom such agreement is to be made appoint any fit person or persons to hold an inquiry and make an award as to the several matters mentioned in the last pieceding section, and their award thereon shall be final. 1 ”

We are of opinion still that the Town Board must get its proper share of the Road Board funds, and that it is impossible to prevent it and we now publish the clause of the Act so that the people may be able to judge for themselves. The language of the clauses is as plain as a pike-staff; there is no mistaking it, else why should they have been inserted in the Act. The point for the people to consider is, Are they satisfied with the Road Board ? Has it treated them fairly, or could they improve their position by transferring their allegiance to a Town Board ? As regards Gernldine there is much to say for and against the Town Board, The existence of a Town Board would add importance to the town ; it would foster a sort ot local patriotism ; would awaken more interest in matters, and it would have a head of its own. Beside the indirect benefits of this kind several improvements could be effected, such as drainage, etc,, and it would probably lead to the getting up of a fire brigade, which is very much wanted. These are some of the advantages which would accrue to Geraldine, and the question for the people is, Will it be worth their while to separate. As we desire to be impartial, we shall not advise one way or the other, We have put the matter plainly before our readers, and we now leave them to choose for themselves.