THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1872.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 121, 28 February 1872, Page 2

THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1872.

Unless a little more zeal be thrown into the Municipality movement it is likely to be defeated by its opponents. At the meeting on Monday last it was stated by Mr Dean that only 2.TG resident householders in Grahamstown had signed the petition. The number of signatures obtained in the Kauwaeranga district was not stated, but it was said that the canvass in that direction had not been eminently successful, and that in Parawal not more than 20 European rate payers had or would sign. It was also intimated that unless Mr Mackay or some one having influence with the Maoris canvassed them they also would join the ranks of the opposition, if, indeed, they had already determined to light under Mr O’Keefle’s banner. AVe have already pointed ont the advantage of the Thames being incorporated under one Municipality, and we need not repeat the arguments already adduced. AVe should be sorry to see what we believe to be so good all object defeated, and we are not at all sure that it is too late even now to obtain a sufficient number of bona tide signatures to outweigh the counter petition. fr?o far the opposition have displayed more activity than the supporters of the movement; but it is not too late for an energetic canvas to be made of the whole district, within the boundary now intended, which, it will be remembered, is very different from that originally proposed. If the gentlemen appointed on Monday go energetically to work and use tact and discretion in pointing out the advantages a Municipality would confer, they may yet succeed, but they have a strong* body against them. Many who oppose the movement say they do not object to the Municipality in itself, but they object to being incorporated under the particular Act now in force, which has been explained to them as cumbrous, and unsuitable to the tenure and circumstances of the Thames. Nor can it be said that there is nothing in this argument. AVc believe the advantages to be derived from the establishment of a corporation here under the present Act greatly outweigh the disadvantages, but if a simpler act could be framed which would meet the views of all parties—a somewhat difficult thing to do, however—it would be desirable to have such an Act passed. AA r c fear, however, that a Isill to give everybody everything they want in this or any other matter would puzzle the best draughtsman tlint over lived. Nevertheless if the supporters and opponents of the present movement • could come to terms, we would rather sec it than a Municipality forced upon unwilling persons, or defeated simply from a want of union and mutual concession in the matter. On Monday next the Committee arc to meet again, and we hope they have been sufficiently successful for the canvas of the district to ensure the compliance of the Government with the prayer of the petition; but in face of a decided opposition from a huge section of bona lido residents, we may be sure that it will not be granted. (Sooner or later a Municipality will be established here, but it may be that some longer delay than was anticipated will occur before it is an accomplished fact. At the same time if the Committee set vigorously to work we do not believe it is too late to accomplish it now.