PERMISSIVE BILL COMMITTEE MEETING.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 225, 28 June 1872, Page 3

PERMISSIVE BILL COMMITTEE MEETING.

A meeting of the committee formed to promote the passing of the above-named bill was held last night at the Wesleyan Schoolroom, Grahainstown. There was not a large attendance, about fifteen being present. Mr Kerniek was called to the chair.

The Secretary stated that he had prepared half a dozen books for those who were willing to undertake the canvass of various districts.

Mr Mason stated that he had confined himself to obtaining the names of persons over 21 only, and he had not taken any proxies. He would not altow anyone to sign for an absent husband, nor would lie take the signatures of married women in the absence of the husband. Mr Mason stated that in his canvass he had met only about eight opponents and some fifty neutrals to the passing of the bill, so that the statements made that the public generally were opposed to the passing of the bill was, at least in his ease, untrue. Mr Mason stated that tho bill was very much less known than he had anticipated. Had he taken signatures of all who might be called adults, bis list would have been at least one-third more numerous than it was. He had obtained altogether about 320 signatures. Messrs Hurst and Melville agreed to take from the Kuranui to Shellback Creek. Captain Nimvis had agreed to take the Moauataiari Creek district up to Puuga Flat. Mr Power suggested that the delivery of the books to volunteers should lie left to the Secretary, as the meeting was only poorly attended, and several would no doubt be willing to canvass who had not been able to attend the meeting. Mr Campbell took a list, and said that he would do his best for the Tararu district, and try and get some assistance. Mr Mason took a list for Messrs Power and Thomas, who he thought would be willing to canvass Block 27, from Sealeystreet to Hape Creek. No further business was brought before the meeting, which then broke up.