Public Meeting.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 4016, 11 November 1881, Page 2

Public Meeting.

A meeting of the ratepayers of the Waiotahi Biding was held last night at Waiotahi School room, for the purpose of hearing Mr Charles G. Hill, a candidate for the office of Councillor for the Waiotahi Biding. Mr McEnteer was voted to the chair, and after a few remarks called upon Mr Hill to address the meeting. The first subject Mr Hill dealt with was the election of Councillors. He thought the Ridings should be reduced in number, ire instead of six, with two members each for four ridings, and one member fov the other. He was also in faror of getting the Act altered, so that one member should retire yearly, instead of as at present; members beiog elected for three

years. The present system gave too much scope for the formation of rings and cliques, whereas if they were elected as suggested by him they would act differently for fear of being ousted at the end of their term ; they would not then have the chance of running in under another wing as at present. Wilh regard to the office of Chairman, Mr Hill thought that before election the Council should fix the amount of salary which the Chairman should receive, and no more, so that he or they would know what to expect, but not as it is at present With no limit. He was also in favor of doing away with all overlookers and bosses, and objected to the system as at present in force in giving out w.ork. Ho thought contracts should be let ia such a manner that all working men should have a chance, and that a schedule of prices should accompany each tender. He did not think, with all the money spent by the Council, there was a road that would sland a month's work, lie objected to so much money being given as j expenses, an.l also to County officials being allowed to have County workmen engaged at their private residences. He would support all measures calculated to foster and encourage mining, and would assist men by grants of money to make roads to their mines. After answering a few questions a hearty vote of thanks and confidence was passed unanimously. .A committee was then formed, and several matters of detail arranged. A vote of hanks to the' chairman concluded the tusiness.