The County Elections.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4933, 31 October 1884, Page 2

The County Elections.

MEETING OF KAUAERANGA RATEPAYERS.

In response to an advertisement calling a meeting of the ratepayers of the Eauaeranga Riding of the County, a large audience assembled in the schoolroom, Baillie street, last night. Mr R. Farrell occupied, the Chair, and asked those present to give an attentive hearing to those gentlemen who would address them ; he also asked candidates present to give their views. Mr G. W. Bull said that he intended to call a meeting of his constituents, and place before them an account of his past conduct and his intentions regarding the future.

Mr W. Deeble made a similar statement, and added that he did not feel disposed to be at the beck and call of anyone.

Mr W. S. Greenville then entered into a lengthy speech, chiefly denunciatory of the present Council in general, and the two members for the Riding in particular. He thought the convener of the meeting should be thanked for calling it, and each of the candidates should-pay a share of the expense entailed. Although the present members might intend holding their own meetings, it was bad taste on their part to decline to express their views to the meeting. He wished to obtain a seat in the Council mainly to see that justice was done to the Eauaeranga Hiding. Councillors had shown favoritism to their relatives in the matter of obtaining employment for them in connection with County works.

Mr Deeble objected to these remarks. Speakers should not be allowed to vent personal spleen.

Mr Greenville continued that his shot had apparently hit the mark. In reference to Otunui he contended that much neglect had been shown, and said that the members for the Xauaeranga Hiding had opposed the formation of the track via the Hape Creek. The proposal to call a meeting of the unemployed was ridiculous, as by care being exercised in the outlay of County money employment would be found for hundreds of men.

Mr Danby asked had not Mr Greenville tried to disfranchise the residents on Block 27.

The Chairman ruled that questions should be deferred antil the conclusion of the address.

Mr Greenville went on to remonstrate with the Council for charging the Kauaeranga and other ridings with the cartage of metal, whereas mullock was used in road repairing. The Council should have attended to the Cemetery road, and a considerable reduction in the travelling expenses of officials Bhould be made. He strongly objected to the recent visit made by the Chairman to Wellington.

In reply to questions, Mr Greenville said he had appeared in the Resident Magistrate's Court on behalf of several holders of rateable property; there were names of persons, not owners, placed on the roll by interested Councillors.

Mr Bull asked that the names of such Councillors should be stated.

Mr Greenville did not wish to indulge in personalities (laughter); he would be glad to supply the information privately.

Mr A. Hart informed the meeting that he came forward in the [interest of the mining industry. He thought two rock drills should be obtained for prospecting purposes, and a subsidy granted to mining in general. The Karaka tunnel scheme would have—if carried out —intersected numerous reet's, and was worthy of Government assistance. Gold duty should not be abolished, bat a Government assay office should be established. The south crosscut from the Big Pump shaft to the Queen of Beauty should be carried out for drainage purposes. Kauaeranga, as compared with Waiotahi, was entitled to more representation th*n it had, and Waiotahi was not deserving of more than one member. An amalgamation of local bodies should take place

Mr D. Pitkethley announced that he had become a candidate at the request of several electors. He believed that the Riding had not had justice done to it in the past, and he would, if elected, do his best to remedy this. The business of the County should be kept going strictly on busineas principles, keeping expenditure within the amount of the receipts. He generally endorsed the views of Mr Hart. He did not intend calling a meeting of ratepayers, as there was no necessity to make a speech for the purpose of catching rotes. Those who knew him would believe that if elected he would zealously attend to the interests of the district, and he would leave the matter of election entirely in the hands of the ratepayers.

! In reply to questions, Mr Pitkethly said he would exert his influence towards obtaining roads to open up the district, and encouraging prospecting efforts upon the hills ; he would strongly advocate the high level water supply scheme; and would be inclined to make the conditions of contracts less stringent than at present. Mr Bull explained that an insinuation had been cast that the two members for the district had been responsible for a certain amount of roll stuffing. The state of the case waa this: About forty applications for registration were accompanied by an acknowledgment of the landlord, that the applicants were bona fide lessees of property; and these were placed on the roll in accordance with the County solicitor's advice. About fifty other claims were rejected by the compiler of the roll, but the E.M. subsequently allowed them. He (the speaker) bad no connection with the preparation of the roll, beyond furnishing the compiler with the names of persons properly qualified. Neither foe aoi 1 any other member of the Oouneil had interfered in the ssattei 1 with Mr Gibson, the compiler.

A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the proceedings.

(From Ist to 31st October, inclusive.)