THE CAMBRIDGE DOMAIN TROUBLE.

Waikato Argus, Volume XI, Issue 1051, 18 September 1901, Page 2

THE CAMBRIDGE DOMAIN TROUBLE .

A meeting or ratepayers ami settlers interested in the Cambridge Domain question was held in Public Hall, Cambridge, on Monday evening. Owing to bad weather the attendance was not large. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, and read the advertisement calling the meeting.,. He said he need not occupy their time hy tracing the trouble connected with the Domain administration, but he was quite sure it would be a calamity to divide the interests, and he was of opinion that the matter might be amicably settled by appointing one Board. Cambridge West to have fair representation. In the meantime he would suggest that a committee be appointed to confer with the Cambridge West side, with a view to coming to an understanding with regard to the administration of the reserves. Mr T. Wells said as conveners of the meeting he and Mr Robert Fisher thought it only right that they should come prepared with a resolution to put before the meeting tor its consideration, and he would move ‘ That the proposed splitting of the management of the Cambridge Domain into two Boards, will necessitate the abandonment of the Te Koutu Lake domain. That the portion of the domain having been a much used and highly appreciated popular public resort for the past 18 years, and any system of management which failed to maintain its beauty and usefulness as a public resort would he a calamity to the whole district and detrimental to its best interests.’ The speaker cordially endorsed all Mr Buokland had said. It would be a calamity to curtail the Domain. It is recognised as the recreation ground of the whole district, and and as such is most highly valued and his motion was to emphasise this fact. Persons from all parts of the colony were unanimous in their praise of the Domain, and the Board was most anxious to maintain it in its present condition. The present income was barely sufficient to keep the place going, and they had to exercise the most rigid economy in administering their funds. They were fortunate in their caretaker and in having men employed who take a personal interest in the grounds. If this were not the case they could not carry on with the money available, and, should any division take place, the grounds must perforce deteriorate. This business has been going on for six months and was not settled yet. He wrote to the Premier on Che 16th July, and having received no reply wrote to the Minister for Lauds on the 16th August, but received no reply to that communication. He then wired to the Minister of Lands as follows :—‘ Public meeting of ratepayers from Cambridge East and Cambridge West and Highway districts convened for sixteenth to consider means of working Cambridge East and West Domain, and to make representation to you thereon. Gan yon wire me for meeting what Government propose doing to save partial abandonment of the Domain or say if vou will accept and act on decision of meeting.’ The following reply came to band just befoie the meeting commenced ‘ Minister received your wire of to-day, nothing definitely settled, will advise you later.’ This evening we should affirm our decision—that decision means the partial abandoment of the doman. He hoped his motion would receive the hearty support of the meeting. Mr R. Fisher was pleased to second the resolution. He agreed with previous speakers that any action which would necessitate ths neglect of any part of the Cambridge Domain would be a grave mistake. He looked upon the Domain as belonging to the whole district, and he felt sure it was valued as much by the country as the town. He did not consider the meeting a representative one and he thought a committee should be appointed to confer with representatives from Cambridge West. Mr Wells’ motion was then put and carried unanimously. Mr C. Boyce moved a resolution to the effect that ‘ the Domain be vested in the Borough Council.’ This motion was withdrawn after some animated discussion, in which Mr Boyce, A. Willis, Mr Wells, Mr Harris and others took part, on condition that a committee be appointedJfrom Cambridge East to confer with a Committee from Cambridge West. Mr Buckland then moved * that a committee consisting of Messrs Wells, F, O’Toole, W. Wright, G. E. Clark and the mover, be appointed to confer with a similar number of representatives appointed from Cambridge West in reference to the management of the Cambridge Domain.’ Mr Robert Fisher said he had a resolution which he thought should be put before the meeting, viz: * That the Minister for Lands be requested to abolish the pre : ent Board, and a joint Board of seven members be elected—four members to be nominated by the ratepayers of the East side, aud three members by the ratepayers of the West side, any vacancy to he filled by uomination from ratepayers of the district in which such vacancy occurs.’ Mr Fisher stated it was his desire to clear the Domain administration from the Road Board, and at the same time to give fair representation to both aides. But whatever action was taken he hoped there would be no division. Mr R. Reynolds supported the motion. He was totally opposed to any division but was equally strong in favour of Cambridge West having fair representation and their share of the income. Mr G. E. Clark pointed out that the Domain lands were really given to the 3rd Waikato Militia, both the fifties and the town acres, and he thought the Road Board should have some say in the matter. If Cambridge West got representation on the Board they ought to be satisfied. Mr Buckland’s motion was then put and carried. The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the chair.