MR. ROBINSON'S MEETING.

West Coast Times, Issue 637, 9 October 1867, Page 2

MR. ROBINSON'S MEETING.

Mr Robinson, ono of the candidates for Municipal honors, met the citizens last evening athe Oddfellows Hotel, Revell-street. On the motion of Mr Cross, Mr Baillietook the chair. The Cmxß\t\TSt having Mefly stated tho object of the meeting, called upon Mr Robinson to address the meeting. Mr Robinson said that since he had been a resident in Hokifcika he had endeavored to forward the interests of the whole of the community. In March, 1866, he came forward and endeavored to secure the representation of Westland in the General Assembly. Hcaloo advocated tho sale of town lands, and succeeded in 102 deposits being paid in Christchurch for the land at L4S per acre. He had also assisted materially in promoting a system of gaol reform. Ho was also a candidate to represent Hokitika in the Provincial Council.bufc was defeated on fc'aat occasion. He also agitated, when it was proposed in the election of the first Municipal Council that no persons should be allowed to vote who did not possess cither a miner's right or a business license of twelve months standing, and he might say that agitation was successful. He hail also got iho price of bread reduced from Is 6d to Is ; and he had still further endeavored to get increased representation for the district. ±Le had also been a strong advocate for separation, and as a member of the League, he took credit to himself for having obtained upwards of 200 signatures to the petition. He was in favor of the immediate formation of North Revell street, Hampdcn street, and Stafford street, and the extension of Gibson's Quay. He advocated that the fines and fees should be paid into the credit of the Corporation ; also the appointment of n, public vaccinator. He was in favor of an annual vote in aid of tho Fire Brigade ; and of the establishment of baths and wash-houses. He considered the present election to be one of the most important that would occur, inasmuch, as nine members of tho Council were now to bo elected, whereas in future yeai's, only five would have to bo elected. Ho was in favor of retrenchment and of a Is rate ; and,moreover, he thought that the whole of the town sections should bo handed over to the Municipal Council for the benefit of Ihs ratepayers. With regard to the sections on the opposite side of the street, and which had been occupied by the people, he was in favor of those sections being surveyed, so thab the occupiers might be able to purchase them as soon as "the We3tland County Council Bill came into existence. (Cheers.) After the candidate had answered some questions, a motion, expressing confidence in the candidate was carried on the motion of Mr Zolirab. Mr ,Ckoss, being called on, said that he was in favor of a reduction of salaries, and lie would do away with the office of Town • Surveyor, as he considered that officer entirely unnecessary. They could also save a considerable sum of monoy in collecting the ratc3 by giving a per centage for their collection instead of employing a collector for that purpose. As to the rates, he wa3 sure they must be paid, that was if they wished improvements to be carried on. He did not think they required a Town Solicitor, as ho thought they might get law cheaper when they wanted it by going to Mr Button or any other attorney. He thought that North Revell street should at once be proceeded with, and next Stafford and Harnpdeu streets, and perhap3 a few lamps in those localities would do much good. He thought that the town sections, at present occupied, should be handed over to the present holders at the upset price, -and the remainder of the sections should be handed over to the Corporation to be sold at L4B per acre. He wes in favor of encoui'agcment being given to the construction of waterworks, but he thought that their construction should be left to private enterprise, and ho also thought it better that contractors should find sureties for the performance of their contracts instead of paying a deposit of LlO per ceiat. He was of opinion that public baths and wash-houses should at onco bo established, and, if elected, he would advocate their immediate establishment. (Cheers.) On the motion of Mr Robinson a vote of confidence was passed m Mr Cross.