COUNTY AMALGAMATION.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 4, Issue 1230, 27 November 1882, Page 2

COUNTY AMALGAMATION.

MASTERTON MEETING. Somj thirty settlers assembled at the Institute on Saturday evening, Mr W, H. Beetham taking the chair on tha motion of Mr McGregor. The Chairman said the object of tho meeting was to discuss amalgamation. A short time ago a meeting et settlers favorable to the proposal was convened at Carterton, but a large numhor of settlers ndvoiso to union attended it. The Chairman of that meeting Hid not caro to burke discussion by ruling the latter out of order and the meeting ended on a general talk. Local bodies were all but unanimous in favor of tha union, but there seemed to be a small community within a few miles radius of the Carterton no3t office, which desired to force its opinion on the district. Mr Booth had done a good deal for tho district, but there was'no reason why they should follow him in this matter. They had rather an uphill task bofore thom. No doubt they could obtain the requisite number of signatures to their petition, but it might, bo vetoed by a counter petition, Still it was better to face the difficulties, and he believed it the bulk of the settlers of the Wairarapa signed the petition for amalgamation the tact of their doing so would carry weight with the Government. - Mr J. V. Smith said ho had been asked to move a resolutun, He did not know why he had boon selected unless it was because he enjoyed the privilege of payiug rates in both counties. He would move;—" That in the opinion of this meeting it is dcsirablo that t Counties East and West bo joined together j and formed into one county," It was strange . that the opponents of amalgamation ad--1 mitted tkt it was desirable at some future time. If it were a good thing the sooner it was brought about tho bettor, and the. louger . it was -delayed the mora difficult it would be , to accomplish, as the result of applications ( under tho Roads Construction Act would only complfcate tlio difficulties o( union, ! Some four years ago there was no community . ofmtorest between the two counties, but ' this condition had been altogether changed by the iailway, and all portions of the dis- ' triot should bo connected with the line by ' goudroadß. He did not see why one county could not do this work. If obtaining local legislative powen was an object in amalgai niation ho would oppose it, but ho hoped no i oue was idiot enough to seek this. All they i required was large administrative powers, He advocated one county on the ground oi economy aud ef finality, It was a bad thing for them to bo continually changing thoir * institutions. Union was also dosirable lor many other reasons. (Applause). , Mr Da?g seoo idol the resolution moved by Mr Smith. Mr J, Vile eaiil he would like a little more definite information before voting on tho resolution. Mr Smith said amalgamation would be ccomical but he did not indicate ho v the saving could be enroled. Mr D. MoOrjgor said they wero well aware that ho lud takou a good deal of interest in tne present question. He had beon accused by somo of being too persistent, but all the action he had Uken was in thodirection of voutilatinf! the question aud giving settlors an opportunity of express iug their opinions. Kecent legislation had necessitated alterations in local boundaries and the present was therefore a favorable time for settling the amalgamation question. If they did not adjust their own boundaries, the Government would do so for thorn, The liual bodies too had expressed a decided epinien in fayor of union, and now the mind of the people was roused, the opportunity for testing the proposal wis a very suitable one. Many reason* wore urged in its favor. One of the strongest was that County government was mure general than looal. The Highway Boards did the local \ road work and there was a concurrence of opinion that they should continue to do it This being the cue there was nothing to bo , gained by subdividing the counties. County , work hitherto had consisted of opening up , Crown Lands and bnildiug a few lar»e brides. Such work was necessarily limited, and could very well be undertaken by one body. He donied that County government , had in the past been a failure. la tho Wairarapa they owed a good deal to it, and now all they wanted was to enlarge its area and strengthen its influence. They desired one large Wairarapa representative body. Such a body would have a voice ', which would be listened to. How wis it . recommendations went to the Government • througn Counties and not through Highw ay Boards? Was it not that the former were ■ considered tho more representative body,- | With two small Counties they would h ive | divided interests and a divided voice, h , was not economical to have two stafft of - officers where one would suffije. All thi i main thoroughfares for whioh applications wero being sent in undor the Roads Con- \ struc'.um Act ran through both Couufe Why should uos such applications go in i jointly? The Wairarapa had suffered in the , past from the piecemeal patching of roads | (hear I) This style of road making had been a curse to the district. A large county on < the other hand would be in a position to undertake and complete works in an efficient manner, It was simply .1 scan to urge that by amalgamation they would injure their prospects under the Roads Construction Act. It could not bo slwed that with regard to this Bill that they could be placed in a different position to what tti-y were at present. The contracts and linbilities of the two counties would become the contracts and liabilities of the one, and applications now made by either county would stand as the application of the joint County. The Carterton people tried to throw cold water on the movement on account of certain liabilities of the two coun ties, Both ware in debt to some extent, and the Eastern ono a little mora than the Wet rn. These obligations, however, could boc-ily adjusted by the united county. A County rate would ha\e to bo levied, aud undor it the adjustment could be readily made. It was strange that the 'Wairarapa should be set at defiance by ono township, aud that one which could notbe aloser by the proposed change, Carterton fought against union because it feared to lose a namo. For the sake of this name the Wairarapa had been put to some inconvenience for some years. The County work had lain in Masterton, but the office had beon retained in Cartorton. The people in Carterton opposed the ohnngo on private rather thin on public grounds. He did not think they ought to stand quietly by to see the wishes of the district defeated to promote the selfish interests of Carterton. Carterton would n>t be a great gainer by a north and south Couuty. The South County would beaweak helpless thing, and he failed to seo why it 'should be cut off from the more populous and wealthier portion of tho distriot. The Government proposed to make alterations in tk district before their petition could matu-e This might give Carterton an undue advantage to upset the proposed union, hut all the same it was clearly their duty to proceed with it. • He hoped that settlors in favor of amalgamation wt-uld eiim the petition so that the matter might be laid fairly and equitably before the Government. Union would givo strength, pith, and power, to the Wuirarapa, and he had much pleasure in supporting the motioc before the meeting (Applause). Mr J, Vile moved aa an amendment "that it is desirable to reconstitute the County by forming North aud South Counties," He said tkt Mr McGregor oxpressed a doubt as to tho issue of his proposal, and that meant that the success of it was doubtful, and that it was a pity to go to the trouble of getting up petitions. The interests of the North were separata from those of the South, If as Mr McGregor urged the South County ttould be weak why should they desire to attach it (Mr McGregor: The South County is a large pastoral district, but it would be left out in the cold by the fact that all the works to be undertaken lie to the north of MasUrton), It was easy to get a North and South division without going to the ratepayers. He believed that the representatives of two counties would be stronger than those of ono, and in point of size each County would compare favorably with other Counties in r-'ew Zealand,

Mr Wondroote seconded Mr J. Tile's amendment. He pointed out.(hit ho never agreed with Mr McGregor (a laajh), and ho had no faith,in him. He spoke of the House

vf Hepr(iSßDtative3 aßdiubolica!, and said thi) Koad Construction Apt was asoonupt as an egg was full of meat; In one county men of affluenoy would be returned as representatives, and they were the wont men, The Native Rating Aot confiscated the little property which the Natives had left. The natives would be annihilated, By making two many roads settlers would have their land taken from them, He deprecated sending petitions round and getting ignorant people to sign them. Ho approved of two counties becauao they would watoh one another. He advised eheep farmers not to make more roads than they could pay for. He defended the Carterton people who were not present to defend themselves, and considered Mr Booth quite as Rood as MoQregor or any other man present. They had better lie on their oars and pull all together (A voioo: Yes, pull all together). Ho did not mean pnll all together as they wore, but as they wished to be.

Mr G. Beetham M.H.R, should not j like the House of Representatives to be considered as diabolical as Mr Woodroofe , represented it to bo. He had always beon of the opinion that the interests ol the Wairarapa were identical,. and when a meeting was held some time back at his instigation to consider amalgamation he only abandoned thoproposalbeeanaehetound he had not aufficiontsn pport among settlors to carry it, Ho deemed it bettor to bide the time when it could be brought about, and he was of the opin ; on that this would bo when local taxation came home to settlers and they began to )ook closely into their expenditure. They would then fiud that if would not pay to keep two clerks to do the work ol one, or keep up two buildiags when one would suffice. He pointed out that- Mr Woodroofe who objected to roads had a good one to his own door (Mr Woodroofe: A halfchain road). Ho was undor tho impression that there was a part of Masterton where with Mr Woodroofe's co-operation a halfchaiu road could be converted into a ohain thoroughfare (applause). He regretted that an old settler like Mr Woodroofe did not recognise the necessity of good roads. He aumitted tint the main park of contracting roads was done by Road Boards, still Conn-' ties had duties which had been well performed both iu Eastern and Western divisions. He thought that the all but unanimous recommendation of local bodies in favor of amalgamation w.is entitled to groat weight as the members of these bodies were the representatives of tho people, and enjoyed their confidence. Still, if they could get the mind of the pe.iple moro fully by a direot test, it was very desirable that they should do so. Lot the vote of tho people be known. He did not think that Mr McGregor would cwil at ihe is-.ua which ever wa.v it went, Ho felt deeply tho necessity of taking the fullest advan:age of the diabolical Act! of last soasion. If by foolish actions they loit their present opportunity they would only have themselvos to blame. It was their duty, failing amalgamation to at once adopt the altera itivo which had been agrsed to. He thanked those gentlemen who brought forward the present proposal for union. He '-•onsidercd amalgamation woald come thougk he had doubted whether it would bt obtained till local taxation arrived. When the local Aots of the last session were passed Mr Buchanan and lie thought that the Wakarapa was doing very well, They had tried hard to prevent the compulsory changes in boundaries applying to this district but had failed. He would not go fully into the work of the past session, because he would have another opportunity of explaining this to his constituents. Replying to Mr Woodroofe's referenjo to the Native Rating Act, he said he admired the Maoris quite as much as the previous speaker, and believed tliem to be a grand race. Still, when a Maori took full advantage of what Europeans were doing for him he should take his share of the bur.lan of providing roads. M' Woodroofe talked of confisoatingnative laud, but he would ask him how long it would take to confiscate it at the rate of a half-penny per acre par nnnum? In making the native l»nds valuable, they had a right t> expect some contribution from them They had, how. ever, gent'y led thorn into the pleasant paths of taxation, and it was only when their land wm leased or sold to Suroiieans that the tax would be collected and then from the European ho'der. He hoped settlers would sign the petition. Whatever happanod, they noetl not fear that the interests of the district would be neglected in the interim, (Applause 1 )

.Mr J, V. Smith spoko briefly to the amendment. He said the Maoris had really been carefully protected during the lejn'sl'tion of the past session In amwer to Mr Vilo he would po : n; out that New Zealand with ib multiplicity of official* was the laughing sto-dc of even tho Australian Colonies. If tlwy had two counties tho county staff would have to be doubled It had been shewn that changs was inevitable, and the only question was, which was the most sensible chuige. (Applause) The Chairman then put the amendment, two hands only (Messrs Vile and Woodroofe) were held up for it. On Mr Smith.s resolution being put it wa'i carried by about a doieu hands being held up in its favor with two agaiiist it. A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the proceedings.

MEETING AT CARTERTON. Great interest was manifested hore over iho question, and at the appointed lime crowds were gathered together outside the Public Hall, anxious to see the fun (as ilmy termed il), aud great disappointment was felt at Mr Bunny's absence when the mealing commenced. There were fully 250 persons present, amongst whom were Messrs Buchanan, M.H R„ Booth, Buys, Braithwaite, Fairbrother, Phillips, and Mr Armond Bennett. Mr Buuny arrived about half-past eight, Proceedings wore commenced at eight o'clock by Mr Fairbrnther beint/ voted to the chair, who read the advertisement convening rhe meeting, also the resolution of Mr Boys', advuea'ing such meeting. Tho chuirmau said he would take tho opportunity to speak on the subject as he considered every man had a right to, where tho district generally was affected by it. He was against amalgamation for several reasom. At the present time matters were carried on very satisfactorily, and he did not think they should go in for it unless it could be shown that it would be advantageous. Ho did not see tint any material amount of money could be saved by it, and did not think anything was to be gainod. There were some influential people who did not oara to serve on small bodies, but would like to lake office in large "ones. Ha would ask Mr Phillips to open the meeting, as he had taken a great intorest in thequestion, and could give reasons why the Counties should be united.

Mr Coleman Phillips, who was received with applause, said he did not oxpeot tn be called upon to open the meeting, but would move a resolution—" That it will be wise for the Wairarapa E<wt and West Counties to bs amalgamated." (No, no). I have moved it so that the meeting may thoroughly discuss the question, as there are many who are uninformed why we should have two Counts. I would Ijko to speak to those gentlemen of influence in the Valley and point out why we require to be amalgamated. One great reasun is that we should get local government^which under the two countie* we do not set, The Carterton people do not require this so muoh as tho country settlers, as they have good roads thiou»h their district. (Mr Bennett: You have the same roads as we have.) Our demand for government is reflected every session by such close divisions that the Government quiver in their seats, and the colony, as a whole, will not be satisfied till this question.is settled. What we rpquire is some law by which settlers who improve their property can be protected, laws that refer to fencing, branding, drainage, licensing, and sheep'ear-mark (laugher)—don't smile, gentlemen, when I mention sheep, ear-marks, I know there is a growing feeling against people ownina Bheep-(No, no.) The County form of

government is, to provide the coaniy BotiUrav, With roads; all they have: done, ji;: tdjimerfere with the Road Boards .in th« mtter of roadg-<No, no.); Thei; Koad Boards m quite capable.; of carryiot; out the whole works m their diatriat—(Hear, hear)._ Town settlers" hud not the interest in the question that Country settlers have, ■ The only way to get local government is by amalgamation. Tvro Counties' servants were doing the same work that one set could do. I will not ask you to answer; at present, but would advise you to go home and think over it, as it is a very important question. Ido not think we acted rightly in abolishing our provin-cea-{Mrßennett: We don't want fo stop here all night; «malgu:n:itiun is the question, not general fjoverntnent.) Mi Phillipi: Then, gentlemen, I won't-(A voice; Cut it _ short). I will "cat it -short" My opinion is that amalgamation is not ten yean too soon; the time is just come, and the advooatei of ten years' waiting do not know what 'is required. We cannot go wrong in amalgamating. My wish ia for the general good of the district, and as we are all living in the same valley let it bo a united one. What I have told you, I have gained by experience. The south need not be afraid of rates being levied to curry on works in the Forty Mile Bush; I would say to north and south, Don't he selfish, but do everything for united Wairarapa. Mr Bennett: Would you have studied this scheme if you could have retained your seat in the Council? Mr Phillips: I should. When I resigned my seat, perhaps I acted foolishly, and might have shown too muoh feeling mi' the matter. I did uot like a new man placed oter my head, and when I asked Mr Booth to allow me to sit as Chairman for six months hn s*id he would. _ Mr Bennett: Do you think Mr Booth is a milksop to follow in your footsteps 1 Oh no, Mr Coleman Phillins; oh no. Mr McEwen seconded the resolution of Mr Phillips. Mr Buchanan, who was received w.th cheers, regretted he was not present at the meeting last woek. He was glad lo see such a large attendance, • which augured wol! for tlm future, and whether Mr Phillips was right or not there need bo 110 fear of self-government if the interest is taken in it as there appeared to be at present, Mr Bunny had asked at the last meeting-Where are our members I Where are our representatives to lead us in the question 1 Mv Bunny must have alluded to him and Mr Beetlum. For himself, as their member, he had taken part in the House in (he arrgnraents on this subject, and ho lud proof that his efforts had been appreciated, especially by the poople of Carterton, and lie would enJeavor to do in the future as he had done in the past, and (to Mr Bunny) endeavor to ba always on the spot. Respecting Mr Boethara (Mr Bennett: Letlnm speak for himself) he had for a long time represented this and the othor part of the district, and regretted he was unahla to be present. With regard to amalgamation the question was asked him at last eleotion when he stated plainly that if it was advantageous he would suppart it, but if objections were raised, and there was muoh opposition, it could not be a united district, and until satisfied that there was an unanimous feeling on the subject he would not feel it his duty to promote amalgamation. The delegates were charged with meeting and overriding the question without reference to ratepayers, this he flatly denied ; besides there must an unanimous opinion of all local bodies before it oould be effected, and it cannot bo done without reference to the electors; for if there is a feeling against it a petition signed by a third of the ratepayers oould overthrow the whole arrangement, and a single Board could veto anything of the kind; It was his intention to carry ont tho wishes of the settlers as far as practicable, and as this meeting was called for the purpose of discussing the question it ought to be thoroughly done. At the last meeting Mr McGregor went in for amalgamation, and Mr Phillips followed in his footsteps, and although thero were points in which he could not agree with Mr Phillips, there were some in whieh he coincided with him. (Mr Phillips: I would like to hear your ransom for amalgamation.) (Mr Bennett: Don't keep us too long, as I havo got a question to ask.) He thought they had more perfect liberty in New Zealand than any people south of the equator, Ratepayers had unlimited power in looal matters, and were at perfect liberty to use it. In answer to Mr Phillips re ths Rabbit and other Acts, he could say this: when there is a want we soon know of it, and as for neighbors being robbed, he had never heard of it. Then there was a special Drainage Aot; he had not heard of any complaints in that direction in the district; and as for fencing, an amended Act was introduced last session, and the only thing that was required, or could be put in to improve the old one, was the power to compel neighbors to fall bush sir feet wider along the boundaries. Ab for. licensing, wh»t eke had tbey but local governments this respeot ? He could say that there was no division in the House last session on the subjects Mr Phillips named, and would like that gentleman to quote chapter and verse for it. On tho contrary, the Opposition cordially_ assisted the Government during the session in passing their Aots. In a conversation with Mr W. 3eetham and Mr McGregor on the subject of amalgamation, he had advisid them that if they found any definite opposition down |

south Wairarapa not to move any further in tho matter as they oould not be recognised as a united body if there wag any opposition. According lo Mr McGregor, if there ii a north and smith. County, the south will be sick of it in twelve months. What is the state of affaire now, if the question is pushed to a definite issue? He tad interviewed the Colonial Secretary to see what could be done to rearrange the boundaries aocordinir to the Act, as there appeared some doubt aa to the meaning of it (the portion of the Act referred to was «ead). If the various local bodies arrange the boundaries they hare to wait two mouths before it can be brought into operation. .A petition could be got up signed by one-third of the ratepayers and overthrow it at any moment, as it would go at onoe to the Governor and be settled right off, and not, as Mr Phillips said, hart to be laid before the House. If the boundaries were re-arranged now, we should be kept in a state of uncertainty up to February, and works in progress would be interfered with. He had not thought thataitrong opposition would be shown against amalgamation, but found that a very aerions,one had arisen, and thought there would be no difficulty ih getting one-third of the ratepayers together to overthrow it. He could see they wero very unanimous for a north and sonih County, and ; thought it;was impossible to get a united one-(Cheers) If the south, as Mr McGregor said, got siok of the County, work under the Roads Construction Act. for a year, they would then have ample time to oonsider the question. Mr Bennett: Are you in faror of amalgamation or not I Mr Buohanan: Yes, I am in favor of it, but cannot see that it would be advantageous at present. Mr Bennett: Show this meeting where the advantage can be gained . by joinin« the south to the north. ° Mj Buchanan: There would be a MYing of I don't

think this meeting would like to go fully into the question. .Mr Bennett: Are you one of those private; ratepayers who are bearing the expanse of thi« meeting? I want to know who they are,

Mr Buchanan; I have not been asked to pay, and do not intend to do so. Mr Phillips: Are you in favor of amalgamation or not 1 As our member, we have a right to know. Mr Buchanan: lam in favor of it on principle if reasonable interest is evinced in favor of it by settlers, but under the present- opposition would not like to see it pushed, because I cannot see it possible, if done, that there would be unity, A voice; Would you sign a petition in favor of it ? Mr Buchanan:. Yes. - • . •

Mr McKenzie': Don't you think the Road Boards could do the work as effectually as the County I Mr Buchanan: lam not like my friend Mr Bunny on that point. Mr.'Bunny: What point? Wait a bit till I apeak.' Mr Buchanan; Anyone travelling through the Counties and seeing the roads that are made and bridges erected, and the work generally that is being done by them, must know that the small Boards could not undertake to do it. A voice: Gi?e tlieni the money—they can do it. Mr Bennett: Do you intend to carry this out with your Masterion friend I We don't wish to spend more money than wo cau help! Mr Buchanan took his soat amidst applause.

Mr Burton Boys, who was rewired with prolonged cheering, said the reason he had moved lo have i!ub meeting called was because the meetings that were being held were not known about till they were over. He could see the settlers wore entirely in the hands of those meetings, and the chairman, (Mr McGregor) out of courtesy, said he would allow them t'i speak at them, and as they represent the people he was determined that they should meet them, and after this 10 o'clock in the moruing business he bound them down to meet after *l o'clock in tha evening, and discuss the question. Ho had met a gentleman m Muaterton the other day who had told him he did not wantany of them at their meeting. He told him he did not think much of their cause if they could not stand and fight ic out. There was not much fear as to who would win the battle, and he had come to the conclusion that amalgamation wai at present detrimental to south Wairarapa; if they had North and South Countiea they would have quito enough to do They were told it would hi much cheaper to be united. He could not agree with them there. Their Counties had two able chairmen, both gentlemen had devoted a deal of time to the Coanty business, and if there was to be only one chairman for the district where would they find one to devote the time to it ? and if they did they would hate to pay him too. (Mr Bennett: Small Protincial Council 1) Touching local self-go-vernment, no one clamored louder for abolishing provincialism than he did, since then they had had several County Acts, some were named "miserable abortions" and rightly named too, butthijOnnnoils had worked them out well. He was told the Council could do everything but found that that sheep were ruled hy a man in Well'ngton, and one of the oldest R.M.'s in the colony Baid a short time ago when a case came before him, "That miserable Rabbit Act again.'.' He believed iii counties settling their own affairs, and the House of Representatives national affairs. They would then have no. long sessions or largo honorariums, and he could not see why County Councils and Road Boards should not work side by side. If such a question was asked, he would sooner see Counties than Road Boards abolished, as he considered the latter cheaper and'more effective. The •eltlers of Wairarapa South did quite «uht in electing a canny Scotchman as their representative, beoause Mrßuchanan cannily put a saving clause in his speech by saying if it was popular he would vole for it; he wont with the popular voice, and of course must be a popular man. (Cheers.) He hoped after this meeting that those gentlemon who adveoated united Wairarapa would withdraw their measure. If they used force to pass it he would do his utmost to oppose it, and if ill feeling was croated the blood would lie on their own- head, Ab for making Carterton the County town, they all knew no one had the powor to do that; that was settled hy the councillors. Those who held out such promises did not know the Carterton people. But they would find out that they wouli not have. it, for, knowing the p»wnr they have, the Carterton people could defie them, and all they had to do is to go like the Highlanders, shoulder to shoulder, and follow the gallant Scotchman.—(Cheers.) Mr Booth was received with cheers on rising, and said he was going to movo an' amendment that this meeting was not in •favor of amalgamation, As for Carterton befog the County town, they may get it whether some people liked it or not. He thought Mr Buchanan had got a weakness in favor of amalgamation, hut unless there was an unanimous feeling amongst the settlers in favor of union, no advantage could be gained hy it. Mr Bunny had made allusions to the relations existing between him (Mr Booth) and Mr Phillips. He did not know what had suggested that they were like "Kilkenny cats," as they had tjn', quarrelled at all, Mr Philli;s hid made a mistake in saying he (Mr Booth) said he could not sit till his time was out in the Council because he had not the power to preventit, but they must make a little allowance for Mr Phillips as he was not to be relied on. _ Before the election Mr Phillips was anxious for the position of chairman, and was prepared to pledge his word with a nonhern member against him (Mr Booth) he (Mr Phillips) promised he would join them in securing Maitertou as tha seat of the county, and also for amalgamation I (Uproar and confusion), Nothing had been more ungentlemanly that Mr Phillip's actions, Ho told him (Mr Booth) he would support him as chair man; why gentlemen, he proposed a resolution the other day which had settled the question of amalgamation altogether. (Cheeri). Mr Booth then explained the circumstances of Mr Phillip's resignation, and explained the power of the chairman and thought Mr Phillips did not wish it to be accepto 1. He said Mr Phillips had given them a constitutional view of the question, he didn't know if it was because he came from " Dry Biver." Mr Phillip's wanted l amalgamation io that he could have a special Fenoing Act, the present Act taa satisfactory to the dislriot and if Mr Phillips got fifty amalgamations he wouldn't get one lo suit him. As for branding, he could get all he required in that direction done in about twenty-four honrs under the present Act; as for his drains and other matters they were all provided for by Acts, which he appeared to know so little about. They had had put before them Mr Phillips' ideas of boundaries.and representation w « y w "° llot * ilat tlie y €odW m *? l > fta MrPhillips' arrangement would not t» "head and brains," but "acres." He (the speaker) was not one that would sot class agaimt class, bnt he would not be one to hand over the general'or any other government to "acres" in place of " head and brains;" and as far n hei could prerent it ho would do in. Ho : had advertised that amalgamation was tea years too soon, and he could'

prove it. It must not be forgotten that in the south there was adequate work for i their staff, and in the north there was work enough for the next 25 yeats to come. The time would come in 76 or 100 years, when Road Boards'.and Counties' roads will all be completed, when the Boards would have nothing to do, and the whole would fall into one, What they required was a : Rood - engineering stiff for the snath, where tbore was plenty of work to be done, and auoh a staff would be.the most economical thing they could get, Why should they go north and do what they were able to do themselves? There was plenty of work for two Councils, and let them do it-(Cheers)' What a pretty spectaclo it would be ogee a month to see the large bodies discussing the little petty squabbles Of the local boards I Would it not be far better that the present bodies, with their different functions, should stick to it and pet the work' done* As they were divided now, the south goes down, and the north goes up to the sky. They (the aorlh) ocllected rates from Waihenga, and the settlers had no road to use that belonged to them. The southern district belonged tn them, and they ought to have it—(Sear, hear). Would it not be better that the district should hare proper boundaries, and tattlers uio the roadi that natorally bulong to them ? He had hoped the matter mentioned re Mastetton would have been kept out of that meeting.. Whatever might be the feeling outside, they were bound to win He had told Messrs Beetham and Mc.

Grogor that they would never get what they wanted, and bid better give it up at oDce. He knew he could appeal with •access, and they cou d nerer oarry Oar torlon-y(Hear, hear). Carterton never boasted about municipal government, or anything of the kind. They had population and numbers-in Carterton, and,: when they were wanted they bud the pewer to use litem—(Clieeni). They ought to say at that uiesting that they • emphatically believe in two Counties, not one. They had plmty for their Counoil to do, and let them do it, at for the north, let them do their work and the south would wiah them God speed— . (Hear, hear). Mr Bennett: Mr Bunny hasn't (a|ked yet—give him a chnnce. Mr'Bopth wished he would apeak as Mr Bunny had an opinion that County Cojfticiis hare for a long time past been lifeless bodies, but he must know that it was not true regarding County West. He (the speaker) thought that all Crown and Native lands were a legitimate source to draw funds from, and that it was only right that they should pay a share towards roads to them. Bo could tee no reason why the district should not be covered by nieiud roads according to ' the Act. In conclusion they need not trouble about the seat of government, whan the time came they would be able to settle that sasisfactory. He hoped that this amalgamation question was now dead, and those who had felt strongly fur it would think better of it. He had told them they could hot win, and if they have to fight the battle his party could defeat them. He would therefore move as an amendment—"That this meeting is of opinion that two Counties will bent serve the interests of the settlers, and recommend a north and south division." Mr Hannah seoonded the amendment. Mr Banny, who wai received with loud and continuous applause, said, Mr chairman and Carterton friends, if I wanted to solicit your suffrages I should not have adopted the manner of my friend, Mr W, 0. Buchanan. He comes here and says I do approve of it, but if I find you do not I will not support it; but of course, gentlemen, he haj to do the bidding of his imster, Mr W. Booth. Then my friend Mr Booth says lam an old campaigner, yes, and what did the young campaigner say to me, why he said, " Wont you follow Mr Coleman Phillips in this amalgamation question." Mr Booth will find I am an old soldier, and he will have to fight it out. I am not going to eat my words just because I am in Carterton. What I can say is, I don't agree with Mr Phillips about his rabbits, cats, and or anything. Theqnestion is a satisfactory form of local government, and although Mr Booth may say we must drop it we will not, and I trust that the day is a long way off when the Wairarapa will be under the thumb of Mr Booth. Whether the question is carried, or not, the discussion will do good to the community at large, and I trust the oppression aa used here to-night will not imke enemies of us, Mr Bunny then stated that he still believed in large Counties, as being the best way to gat local government, it Bavti expenses in a greit many ways. If counties reoomnuntled work to be dono it I was under the control of the Minister of Public Works. What they wanted were roads and bridges to open up the back settlements, so that peuple could got their produce to the railway. They would then have an increase in revenue in that direction. He objected strongly to this petitioning and characterise! it as a dangerous practice, and thought the Goveminent should bring in measures suitable to the people. He believed in great Conntiei, with large power, members of Counties to bo mombers of the Waste Lands Board, and to have tbe governing of all local matters, beoause if God Almighty was U make the boat Minister in the world, it would be impossible for him to know all about every part of the colony. H» would do all he could to increase the power of large ceunties and-' support the amalg-imation of the Waira*rapa counties. ■■: ' Mr Bennett: Where is your seat ? Yon \ will lose the next oue, and Mr Buchanan too, and how is it you never found this, amalgamation out before.

Mt Bannj : I thought my old friencl would be very wise to-night, bo I have brought a copy of Hansard, which will prove that 1 have held the same view throughout, (Mr Bunny then read a portion of his ipeech, which upheld the views he had Kpressod to the meeting, and resumed hit teat again amid great cheering.) Mr Booth, in replying to Mr Bunny, said ha' did not wish to interfere with him, »« he was a much abler man, bet still he could not agree with the agitation he and Mr Phillips supported, and thought they . had had enough administrative power in their hands, aud should take off their ooati and go to work! Mr Bennett: Mr Chairman- (cries of "ait down"), one fool makes many. Mr Phillips thought in justice to himself he ought to be allowed to reply to Mr Booth's remarks. It was not hia intention to again refer to the Council's . affiurt until the matter was mentioned by '"'■ Mr Bennett, who was not justified in making |the remarks he did—(Mr Ben. nett: What has he done?) Mr Booth was utterly wrong in his' statomeuts, He . (the speaker) was asked who he was going to vote for as Chairman, and was asked by Mr Pharazyn not to vote for Mr Booth~(A. voice: Don't telltales out of school). Ho gave his rote for Mr Pharazyn; it decided the question-he was elected, and Mr Booth resigned. He: had done the same as Mr Booth. He had no right, to vote for Mr Pharazyn, but ought to have "gone for" Booth; lhen Mr Booth said that ha (Mr Phillips), pledged himself to take the sittings to • Mastertnn. That was false. Mr Booth ' also said he (Mr Phillips) was going to support the amalgamation of the Otiumies. That was true, as ha was there now forthe purpose, MrMcflregor had (old Mr Pajton that -he would'not support Mr

Pliil.iiw! > Olwiuuaii of tli'ii Council if,lie aid nutßiippuri iho removal of the Conwy "ttiip to Masterton. Mr Bennett: What's Payton got to do Willi it I ■ A Voice: We ave finding' something out tu-mght. Mr Phillips then gaVo tin account of Je working of Hie Council, and said that there wan nothing but what a Highway could i!.,, and that County West *»««ntelen body.—(Gries'of 'no'no, aud uproar),

A Voice; If it was a usolusn body why did you wish to be Chairman? _ Mr Phillips then gave an account of a journey made by some Councillors to see what work was to be done in (hat County, and wound up by snyiiig that there was too much of .the " stroking down the h»ck" principle carried on, especially between the two saw-millers, Messrs jtonth and McGregor.-(Laughter.) ' Mr Phillips theii took his seat amid uproar. , . Mr Booth ascended tho platform and »aid: Mr Phillips says there is a deal of stroking down the back between us saw-millers, if so, how is it wo nro all at (liiggeiirdrawn?' That does not look like stroking down the back; and Mr Phillips nays ho put Mr JPh'arazyn in as chairman because he knew liim, nod the very icasnti Mr Phillips did "NOT get put in wiih hecatifO they knew MM. (Laughter). He says he never made nirniigeineiils about taking tho •county office to rMiulerlon, I say he did, for I read the letter. (Uproar). I asked Mr McGregor if he would stand as chairman, as I did not wish to. (Oh I Oh '.) He then shi.wed Mr Phillips letter, and said he would support in", and not him, Mr Bennett: Ain't you sorry you spoke ? Mr T. Moore said it was a shame that there was such carryings on in tho Council.andaftor the nicelotoflhingsthey bad heard he thought the boardwereafur more credible lot than the-the council, aud ■said the proceedings remined him of the slate of affairs about fifteen years ago, when Mrßunny put limits right for tlieui in the Provincial Council. Mr Armond Beunett then stepped forward smid . tteinendous uproar, and attempted to give an account of the early Local Boaids, and although our reporter was sitting pretty cloio'lc, him, and ho (Mr Bennett) shouted at the top of his voice, only an occasional sentr-nce could be picked up between the whistltm;, hissing, and shootim;. Ho waß heard to say, "Booth elected,'" "Phillips resigned," " tiddlowinkiiig business carried on," "rotten idea," "amalgamation Means ruin t» Taiatahi and Carterton," " rabbits," "foxes," "houn.V "fences," and finished up by yelling, " Bunny lust his seat .for dividing," and "Buchanan will lese his fur nniahtiuiiiiiioii." When order was restored tho clyinnan put the amendment and losolulion to the meeting when only four hands were held up for the latter, the amendment was therefore declared carried. A vote of I hanks lo the chairman brought the meeting to a close a< 11 o'clock.

FEATHKKSTON MEETING. A public meeting was held at the Town Buard's Oflico on Saturday to lake into consideration the quesiion of the amalgamation of Counties East and West Wairarapa. Mr G. Reynolds was voted to the chair Mr Jus, Donald informed tho meeting it was culled in acenrdanco with a resolution passed at a meoiiii!; hold at Carterton to consider the advisability of •amalgamating the two counties, or of .a North and South, and it was for them ■itCconsider which was the best, he him 'Self was most decidely in furor of amalgamation.

Mr A Matthowß also spoko in favor of ■the amalgamation of the two Counties, as ithev toold then require only one utaff, •and half 'he number of wardens. The Forty-mile bush road was looked upi-n as the great bit", bear against it, he Ihouught the two counties combined would bo hotter able tu carry out the work, than hitherto. Eaiher than see the Counties formed into North and S aith Wairarapa, he would prefer tho Counties Act suspended, and the whole work left in the hands of the Highway Boards to carry out, Mr C. Cuiuly, senr. and Mr W. Toogood also spnke in favor of amalgamation. The follnv, in» resolution was then proposed by Mr A, Matthews and seconded by Mr TV. Cundy—" That in tho opinion of this meeting it is desirable that a petition be circulated through this part of the district for ihe purpose of obtaining signatures in favor of amalgamating the two Counties."—Carried unanimously The meeting then lei initiated.