WHATAWHATA .

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1107, 29 July 1879, Page 2

WHATAWHATA .

The second Annual Meeting for 1879, of Newcastle Ratepayers, hold at Te KoAvhai, on 23rd July, was "a memorable one for tho settlers of Whatawhata. It Avill bo remembered that the Annual Meeting of Newcastle Ratepayers was advertised some time since, to be hold on the 9th of July, at Ngai-uawahia, and at that meeting no business could be done, OAving to the absence of tho Chairman of the outgoing Board. A lively discussion took place as to avlio had the pmver of adjourning the meeting, the Board, the ratepayers, or the Chairman. Mr George Edgecumbe ruled that the Board only coidd act. Tho Members of the Board then met, and the assembled settlers were iixformed that tho meeting Avas postponed for a fortnight, and Avould be held at Te Ko whai. At tho latter place then, the settlors mustered in force, on the 23rd. After the accounts, &c, had been passed, the meeting proceeded to elect trustees for the ensuing year, but, at this stage, the outgoing Chairman, Mr Byron, informed the settlers that the meeting they were then attending was not an adjourned meeting, but the Annual Meeting of Newcastle Ratepayers, consequently, all proxies made out. for the first Annual Meeting, on the 9th July, Avere rendered useless. By this clever stroke, every proxy in the hands of Whatawhata settlers Avas so much waste paper, Ayhilo settlers at the other end of tho district, being apparently aware of scheme, had fresh proxies all ready. Thus, again wore avc iu the pleasant position of having the greater number of settlers and acres, yet with a minority of votes. However, the Whatawhata settlers Avere determined cither to be fairly represented in the Newcastle Highway Board, or to have nothing to do Avith that body, "and tlvis latter course A\--as taken. Tho two settlers Avho AA'cro elected from this end. Messrs Day and Corby, promptly resigned. It has been very evident that, until WhataAvhata is entirely distinct from tho NcAvoustlo district, it Avill never make any advance. The settlors aro thoroughly roused, and the result Avill, doubtless, be separation. The Tuhikaramea settlers Avero driven to this course, and have had every reason to be thankful for it. A public meeting Avill shortly bj held iu tho township, and the settlers, Avho arc unanimous in this matter, Avill take tho necessary stops to move that, Avliich Ave have so far looked for iu vain, the poAver to spend our own rates within the district. Correspondent.