KIHIKIHI. Public Meeting.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1267, 12 August 1880, Page 2

KIHIKIHI. Public Meeting.

A public meeting was held in the school on Saturday evening last, for the purpose of adopting such measures as would, in the opinion of the settlers interested, be necessary to raise funds for the erection, with as little delay as possible, of a public hall and library. Mr W. A. Cowan was elected to the chair, and, after a few appropriate remarks as to the laudable object for which they were assembled, read a letter from the Native Department, Wellington, dated 12th February, 1879, and addressed to himself when Chairman of the Town Board, sanctioning the removal of the block-house from Orakau to Kihikihi to be used as a public hall and library, on condition that if the building were again required for defence purposes, possession might at any time be resumed. The meeting, after discussing the merits of the grant for some time, considered that the building was not likely to be again required by 'the Government ; that the expense attending the dismantling and removal of such an old structure would be so much money thrown away ; and that the best thing that could be done with it was to sell it on the ground where it stood. On the motion of Mr Moncrieff, seconded by Mr Ballin, it was resolved, " That the block- house be sold by tender at an early date, due notice of such sale to be given ; the proceeds of same to go towards the erection of a suitable public building in the township, which could be used by the authorities at any time when required. " It was further proposed by Mr Moncrieff, seconded by Mr Anderson, and resolved, "That subscription lists be opened at once with a view to eliciting the amount that could be procured to erect a building 40ft. x 24ft. " and when the names of some 13 subscribers were handed to the Chairman it was found that a sum of -tSO was promised. It was then decided that Messrs Farrell and Qualtrough be authorised to canvass the district as soon as convenient for further subscriptions, so as to enable the committee to commence the building during the first favorable weather. The meeting closed with the usual vote of thanks. The site chosen is an excellent one, centrally situated, and where a number of streets converge. It was granted by the Waste Lands Board a short time ago. — [Own Correspondent.]