CAMBRIDGE NORTH TOWNSHIP DISTRICT. Meeting of Ratepayers.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1281, 14 September 1880, Page 2

CAMBRIDGE NORTH TOWNSHIP DISTRICT. Meeting of Ratepayers.

A meeting of the ratepayers of the Cam. bridge North Township was held at the Town Board office on Saturday afternoon. ! Mr. J. P. Campbell, chairman of the Board first read tha advertisment convening 1 the meeting, then the requisition whioh had 45 signatures, ten only of whom were present, showing the little interest, that was really takeD in the business of the meeting. The chairman remarked that this was the second meeting within three months that had been cenvened,to dirtcuss the same subject, and he certainly had expected to see a larger meeting and thought it would show more interest and , certainly more curtesy by those signing to attend in person. He then read those clauses in the Act that more particularly effected the ratepayers. Mr Reid said -when chairman of the last general election things came under his notice that he never experienced at elections before. He was told by one that this proxy was not signed by aJ. P. and by another that one's rates were not paid in time, he thought the elections were not in the hands of the people and the present system of voting was undoubtedly a bad one. Mr Reid then referred to some 30 or 40 proxies used at the last general eleotions votes of people who in all probability were not resident*, perhaps never visited the township and he could nut even say if they were on the roll or not. He therefore proposed "that it was desirable to bring the Local Elections Aot into force in this township," which was seconded by Mr Raynes. MrWells observed that with the prospect of the Town Districts Bill becoming law during the next session he thought the changes proposed were not necessary for so short a tune, besides it would entail more expensive and extensive machinery. He then referred to Mr. Reids remarks making clear perhaps that which related to proxies and out rates being paid. He pointed out that there were very few Districts where the Act had worked well, but said the first clause of the Town District Bill brought the Local Elections Act into force, and this bill would have his utmost support. Ho referred how Messrs. Whyto and Whitaker had taken the Bill in hand at Wellington and met witfc great success, the former not meeting with a dissentient voice, and that it entirely met the approbation of the Colonial Secretary who intends doing his utmost to make it law. He therefore proposed •' that having in viewthe probability of the Town District Bill becoming law it is not desirable the Local Elections Aot be brought into force in the meantime." Seconded by Mr Hewitt. Mr Johnson said he was surprised that there should be any objection to the Local Eleotions Act, he thought there was only one reason for delaying it, and that was the prospeot of the Town Districts Bill coming into foroe. The Chairman on again reading the requisition said he thought it was too important a mea- , sure to decide with such a scant attendance, but on testing the meeting it was found that 12 were for the original motion and 8 for the amendment.