TE AROHA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2326, 7 June 1887, Page 3

TE AROHA.

(FKOM OUlt OWN COKKESrOI.'PKJfT.) Te Auoiia, Monday. Ox Friday evening a meeting, convened by the chairman of the town board at the request- of a number of residents, was held in the Public Hall to consider the present tenure of land in this township. There were from forty to fifty persons present and Mr E. t'uinu as convener of the meeting, occupied the chair. The opinion of Mr J. A. Miller, solicitor. Thames, on tho existing title was read by the chairman, also the agreement between the Government and the natives. Mr Miller's opinion was to the effect that the present title is a good and substantial one, for by section 10 of the Mining Act, of ISBG it may bo exchanged for a new title under that Act, which by section (w gives to occupiers a continuous right of renewal at. tho end of each twentyone years, and therefore as good as a perpetual lease. Although by the said section 05 the Government reserved tho right, at the end of each term, to raise the rent and impose conditions, he (Mr Miller) did not think the tenants could have a better arbitrator betvvean them and the native owners, than the Government. Mr Jas. Mills spoke upon the necessity for having matters placed upon a more satisfactory basis than that on which they stood at present. He did not quite approve of the title under the Mining Act, and thought that a lease in perpetuity at a fixed rontal would be preferable to a goldfields title. Ho would recommend that an effort be made to effect a settlement of the question while the present Government remain in power, as certain members of the Ministry are acquainted with the circumstances of their case and this would faciliate matters. Mr George Lipsey, who was present on behalf of certain native owners, said he was most anxious that tenants showld have a good title «o as to induce them to settle permanently in the place and be encouraged to improve.their properties. He would be glad to meet a committee of the residents so that arrangements might be made to suit the tenants, if possible. After considerable discussion it was proposed by Mr Mills and seconded by Mr J. Wood "that the Town Board and Mr Lipsey meet and draw up a memorial to the Government, asking that the present title to hands in the township be altered to a lease in perpetuity." Mr P. Dillon proposed as an amendment " that a committee be appointed from this meeting to draw up a petition to the Govpzjpr in Council, requesting that the Government may purchase the freehold of the township, and give to the occupiers a freehold title at the price paid by the Government." This was seconded by Mr H. Hyde, but, on being put to the meeting, was lost, a large majority voting for MiMill's motion, A vote -of thanks to Mr Lipsey, and another to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

The annual meeting of the Licensing Committee was held in the Court-house on Saturday. There was a full attendance of members, vu., Messrs J. tfarreli (chair-

man), J.- Lipsey, J. M. Murray, E. Quiun and D. J. Frazer. New licenses were applied for by Arthur Dowries, for the Club Hotol, George Ebert, for the I'alacQ Hotel, and Mrs Annie Thomson, for the Family Hotel, Rolloston-street. The police report in each case being favourable, tho applications were granted, but there was some discussion regarding the accommodation afforded by Mrs Thomson's house, and the clerk was instructed to notify the owner of the premises that it will be advisable to make improvements during the currency of the license then granted. S. T. Smardon applied for a removal of the license from the Premier Hotel, Waiorongomai, to tho Waiorongomai Hotel. The permission of the owner of the Premier wasjproduced and the "application was granted. Renewals were granted to Frank Rose for the Royal Hotel Oxford, S. T. Smardon for tho Waiorongomai Hotel, A. A. Smith for the Hot Springs Hotel, Te Aroha, and to Alexr. Heauy (accomodation license) for the Lichlield Hotel, Lichfield

The Waitoa Licensing Committee sat at Morrinsville on Saturday. Present: Messrs' Chepmell (chairman) Turnbnll and Parr. A new license was granted to Snowden Berry for the Nottingham Castle Hotel, and a renewal to John Smith for the Fluenix Hotel, Morrinsville. The license of Albert Gabolinsey for the Waihou Hotel, Waitoa, was cancelled, as the conditions on which ho had been allowed by the committee to carry on business after the burning of his former prumises had not been fulfilled.

The monthly meeting of the Domain Board was held on Saturday evening, the members present being Messrs Gavin, (chairman) Ahier,|Wilson,]and Qwinn. The following statement of accounts was submitted, showing the financial position of tho Board:—Balance in bank last month, £33 18s lid ; receipts for the four weeks ending 4th inst., £28 total ; ,£(il 18s lid ; accounts owiner at date, £32 10s 4d ing a balance of £2!) 8s 7d after paying all liabilities. It was resolved that the bath houses shall, until further notice, be open from 7 a.m. to U. 30. p.m., except on Saturdays, and late train nights, when the hour of closing will be 10 p.m., this rule to commefico on Monday the 6th inst. Mr G. Wilson asked leave to postpone until next monthly meeting, the motion standing in his name, re the necessity of urging upon the Government the necessity of appointing a doctor in connection with the baths. Permission granted. It was decided that the avenue, to bo planted in the domain on the occasion of the Jubilee shall be on the line of the path leading to No. 1 bath and the drinking fountain. After some further discussion, regarding the Jubilee celebrations, the meeting closed.