KILBIRNIE WARD AFFAIRS.

A representative meeting of ratepayers and residents of Kilbirnie was held in Heginbotham's Hall last night to consider the advisability of forming a Ratepayers' Association. * Mr. H. A. Shepherd, convener of the meeting, who was voted to the chair, said he and others considered that ratepayers in Kilbirnie were not properly represented on the Melrose Borough Council, and such an association as that proposed "would assist to remedy this, by bringing out candidates and assisting in the return of suitable representatives. Mr. J. Kershaw regarded reform as necessary. He thought that the money of the borough was not being properly spent, the state of the roads being proof of his contention. He moved — "That it is desirable to form a Ratepayers' and Residents' Association for Kilbirnie Ward." Mr. Alex. Crawford, in seconding the motion, said that he was pleased to see that ratepayers in North and South Kilbirnie were becoming alive to their interests. The roads were very poor and illkept. In Roseneath and North and South Kilbirnie about £700 per annum was received in rates by the Borough Council, but nothing like two-thirds of this amount was spent in the district. Ib was the dut- of the members for the district on the Council to see that their district got its fair share of the money spent, and the association would help to keep Councillors up to their duty. Mr. Heginbotham thought a Ratepayers' association would do a great amount of good, and its voice upon such questions as the lowering of the Constable-street hill, water, drainage, etc., would be listened to and be effective. The motion was carried unanimously. The following temporary executive was set up : — Messrs. Geo. Maxwell, H. A. Shepherd, A. Crawford, F. Laurenson, and J. Kershaw. Tliq executive is to issue a circular explaining the objects of the association, and call a meeting when deemed advisable. The executive will also enrol members. A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the proceedings.