MOUNT EDEN RATEPAYERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 142, 16 June 1888, Page 5

MOUNT EDEN RATEPAYERS.

A MEETING of the ratepayers in the above district was held last night in Waite's Hall for the purpose of discussing the election of the incoming trustee and other matters of interest. There was a good attendance. The Chairman of the Road Board, Mr R. Udy, presided. He briefly explained that the" meeting had been called in response to a requisition received by him. Ho then called upon the persons who had signed the requisition to come forward and address the mt-eting. In response to the cry of •' Mr Waitc," that gentleman ascended the platform. He said that as a trustee had to be elected next day it was thought advisable that a meeting should be called. As close upon £10,000 had to be expended during the coming year, it behoved them to pick the best and most useful man to represent them. Another question for consideration was that the ratepayers should assist those trustees who did wish to carry out the work fairly. He thought that it would be well for the candidates to come forward and give expression to their views.

The Chairman said that this was most undoubtedly the important year for the district, as there was a large amount of money to be expended. He mentioned that Mr Bailey, the trustee who was retiring, was one of tho best they ever had in tho district. To fill his place lie knew would be a very difficult thing. Ho thought that they were to blame in allowing him to go away without some public recognition of his services.

On the motion of Mr Waitc it was resolved that the candidates present be asked to address the meeting. Mr Archibald said that if returned he would attend to permanent improvements, and would take great care in tho expenditure on the procuration of a water supply. Ho would support the idea of carrying on tho work of the Board in accordance with the Act. Ho thought that the. accounts of the Board should be annually audited. With regard to an advertisement in the Star about returning no contractors, he could only say that he was a rogue or a fool, and a mean sneak, if he did not come forward that night and acknowledge his action. At present it was true that he was connected with the contractor for the water supply in the Eden Terrace District, but he should never try to pet the Mount Eden job, as he knew the district too well. Mr Waite's insinuation must have emanated from an exceedingly corrupt mind.

The Chairman asked Mr Archibald which were the neglected parts of the district.

Mr Archibald said that if returned he would expect to have his attention drawn to those places. He also thought that the rates should be systematically expended. <Mr Bridgman said that a meeting of members of both boards was to be held to try to do away with the nuisance arising from the boiling-down establishment.

Mr D. Robertson, another candidate, said that if elected he would give his earnest attention to the business of the district. He was a practical man, and of course that was what was wanted at the present time, when so much money was about to be expended. He had the time to give to their business, and if elected ho would be willing to give his time and his talents—if he had any—free. (App:ause.) He had been asked if he would go in for lighting the district. Well, they must have the light as the population increased. In regard to that boiling-down establishment, he could say that he felt it pretty thick at times. He was sure that it could be put down, but it would cost about £200. He would be willingto contiibuto somethiug towards it himself. Well, what was £200? (A voice: " By , I think it a pretty good sum." Laughter.) If they got rid of that nuisance then population would flock into the district.

Mr Hirst draw attention to tho unprotected state of some portions of the Mount Roskill l'.oad.

Mr Ucly said that it would cost all the rates of the district to fence in all the dangerous parts of the district.

Mr Bridgman pointed out that last year one-third of their rates went to pay their contribution to the Hospital and Chaib able Aid Board. If the ratepayers wished more expenditure they must agree to higher rates. Mr 11. M. Shepherd, the third candidate, next addressed tho meeting. Wfth regard to protecting the dangerous parts of the diatrio the thought that they ought to have taken his suggestion to borrow £3,000 from tho Government under the Roads and Construction Act. He believed in doing only permanent works. Let tho levels be fixed and then the work pushed steadily forward. Their revenue was only £800 per annum, so that they could not do much at a time. He favoured doing first the positions of the road nearest the boundary of the city.

In answer to Mr Archibald, tho Chairman said that the Board proposed to erect the Fire Brigade station at the foot of Mount Eden on a reserve given by the Government.

Mr Archibald thought that it ought to be in a more central part of the district. The Chairman said that anywhere else in the district they would require to buy the land and build an observatory. Mr H. Waite moved a vote of thanks to the three candidates who addressed the meeting. This was adopted.

Mr Wai to also replied to the remarks of Mr Archibald regarding mean insinuations. He must say that he would prefer Mr Robertson instead of Mr Archibald on the Board. They might have too many contractors on the Board, still he feared that Mr Robertson did not know enough of Road Board work ; therefore he thought Mr Shepherd would make the beat representa tive

Both Mr Robertson and Mr Archibald replied to Mr Waite's remarks.

Air Shepherd moved, "That tho best thanks of the ratepayers of this district be given to Mr C. Bailey for his services in the past."

Mr D. Robertson had much pleasure in seconding that motion, as he was trying to till the vacancy.

Mr Waite moved as an amendment "That an address be sent to Mr Bailey." Mr Mitchell suggested that it be mentioned that Mr Bailey had done fourteen years in Mount Erlen (great laughter) district, tfhia was added to the motion, and wa& adopted. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the business.