WHITIANGA.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 41, 17 February 1910, Page 2

WHITIANGA.

A large and representative meeting at ratepayers and residents of the -Mercury Bay j Riding, Coromandel Connty, wns held on Friday evening in the Public ELaIL Mr. J. J. Carrol. J.P., County Councillor, presided. Sir. O'Brien, tn the course of the meeting, stated that Uie timber Industry of the district was nearly finished. The time bad arrived when a firm and determined stand I should be taken to induce the Government ■to open up for selection all the land suitable ! for grazing and agricultural purposes, withI out tUe grievous restrictions at present esI isting. The dnal control nxerrised by the Lands r>epartment and the Warden over 1.-Liirls within the Goldtieids. ami the Impossibility of obtaining suitable leases, were matters that urgently called for careful consideration at the Kinds of Parliament. Mr. O'lirten also referred to the paucity of grants voted for this county by Parliament last session. New roads were urgently required ttrouch the riding. Up also pointed i ont the great benefit th.it would be felt by I business people and others if a branch bans I was opened in the township, and on overland I mail was secured, one day In the week, from Coromandei. Mr. Carrol also addressed the meeting. The following resolutions were carried unaniinonsly:--Proposed by Mr. C. O'Brien, swouded by Councillor D. liryce: j " That the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, i Minister for Lands, be written to. and that . the various difficulties in obtaining land Id this district be pointed out. That lie tit; asked to introduce amended lonisla.tion to I enable settle-re to obtain good renewable i leases of 8G years' tenure. And that no fur- , ther timber leases lie granted on lands sult- : able for pastoral purposes." Proposed by I Mr. C. O'Brien, seconded by Mr. .1. k. i Hodge: " That the manager of the Bant of New ZeaLond he written to. asking that be jrjve favourable consideration tn the opening of a brauch bank in Whitinnga, My oue day tn ea<"h week." Proposed by Mr. C. O'Brien, seconded by Councillor William Hushes: " That the Chief Postmaster, Auckland, be written to, asking him to favourably consider the granting of an overland mail from Coromandei one day in the middle of the j week."