OPUNAKE

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 125, 25 June 1881, Page 3

OPUNAKE

THE LIGHTEE COMPANY.

(from ouk own correspondent.)

Opunake, Thursday.

An influential meeting was held here on the evening of the 15th inst., having for its object the formation of a boating company for Opunake. Gentlemen representing New Plymouth and other parts were present. On Mr. Breach being voted to the chair, Mr. Brooking addressed the meeting as follows : — " Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, — On a previous occasion I have visited your township, and was very much impressed with its prosperity and advantages, principally of your port, but was surprised to see the bad boating service provided for you, which has induced myself and companions to interview you for the purpose of floating a lighter company; and if you will cooperate with us, I have no doubt of the project being a thorough success. I have been in communication with Major Atkinson, Colonel Trimble, and Mr. Kelly, each of whom are favorably disposed to its establishment, should the people of Opunake give their support. My suggestion in the formation of the company would be to raise a capital of in 200 shares at £5 per share. I will myself take 20. (Mr. Neal said he would also take 20). Mr. Brooking, continuing, said: I have placed my property in the market for sale, and if I can satisfactorily dispose of it, I would permanently settle in Opunake." In reply to a question from the chairman, Mr. Brooking said the company would, of course, undertake risks, and proposed that the company be formed under the Joint Stock Company's Act, and limited to 200 shares, as already stated.

This being put in the form of a resolution, and seconded by Mr. J. H. Newman, was unanimously carried. After which the subject of employing hands to work the boats was freely discussed, and it was proposed by Mr. C. W. Hursthouse, and seconded by Mr. Neal, that 36 shares be reserved for allotment to those men ; the remaining shares to be called as follows : 10s. on application, 10s. on allotment of share, and the balance in calls of £1, at intervals not less than one month. (Carried.) Mr. Hursthouse, in speaking to this resolution, said that his experience clearly showed him the necessity of the parties working in the boats being shareholders — they having a direct interest would be an inducement to perform the work satisfactorily, and promote the successful establishment of the company.

Mr. Neal then drew attention to the fact of passengers and mails being taken on to New Plymouth in bad weather, when they could easily be landed here. Mr. Brooking considered it advisable to acquire a piece of land adjac nt to the proposed site of the company's sheds, but Mr. Hursthouse thought the matter should be left in the hands of the directors.

Mr. Maysmoor suggested that the district be at once canvassed, with a view of obtaining the requisite number of shareholders, and appoint directors.

Mr. W. Middleton proposed, and Mr. Neal seconded, that in the mean time five provisional directors be appointed, whose duty would be to canvass the district, and secure eligible shareholders, after which the permanent directors would be elected. — Carried.

The following gentlemen were then appointed as provisional directors, viz.: — Messrs. Brooking, J. H. Newman, W.

Middleton, S. A. Breach, and — Maysnioov. On a vote of thanks being accorded the Chairman, the meeting closed.

To point out the necessity of having a better boating service than the present inefficient one, on tho 14th inst. we had three steamers in the bay with cargo for here and Manaia, and on Friday last two more ; the Oreti, not being able to discharge, had to clear out, taking on cargo that was very much required indeed.

An indignation meeting is about being called, to frame a petition to be presented to the House of Representatives, calling upon the Government to exercise its authority in establishing a school in Opunake. There are at present over seventy childi-en awaiting tuition.

Mr. Cruickshanks has commenced the new hotel.

On Wednesday evening next the election of a school committee takes place.

For remainder of Reading Matter,

see Fourth Page.