PUBLIC MEETING.

Lake County Press, Issue 53, 7 June 1872, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING.

On Monday evening last it was announced hy bellman that a public meeting would be held in the Library Hall, Arrowtown, to' consider the question of the most proper person to be appointed Warden of the district. We believe the meeting originated from the desire of number of residents who thought that it waa more honest and straightforward to obtain an open expression of opinion than to attempt to influence the powers that be by means of petitions got up by a similar process to notorious Chinese emanation. Owing no doubt to the short and inefficient notice given the attendance was small. Mr F. H. Evans was elected Chairman, and after explaining as far as he knew the object of the meeting, said he would be glad to hear any remarks from gentlemen present Mr James Dixon, miner, considered that in Mr Worthington the district would find a gentleman in every way worthy of the position of Warden of the Arrow district. That gentleman had had nine years experience, and during that period has given universal satisfaction: He was certain if Mr Worthington were appointed he would meet every requirement of the miners. He had pleasure in proposing Mr. J. S. Worthington as the most fit and proper person to be Warden of the Arrow district. Seconded Mr P. Bute], farmer.

Mr John A. Miller said Mr Stratford having been a Warden befoe and therefore having experience would be the best man for the district. He would propose as an amendment that Mr Stratford is the more fit and proper person to be appointed Warden at Arrow. Mr. H J. Cope, in seconding the amendment said he thought it would be better to import some new blood into the district; besides, Mr Stratford had prior claims to the office, and was the oldest Gold Receiver in the Province, excepting Mr Field. He had been a Warden before, and was reduced on the distinct understanding that he should have the first vacancy. The speaker has no wish to disparage Mr Worthington, but did not thiuk the Arrow should accept Queenstown's left off clothes. (Groans.) In answer to a question from Mr Ferguson,

Mr Cope said there had been a petition got up in Cromwell for the removal of Mr Stratford when he was Warden there, bat that was a thing every officer was liable to. Mr Shepherd deprecated the idea that because a man came from Queenstown he should be cried down.

On being put to a show of hands, the Chairman, amid much confusion, gave the result as—Stratford, 22; Worthington, 16. The usual vote to the gentleman presiding closed the meeting.