QUEENSTOWN IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Volume I, Issue 44, 30 September 1863, Page 4

QUEENSTOWN IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE.

A meeting was held on Monday evening at Bracken's Hotel. Mr. Gordon in the chair.

The chairman stated they had met on that occasion to receive the resignation of the existing committee and endeavor to form a new one. It was of geat importance that Queenstown should be properly represented by some local body, so as to be able to state their wants at any time to the Government. Proposed by Mr. Weaver, and seconded by Mr. Bracken "That the resignation of the Queenstown Committee, acting as an Improvement Committee, be accepted." Mr. Manders in supporting this resolution would say this much, that the remarks made by the chairman were hardly strong enough to convey to the public the necessity of form* ing a committee to represent this district, as he thought the intelligence and commercial interest of Queenstown was there represented —they ought at once to form a new Committee. He was sure publicity enough had been given in reference to the meeting. Proposed by Mr. Cass, and seconded by Mr. Shepherd "That a Committee, consisting of thirteen members, be elected by vote of the holders of business licences and occupiers of business sites within the township of Queenstown ; such Committee to be called the "Queenstown Improvement Committee;" and when elected to hold office for a period of six months, and to be empowered to make rules and regulations for their guidance." Mr. Cass said it would be unnecessary to say much on that occasion, so many arguments having already been used in reference to the matter. He would not introduce the point as to the legitimacy of that Board as at present constituted, but he would rely on the

goodwill of the townspeople to carry out that object. The land would he hoped shortly be sold, and then persons would begin to make furthei* improvements. Mr. Shepherd in seconding the resolution said the advantages were so patent that any comment would be superfluous. Proposed by Mr. Manders, and seconded by Mr. Herring " That this meeting forthwith proceed to nominate candidates. The polling for the election of members from such candidates to take place on Frid.iy the 2nd day of October next, between the hours of eleven a.m. and three p.m.,' at Bracken's Hotel, Queenstown." Mr. Manders would even go before the last resolution in this matter. He would like to see the district at large exert itself in this affair, and he generally hoped that the members of the new Committee would be a credit to the district, and an Improvement Committee in earnest. Mr. Harris would like that the public should know the grounds of their resignation, which was simply that they were elected by non-residents, and they therefore did not deem themselves properly elected, and so resigned. Proposed by Mr. M'Gaw, and seconded by Mr. Cass " That three scrutineers be appointed to preside at the election of members." Mr. Cass proposed that a number of gentlemen should be nominated to be elected at the next meeting. The following were then proposed-.—Messrs. Wood, Bletcher, Gibson, Grumitt, Walker, Ryan, Griebel, Horn, Luscombe, Angus, Croft, Cassius, Powell, Smythe, Cass, Shepherd, Bracken, Gordon, Weaver, Carey, Campbell, Webster, Louttit, M k Gaw, Willis, Harris, Budd, Bradshaw, D. Marks, Manders.

The following resolutions were then passed: "That the Election Committee be empowered to erase the name of any gentleman nominated who shall either be absent from town or shall declare their intention of not acting if elected."

11 That this meeting appoint six gentlemen to superintend the management of this election and appoiut scrutineers ; and that any expeiice incurred shall be defrayed by contributions." A vote of thanks was then accorded to the chairman and the meeting separated.

SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING. A meeting of the Sub-committee for conducting the election of the new Board met at noon yesterday, at Carey's Commercial Hotel. There were present Messrs. Gordon, Carey, Shepherd, Gash, and Manders. Mr Gordon was appointed chairman and Mr Shepherd hon. secretary to superintend and carry out the necessary details of the election. It was resolved that lists of the names of the candidates should be printed, and a notice at the foot of them calling the attention of the electors to the fact " That not more than thirteen names must be left out unstruck on the list, or otherwise the vote is void." Another resolution was also passed" That the present sub-committee do guarantee the payment of all expences; and that the same be paid by the Improvement Committee when elected and out of the first funds they may collect." Messrs. Brooks, Pritchard, and Malaghan were appointed scrutineers, and accepted office.

Mr. Carey offered to provide the ballot box. Mr. Bracken sent an apology, regretting that business called him from the township. and that he should be unable to attend. The committee then decided to meet at seven p.m. on Thursday, to see that the arrangements were perfected.