QUEENSTOWN IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Volume I, Issue 46, 7 October 1863, Page 4

QUEENSTOWN IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE.

The first meeting of the newly-elected members of this body took place on Monday evening. Present—all the members with the' exception of Messrs. Harris, Angus, and Gibson. Mr. Bracken proposed Mr. Gordon should take the chair, he having stood at the head of the poll Mri M'Gaw moved that Mr. Gordon should only take the chair pro tern., as he understood that they were to elect a chairman by ballot. Mr. Bradshaw asked whether a permanent chairman was meant, or otherwise ; for if they meant a permanent one, it was not in accordance with the rules laid, down in the * Town Board Ordinance." Besides, the chairman might be away for a month—he might not attend, or he might be sick. He would move "That the Queenstown Improvement Committee shall appoint a chairman at every meeting, who, in case of an equal number of votes, including the vote

of the chairman, shall have the casting-vote; and no order or determination once made or agreed upon shall he revoked or altered at any subsequent meeting, unless notice of intention to propose such alteration shall have been previously given at a meeting, and entered into a book of proceedings kept for that purpose." Seconded by Mr. Cass and carried. Mr. Cass moved—" That the rules of debate as adopted in the House of Commons be adhered to by this committee in all its discussions." Seconded by Mr. Bracken and carried. The Chairman insisted on the immediate necessity of electing a secretary. Mr. Bracken observed that it would be advisable to have a permanent secretary. Mr. Cass—Should the secretary be a member of the committee ? The Chairman—That rests with yourselves. It would be better if we could afford to pay someone not a member. Mr. Carey thought they were not in a position to guarantee any sum of money at present. The Chairman thought it would be better even if they had to pay it themselves. About £1 per week, perhaps— Captain Budd considered the cheapest man was not always the best. It would be better to have a man of ability, who knewwhat he was about. Mr. Bradshaw advocated the engagement of a collector. , Mr. Cass—The Arrow committee have nt one. Mr. Bradshaw—No, because they have done nothing for the town but talk. After a brief discussion, Mr. Cass was appointed secretary pro tern., and Mr. Bradshaw treasurer. '. , „ t . . Mr. Budd moved—That it shall be competent for any two members of the committee at any time to call a meeting of the committee, provided always that notice of such >meetin£, and the purpose thereof shall be given in writing to the members of such committee. Seconded by Mr. Ryan. Mr. Cass moved an amendment to the effect that five members, instead of two, should be necessary, and that the period of notice should be 48 hours. After discussion Mr. Cass reduced the time to 24 hours, and subsequently withdrew his amendment altogether. The original motion then passed. Mr. Bradshaw moved—"The committee shall cause a book or books to be kept, in which shall be entered all minutes of their proceedings; and also a book or books in which shall be entered true and proper accounts of all moneys received and disbursed." Seconded by Mr. Bracken and carried. Mr. Bradshaw moved—" That the book or books, and accounts of the committee shall at all reasonable times be open to the inspection of any member, who shall be at liberty to take copies thereof without payment; and the said book or books shall be produced by the secretary or treasurer at all meetings of; committee. Any person having subscribed the sum of £1 shall be permitted to examine any of the said books upon the payment of Is." Seconded by Mr. Weaver and carried. Mr. M'Gaw proposed that five should form a quorum. Carried. Proposed by Mr. Bracken, seconded by Mr. Carey, and carried.—" That the acting secretary be empowered to purchase the necessary books and stationery required for the efficient carrying out the resolutions of the committee." Mr. Bradshaw observed that as they were business men they all knew that nothing could be done without money. He therefore moved—"That each member of committee subscribe a sum not less than £1 sterling." Mr. Cass objected. Mr. Carey supported the motion. Mr. Bradshaw said tbat they need not spend it all without occasion; and they could ask for subscriptions with a better grace after having themselves subscribed.

Seconded by Mr. Ryan and carried. Proposed by Mr. Cass, seconded by Mr Willis, and carried.—" That the meetings of this committee be held every successive Thursday evening at 8 o'clock, unless otherwise specially advertised.''

Two or three accounts were then passed, and after a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting adjourned.

NOTICES OP MOTION. By Mr. Willis— u That this committee instruct their secretary to communicate with the Government, in order to accelerate the sale of township allotments."

By Mr. Bracken—" That this committed take into consideration the subject of the appointment of a harbor master for the Wakatip Lake."