RATEPAYERS' MEETINGS. THAMES WARD.

North Otago Times, Volume VII, Issue 157, 23 November 1866, Page 2

RATEPAYERS' MEETINGS. THAMES WARD.

A meeting of ratepayers in this Ward was held in the Oamaru Hotel on Monday evening last, Mr Waddell in the chair. The Chairman opened the proceedings by stating that the business before them was the consideration of the reply received from the Town Council to the remonstrance which had been presented by the deputation from the ratepayers. Having read the reply (which was substantially a copy of a resolution passed at a recent meeting of the Council), Mr Waddell said that if looked into it would be found that it said or promised nothing. The chief points referred to in the remonstrance had been fixed by the Council, such as the rate and the expenditure, so that the statement that these matters, " so far as not already finally settled by the Council," would receive their most careful consideration, went for nothing. True, the assessment had been transmogrified. Ho took exception to the proposed expenditure, especially the formation of Itchen-street. There was no occasion for such a work, and the owners or occupiers of sections there had not petitioned for it. It was altogether a matter aiFecting Jetty Ward, and the Council was determined to spend the money of the other Wards to carry it out. The lamps proposed and about to be erected would be a source of heavy expense to the town, and were unnecessary. This was anything but like giving all due heed to the opinions of the ratepayers. Perhaps all that they had been able to ell'ect was the withdrawal of the two day-men. After some further remarks, Mr Waddell called upon the ratepayers present to propose any resolutions they thought necessary. On the motion of Mr John Bain, the following was duly passed : — " That in tho opinion of this meeting the answer from the Council is eminently unsatisfactory and a mere evasion ; tho main purpose of the resolutions being quietly passed over." Mr R. Keid then moved, and Mr G-. Bruco seconded, a motion to the effect " That this meeting firmly and temperately request the Council to reconsider the proll'ered resignation of Councillor Clendinncn, forasmuch as he does not possess the confidence nor respect as a Councillor of the residents of Thames Ward." Carried. It was then moved by Mr Alexander, seconded by Mr Falconer, and carried, " That this meeting regrets the forced absence of Councillor France from the Municipal Council, and thereby consider themselves virtually unrepresented at the Council meetings ; his endeavor to see justice done having had their approval." This concluded the business of the meeting.