NEWTON HIGHWAY DISTRICT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XII, Issue XII, 3 July 1875, Page 3

NEWTON HIGHWAY DISTRICT.

A mkktino of the ratepayers of the Newton Highway district was held iu the Excelsior Hall, East-street, Newton, last evening, for tho purpose of considering matters of importance to the district. About 40 ratepayers were present. Mr. J. C. Wilkes was called to the chair. He stated that the several streets had been sadly neglected by the Board. At first Eaststreet was formed by public subscription, and had not cost the Board anything; but now tho street was really in a very dangerous condition. Ho opposed the designs of the City Council to annex tho district to the city. Mr. F. Jkuxe said he believed tho trustees had done all in their power for the district* and when they erred it was in judgment, not iu design. Tho meeting had been called in order to ventilate matters atFecting the interests of tho district, for which there was no opportunity given at the annual meetings. Ho totally disagreed with the proposal to borrow money to be expeuded iu tho district. With reference to the use of proxies, he said that if tho trustees were honorable men they would be content to go iu upon tho votes of those present at the annual meeting, and not upon the votes of absentees.

Mr. Duke said that he believed he was the first to move the idea of borrowing, but considered that if that question was to have been discussed at the meeting, it should have been stated in tho advertisement. He, however, believed that judicious borrowing would prove most benclicial to the district.

Mr. Garrett said that he was at a loss to know the object of the meeting. Mr. Jeunk replied that at the annual meeting business prevented them discussing matters, and this meeting was to give them an opportunity of so doing.

One ratepayer said that he believed the Board was a very excellent oue, and another held a very opposite opinion.

The Cuaiuman said that the election of trustees was surely an important qucstion. The collection of proxies was carried on to a very great extent. There was, lie said, one gentleman, a Government employee, who travelled in all directions to obtain proxies, to bring them to the meeting and swamp the votes of those present. The gentleman was at the present time canvassing for votes, and the same would occur this year as previously—lie would put in whoever he chose to. The last year, one person was allowed to put in only six votes, but this diliiculty was overcome by tho proxies being handed to his friends to use. .Some steps should, he thought, be taken to prevent this if possible.

Mr Chi'khy said that as a trustee he was never afraid to meet the ratepayers; but he considered that he ought nut to enter into matters concerning the past, as that would he fully explained at the coming annual meeting. He was, however, willing to answer any questions. With regard to the questiou of boi rowing, that .should he answered for by the person who brought it forward. It had never been brought up at the Hoard. He considered Mr. Jeiine had acted wisely and fairly in calling the meeting together. Sergt-Major Harlem said he was favourable to the action of the trustees, and had actcd for the good of the district. The work most desirable for the advancement of the district had been done.

Mr. \V. C. Wilkk* vacated the chair in favour of Mr. Tlrodic, and then commented upon the condition of several streets. With reference to these streets, they had petitioned the Board, and the reply was an invitation to them to put their hands in their pockets and do it themselves. For six* years the street referred to had remained in the same disgraceful and dangerous state. That being the entrance into the district,surely something ought to done to it. After some further discussion, the meeting closed without any resolution being passed. A vote of thanks to the chairman and to Mr. Jeune was unanimously carried.