MEETING OF ONEHUNGA. RATEPAYERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11780, 9 October 1901, Page 7

MEETING OF ONEHUNGA. RATEPAYERS.

A PUBLIC meeting of ratepayers of Onehunga was held in the .Public Hall on .Monday even-

ingAir. Gatland (who presided) said the business of the evening was to consider what steps should be taken to meet the Borough Council's demand lor general rates covering a period of three months lor which rates had already been paid. In his own case ho had paid, and held receipts for rates paid up to June 30, 191)1, and then received a demand for rateß as from March 31, 1901, to March 31, 19U2. In replj to a communication to the Council pointing this out, lie was told that the Council had struck the rate in accordance with the Act, and that they were satisfied that it was perfectly legal and good. The point he (Mr. Gatland) wished to bee cleared up was if the Council could overlap three months in 1901. what was to prevent them overlapping six months in 1902? He considered it advisable to spend money in ascertaining if the Council could legally do 60, and he would be glad to find out if those present were willing to subscribe to defend a test case. Mr Jackson said he came prepared with a resolution, and after submitting his experience to the meeting, which was similar to the chairman's, he moved: "That this meeting of ratepayers respectfully request the Council to instruct the receiver of the ger*>ral rate to allow to all persons paying the said rate for the current year one-fourth of the sum demanded, because owing to overlapping ol dates the first three months of the year has already been paid." Mr. P ir-«.io This was seconded by Mr. P. McKenrie. The Chairman said he considered that even if this was carried the ratepayers would be no better off. Hie idea was to hate he nest procurable legal opinion and act upon

Mr Nixon moved as an amendment. That this meeting empowers the chairman. Mr. Gatland. to procure the opinion of Mr. d. <u. Martin, of Auckland, and make known tne opinion thus obtained at a subsequent meeting." This was seconded by Mr. Chappell. \ discussion then took place, in wrucn Messrs Jackson, Watson. Shaldrick, sen.. Kkaldr'ick. jun., the chairman, and others took part. . , . On the amendment being put, 12 voted for it and five against. It was declared carried. . . . , .. »». On it being nut as the original motion, Mr. Jackson moved, "That the name of the solicitor should be left out for the present, nut this lapsed for want of a seconder Mr Jackson then moved "'Jhat the gentlemen present in sympathy with the movement should sign a paper agreeing to share the expense oi obtaining the solicitor s opinion." and a long list of names was handed in. . , . ... . .. . It was decided to meet again that night fortnight to hear the solicitor'!! opinion, und act accordingly. ........ . . , A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the meeting.