THE INCENDIARISM AT EAST TAIERI.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 1120, 24 July 1865, Page 5

THE INCENDIARISM AT EAST TAIERI.

A numerously attended meeting took place at the Schoolhouse, East Taieri, on Friday evening, to consider " what steps could be taken to put a stop to the fires which are recurring so frequently in the district." Mr Andrew Todd was called to the chair, and explained that he with several others had guaranteed to refund to the Government, one half of the LSOO offered by them as a reward for the apprehension and conviction of the perpetrators of the crime. lie thought there could be no doubt on any one's mind as to whether the numerous stackyards, lately destroyed by fire, were the acts of incendiaries. He therefore willingly became one of a few who had promised the refunding of L 250 to the Government, in the event of its being required, (and he hoped it would be,) feeling assured that the settlers would subscribe liberally towards the same object, so as to lessen tbeir liability. A subscription list was drawn up, and three or four gentlemen at once put their names down for L2O and L 25 each ; but it was thought by Mr Jas. Aitkeu and others that the better plan would be, to elect a large committee for the purpose of collecting subscriptions. Mr Thomas Culling concurred. He thought, by having a large committee, the district would be better canvassed, and he had no doubt every one would be found willing and anxious to subscribe towards such a very desirable object. It was impossible to say who mitiiit not be the next victim. If a thousand pounds were subscribed, of course no one would be asked to pay more than a proportionate shaie of the amount he had his name down for. He would propose, "That, in the opinion of this meeting, a committee should be appointed to collect subscriptions throughout the district and elsewhere, for the purpose of aiding the Government to the extent of L 250 in paying the reward offered by them of LSOO, to any person or persons who may give such information as will lead to the conviction of the party or parties who have set fire to certain, stackyards in the 'JVtieri district." Seconded by Mr Jas. Todd, and carried. Mr Jas. Aitken moved—" That the number of said committee be 21, to consist of the- following gentlemen :—Messrs Andrew Todd, W. Milne, James Aitken, James Allan, James Todd, George Praine, George Shand, James Culien, Thomas Culling, Neil J. B. M'Gregor, W. Stevenson, John Andrew, Donald Reid, John Williamson, John Shaw, John Findlay, Kobt. Muir, Robert Dowie, Robert Stevenson, John Kirkland, and Alex. Mollison."

After a lengthened conver.saiioa, it was agreed that headings for the subscription lists should be printed and sent to each gentleman above named. Mr Thomas Culling was authorised to carry the foregoing into effect, and fall further meetings of committee. • J?

A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceeding?.