CARLYLE TOWN BOARD ELECTION.

Patea Mail, Volume 1, Issue 39, 25 August 1875, Page 2

CARLYLE TOWN BOARD ELECTION.

* THE NOMINATION. The ratepayers of the Town of Carlyle assembled at the Court House on Monday last, for the purpose of nominating gentlemen to servo as members on the new board. Mb McGuire intimated to the meeting that he had been appointed Returning Officer, and read his appointment, also the proclamation defining the boundaries of the town, and the Deputy Superintendent’s notification convening the meeting. He (Mr McGuire) said that he intended to have been a candidate, and that Mr Slierwood had kindly promised to act as presiding officer in his place, but owing to Mr Sherwood not having received his appointment, he was reluctantly compelled

to withdraw his name from the contest. He certainly should like to have been a member, and as an old settler would have felt proud of the honour of forming- one of the first Board established in Carlyle. He regarded the present period as the most critical for this district, and it behoved every person having a stake in the place to put his shoulder to the wheel. There would be a large quantity of land handed over to the Board, the revenue accruing from which would be considerable, and a great deal would depend upon the gentlemen forming - the first Board, as to making the measure a success and acceptable to the ratepayers. He would now be happy to receive nominations.

Mr Dale was of opinion that the Act provided for the fixing of the rate before proceeding with the election of members. The Returning Officer said that he would adhere strictly to the Superintendent’s notification, which only provided fer the election of members. He had no doubt after the Board was formed, tho ratepayers would be called together for the purpose of fixing the rate. (Hoar, hear.) The following gentlemen were then nominated ; Mr If i roy, proposed by Mr Furlong, seconded by Mr F. McCarthy. Mr Aitcheson. proposed by Mr Dale, seconded by Mr Woods. Mr W. Williams, proposed by Mr Keys, seconded by Mr Gibson. Mr Sherwood, proposed by Mr Milroy, seconded by Mr Lett.

Mr F. McCarthy, proposed by Mr Dale, seconded by Mr Tcnnent. Mr North, proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Gibson, Mr Tapi in, proposed by Mr Dale, seconded by Mr Aitcheson. Mr Sonthby, proposed by Mr Milroy, seconded by Mr Taplin. Mr Rhodes, proposed by Mr Holtham, seconded by Mr Adams. Mr Tress, proposed by Mr Taplin. seconded by Mr Dale. Mr D. Coutts, proposed by Mr Woods, seconded by Mr Soulhby. The Returning Officer called upon the candidates to address the ratepayers in the order proposed, when Mr Mi lkoy came forward, and said that it was not necessary for him to say much as there were so many in the Held. Pie could not boast of much experience, but was prepared to do his best, if elected, in the interest of the ratepayers. It would be quite out of place to name any particular streets that would command the Board’s first attention, as he would only have one voice. In reference to tiie river, he believed that it would not be within the power of the Board to spend any money in its improvement. Air G W. Williams desired to ask the candidate a question. Having one or two sections taken in within the town boundaries, he would like to hear Mr Milroy’s views relative to the assessment of these sections, which at the present were only used for grazing purposes, although within the town, Mr Milroy would bo in favour of only imposing a small rate upon such class of property till surveyed into quarter-acre sections. Air Aitciieson said that he was no speaker, but if elected he would do his host for the general interest of the town. He could not exactly point to a ly particular work that would command his support, unless the improvement of the port approach. Air W. Williams remarked that there was a good deal requiring improvement. For instance, a good side walk, and a road down to the river. With regard to rating, he should go in for a heavy rate, as al - sentecs would reap the benefit of any improvements made in the town. If elected, he would do his best to advance the interest of the town. Mr F. McCarthy had very little to say, as he was not accustomed to public speaking, but if elected ho would do his best. Mr Lett —Is it your intention, Mr McCarthy, to swamp the ratepayers 4 money by improving the river ? Mr McCarthy—Yes, if it lies within my power ; but when I alluded to the river I did not for one monent imagine that the ratepayers’ money could be applied in that direction. He bdicvel that in the event of a Harbour Board being established the usual powers would be vested in the Town Board. Air North said if elected he would go in for an equal distribution of the rates, not paying attention to any particular part of the town, and agreed with Hr Williams as to the necessity for the construction of a road to the port. Mr Rhodes remarked that he was not much of a speaker, hut believed that he would bo able to get through a few words. If elected, he would support a road to the wharf, would go in for a uni-

form rate, and if a section was worth £2OO, he should assess it accordingly. Mr. Sherwood, before proceeding to address the ratepayers, desired to explain the reason why he did not at first consent to stand. After an interview with Mr McGuire, he came to the conclusion that he had already devoted too much time in the interests of public matters, but as a considerable number of gentlemen had requested him to stand, he would have no objection to allow his name to be nominated. It would be wise for the Board to secure the power to deal with certain lands before the present Government go out of office. He would advocate the conversion of the Board into a Municipal Council, which would bring about borrowing powers and the enhancement of property. He failed to see at the present time the necessity for improving the river. With regard to the making of roads, he feared but little work could be undertaken for the first year, as the Boards’ funds would be limited. The Provincial Executive promised £IOO to tire and Waitara Boards, and he would see to the promise being fulfilled. It would bo necessary to look more closely to sanitary matters. He would prohibit furze hedges within the town. The assessment would be entrusted to proper assessors.

Mr Taplin returned thanks for hisnoimnation. lie had 1.0 particular views to announce, but would promise to discharge his duties conscientiously towards the ratepayers if elected. He would support a road to the wharf, which would be found to be a benefit to all. He recognised the necessi y for the formation of footpaths. He would advocate the early opening of the spare lands, which he would bo in favour of leasing and cutting up-into building sections. (Hear, hear.) Th| improvement of the river would make place more important than the construction of a railway, and in support of his views he would mention that a master of a vessel had informed him that if it were generally known that the Patea river was in so'good a condition, masters would bo glad to accept freights at £1 or £1 5s per ton. If harbour board powers were conferred upon the Board, he, for one, would exorcise them to the best interests of the river. Mr Gibson—-How do you propose to open the port ? Mb Tallin —I have an idea, but presume the scheme would be entrusted to competent engineering skill. I am of opinion if a pier was erected, it Would cause a rush of water and a deep channel would bo the result. Mb Wood—ls Mr Taplin in favour of repairing the bridge. Mb Taplin considered that it was one of the first matters deserving the Board’s attention. Mb Southby said that all he he had to say was that he was in favour of judiciously raising money and judiciouly expending it throughout the town. Mb Ivess addressed the ratepayers at some length. Mb Coutts said that his nomination had quite taken him by surprise, and with tho permission of his proposer and seconder desired to withdraw. [These gentlemen declined to withdraw the nomination, and insisted upon Mr Coutts standing]. Well, as it appeared to be the wish of his supporters that he should stand, he would briefly explain his views. The improvement of the town in unison with its means. The road to the wharf was much wanted, but he considered the bridge was not within the precincts of the town, but the Government Engineer’s attention should be drawn to its state. With regard to tho mode of assessment, he quite agreed with Mr Ivess,

The Returning Officer desired to mention some important information which ho had elicited from Captain Wray, and he believed tliat he had that gentleman’s permission to make it public. It appears during Captain Wray’s late visit to Wellington he had a conversation with Captain Edwin concerning the improvement of the Patea River. It was evident that that gentleman’s previous report had done more real harm to the port than good. Captain Edwin admitted that he had looked upon the port more in the capacity of » sailor than an engineer, and was prepared to admit (hat he had not done Patea justice. He was now of opinion that a feasible scheme might be adopted to deepen the river at least three feet which would certainly render the river available for vessels of sufficient carrying capacity for all requirements of this district. He (Mr McGuire) would earnestly urge on the Board to use every exertion to get the work done if at all practicable. The Board should at once apply for the services of Capt. Edwin to re-report upon the condition of the river. All credit w.is due to Capt. Wray for his at.ention to the matter while in Wellington, and he felt c nffident that that gentleman would lend his assistance to the Board in bringing about this much desired consummation. The following was the result of the show of hands: J. Milroy, 26 ; W. Williams, 25; Rhodes, 24; North, 22; Sherwood, 1 ( J ; Ivess, 17; Taplin, 14 ; Aitchcson, 14 ; Southin', 12 ; Courts. 11 McCarthy, 9. Messrs Dale and Cowern demanded a poll, and after a vote of thanks to the Returning Officer, the proceedings terminated. THE POLL. Judging from the energy and interest displayed by certain candidates and their partisans the event of yesterday was regarded with no small amount of interest. At 9 a. m. the Returning Officer opened the polling booth, and but few votes were recorded up to 12 o’clock. Two or three candidates were very prominent in their solicitations for votes, and occupied a conspicuous position near the voting sheet. We regretted to observe the unseemly and prying cariosity on the part of both ratepayers and several candidates as to the names that the voters scored for, and were sorry that the Returning Officer did not issue the order for the public to retire from behind the railing at an early hour than he was induced to issue the manifest, which was only a few minutes before the closing of the poll. The state of the poll was announced every half hour, and as the voting was very close between a number of candidates, interest increased, as each vote was recorded. The candidates voted a few minutes before the closing of the poll, and punctually at four o’clock, the Returning Officer invited the candidates to appoint scrutineers to supervise the polling list, which on being made up, disclosed that Messrs Sherwood and Aitcheson polled an equality of votes. The Returning Officer placed the two names in a hat, and after a,good shaking, inserted his hand into the lucky hat, and dragged out the lottery man—Mr Sherwood —whose name was ordered to be piaeed seventh on the list, and thus secured hijyjjection by a hairs breath. The Retching Officer occupied a most unenvitpie task, and notwithstanding the overcrowding and

endless questions and disputes referred to his decision he conducted the election in a most satisfactory manner. The only thing that conld possibly he taken «n exception to, was his permitting persons to inspect the voting list, which was quite inexcusable. Tin,* Town Board Ordinance is ft most wretched piece of legislation, and the sooner the Board is constituted under the Local Government Bill the better. The following is the STATE OF THE FULL. McCarthy ... ... 29 Williams ... ... 29 South by ... ... 28 Taplin ... ... 27 llhodes ... ... 27 Sherwood ... ... 2-4 Aitchcson ... ... 24 North ... ... 22 Ivess ... ••• 21 Coutts ... 18 The first seven names will be declared duly elected this morning.