MR. TUTCHEN'S ADDRESS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 960, 26 November 1879, Page 2

MR. TUTCHEN'S ADDRESS.

At a Public Meeting held in the Temperance Hall, Ormond, on Monday night, Mr. P. Barrie was voted to the Chair, and after making a few appropriate remarks as to the immediate requirements of the district, introduced Mr. Tutchen to the meeting. Mr. Tutchen, on rising was received with a very considerable amount of applause, and proceeded by reminding the audience that he was perfectly well aware of the large amount of works required in this district, but was sorry to inform them that from information he had acquired there was little money to do anything with, but assured the meeting of not allowiug Ormond to go without its rightful share, as he considered the place one of the greatest importance in the County. He was not in favor of a railway between Gisborne and Ormond for many reasons ; one, because it would not pay the working expenses, as the whole of. the produce &c. , could be brought down in a few days per rail that is sent down during the year. He would be more in favor of a tramway and good roads. He was cognizant of a quarry that could be opened containing really good metal, that could be procured at a \ery low cost, which he was quite certain would make the very best of roads, and when once made, could easily be kept in good order at a nominal cost per year. The next subject Mr. Tutohen spoke of was the river encroachment. He thought it was difficult to say which was of the most importance, the roads or the rivers. (A Voice : The river, by all means.) Mr. Tutohen said he could see plainly that if immediate steps were not taken, there would not be the slighest doubt that the Council would lose a portion of their road, and many settlers the whole of their property, which meant simply ruination to this district in particular, and the Bay at large. He had heard of a gentleman in Blenheim who had patented some method for turning rivers, creeks, etc., at a very economical rate by means of wire ropes, etc! He thought euquiries should be made in the matter. Expenditure.— Much money had been expended that might have been greatly curtailed in the way of salaries, advertisements, etc. ; also in the shape of works. Mr. Tutohen then dwelt on the impraotability of the present brick culverts, as also some dram pipes laid down at Matawhero, 18 inches, not able to carry one quarter of the water off during any heavy rains. He would oppose money being expended in con. tracts of this kind. What contracts, were required should be done in a manner that should last for a- considerable length of time, thereby saving a large amount of money. Slaughter-house Licenses. — Mr. TtJTCHEN thought it was very hard that farmers should not be allowed to kill one of their own beasts, but thought a charge should be made by the County to obtain permission— a fee of 2s. 6d. or ss. per head. A public slaughter house was much required, but should be erected from the main road, and looked after and kept thoroughly clean. Be the Borough Council's application for land at the back of this settlement for their use, he considered that if this application were granted it would be a great injustice to this district. If the land was to be vested to any particular body it should be the Ormond District Highway Board or the County Council. Mr. Tutohen asked the meeting if the Ormond Board would not make a grant of money to assist towards turning the River. (Voices : No, no.) Mr. Maynard considered it was the duty of the County Council or the Go - vernmentto find the money for this work for the benefit of the County Road and the settlers property. (Applause.) Taxation,— The way the people are now taxed renders owners and occupiers of lands to pay a heavy rent by taxation alone. He was of opinion this should be moderated, (Applause). He waa very sorry to hear the different subsidies granted by the Government to local bodies was to be withdrawn, as it would certainly to a great extent, cripple works much required to be done in the way of making the main road, etc. Mr. Maynard said he thought a special grant should be applied for from Government for the main road and river encroachment, and if they were properly petitioned they would willingly comply. Mr. Tutohen, in conclusion, said that when he called this meeting, he was of an opinion that he should have had to contest with other candidates, but he thought he had taken a step in the right place, as he felt sure it would be advantageous to all parties to discuss the requirements of the district. (Loud Applause.) Mr. Barrie then requested any gentleman who had questions or suggestions to make to Mr. Tutohen to do so. Mr. Geo. Davis said that as far as the present Act was concerned, it did not prevent anyone killing or selling meat without a license. This, he thought, was not fair to the butchers who paid their license to the County, as they should be protected. As far as the conditions of the various slaughter-houses he had no complaints to make in regard to their cleanliness ; but if there was an unpleasant smell it was on account of the adjoining piggeries, etc., which he had no power over — only over the slaughter-houses appointed by the Council. He would make the following suggestions, which he intended to bring before the Council .* That a person be engaged as Inspector of Brands and Slaughter-houses at a salary that would allow him to do his duties in an efficient manner ; the cattle to be inspected and brands to be taken before killed, and a j proper course of books kept. This would save any dispute, as also prevent stolen cattle being killed. Settlers wishing to slaughter themselves should pay the highest fee the Act would allow. Mr. Tutohen agreed with the suggestions made by Mr. Davis. The meeting was of an opinion that Mr. S. Locke should be requested to retire on account of his long absence from the Bay, as it was detrimental to this district that his seat should be vacant regrettirfg at the same time it was caused by illness. The following resolution was made — " That in the opinion of thiß meeting, it is extremely urgent that Mr. Tutchen would kindly bring before the Council

the necessity of immediately taking steps to turn the river during the summer months, as if it is not attended to very little of the County Road or the township will be left after this coming winter." Unanimously adopted. Mr. Maynard proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Tutcheh, and also the Chairman, Mr. P. Barrie.