WAIMEA WEST.

Colonist, Volume VIII, Issue 794, 6 June 1865, Page 3

WAIMEA WEST.

PUBLIC MEETING RESPECTING A BRIDGE

OVER THE WAIMEA RIVER.

A fttbiic meeting was h«ld at the Village Schoolroom, Waimea West, on Saturday evening, the 3rd instant, F. Blundell, Esq., in the chair. _ The Chaibman opened the meeting by stating that at a preliminary meeting held a few days previously a resolution had been passed requesting Mr. Henry Bed wood, Junior, to call a public meeting of the inhabitants of Waimea West, to ascertain their views with regard to the erection of a bridge over the Waimea river. In compliance with that resolution Ifr. Redwood had published the notice which called them together that evening, and he (the Chairman), would now call upon Mr. Redwood to address the meeting

Mr. H. Kedwood, Jttn., Baid that he was anxious to obtain the views of those present on the subject of erecting a bridge over the river before the Council met. He might state that the Government was prepared to assist to the utmost extent in their power, but it was impossible for them to meet the whole outlay that would be required as they had not sufficient funds at their command. What he wished was to ascertain whether they were willing to submit to a special rate, if an equivalent sum were promised by the Government: his idea was that a rate equal to the present road rate should be paid by the districts of Waimea West, Motiieka, and Moutere; whilst Waimeas South and East should also be rated, though not to.the same extent. He considered it perfectly fair that the two latter districts should bear a portion of the expense, as they had had a bridge built over the Wairoa river entirely out of Government funds, and to this they had of course contributed indirectly. These were his views, and he should be glad to know the sense of the meeting on the subjept. After some conversation as to the most suitable site for a bridge the following resolutions were put, and carried unanimously. Proposed by Mr. J. Kerb, and seconded by Mr. H. Ford:—"That it ia desirable that a bridge should be erected over the Waimea river, not lower than Mr. Redwood's gate." Proposed by Mr. Morse, and seconded by Mr. H. Kedwood, Sen. :—"That in order to raise the necessary funds for the erection of a bridge, the ratepayers of the .Districts of Waimeas, Motueka, and Moutere be called upon to submit to a special rate, provided the Council yote an equal sum." Proposed by Mr. Mokse, and seconded by Mr. J. Kerb:—"That the Superintendent be requested to send the Provincial Engineer to survey the river and decide on the best site for a bridge." Proposed by Mr. Thomas, and seconded by Mr. Mackat ; —"That a Committee consisting of Messrs. Thomas, H. Redwood, Jun., J. Spanjer, J. Kerr, and Challis be appointed to meet the Provincial Engineer on his coming to survey the river." Votes of thanks to Mr. H. Redwood, Jun. and the Chairman were passed, and the meeting terminated.