Greytown Special Settlement Association.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XIX, Issue 1805, 10 March 1886, Page 2

Greytown Special Settlement Association.

A meeting to consider the advisability of forming a Special Settlement Association was held in Mr F. H. Wood’s auction rooms on Monday evening, when about 60 persons were present. The Mayor was called to the chair, and read the advertisement calling the meeting.

Mr Higgins said the promoters of tbe Carterton Association had spoken to him about tbe advisability of starting a similar Association here, or supplementing their Association with a number of members. He (Mr H) promised to arrange a meeting, and therefore called the present one. The secretary (Mr Fairbrotber) and Mr Geo. Gardener purposed attending this meeting, but probably on account of Mr Fairbrotber not having returned from his visit to select their block in the Forty Mile Bush, he was unable to be present. Mr St George proposed That a subcommittee be appointed to canvass tbe district for members willing to join tbe proposed Grey town Association, and to obtain certain data to lay before another meeting. Seconded by Mr H. Udy, jnn., and carried.

Mr Cole remarked that the Stakoabd would be a powerful medium in the way of the success of the project if the matter was thoroughly ventilated in its columns He believed that the Hutt had taken tbe precedence in the way of selection, althongh it bad not yet definitely decided upon its block. Masterton came second, and the Wellington Association third. He believed these societies and others had absorbed the Msngatinoke Block, and new societies would require to seek fresh fields. Mr F. Cotter, jun., thought it would be wise to add to tbe resolution that the Government be asked to supply plans, Ac., of land still open for selection. The Chairman remarked that this would be done in due coarse. There was a good representative meeting present, and he would like to hear the matter fully discussed.

Mr St George said he was sorry there were so few young men present, as they would never have such an opportunity again *.of obtaining land on such easy terms. He hoped tbe fathers of grown-up sons would take tbe matter in hand.

ty[r H. Udy, jun., would have liked to take au active part if the Association bad been started before, but all bis sons had become members of the Masterton Association. Anyhow, be hoped they would all do their best towards so desirable an object. Mr Loasby asked if persons conld belong to two Associations at the same time. Mr Heckler said he knew one individual who belonged to two. The Chairman said it other gentlemen would follow Mr Loasby's example, and ask questions, they would get information on every point. Probably if they could not form a separate Association they conld join the Carterton Association ; but it would be better to form a separate Association be thought. Mr G. Cray said Greytown should certainly form a separate Association. - Mr B. Thompson thought it better to get signatures that evening. Mr St George thought it should be understood that the committee was only a preliminary committee. Mr Cole thought if a settler was not satisfied with bis allotment he could exchange with another member to their mutual advantage. Mr Maguire thought a greater number would attend the next meeting, when the matter was more fully understood, as it was of general interest. Mr Heckler moved, That the Featherston and Martinborough people be asked to join in the project. Mr St George considered if that were done the Society would be a strong one. He seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Mr D. Cameron remarked it was a pity some of the leading spirits of the Carterton Association were not present to give information. The Chairman said with all due respect to the Carterton members, it was well perhaps they were not present, as the meeting would not have any delicacy in resolving to form a separate Association, and fully discuss matters.

The meeting then proceeded to elect a preliminary committee, and the following gentlemen were proposed, and dnly elected. —Messrs H. Udy, sen., H. Udy (seoundas), L. St George, H. de Clifton, P. fl. Wood, W. 0. Nation, F. Heckler, F. Cole, A. L. Webster.

About 25 names were subscribed, and the meeting adjourned. A committee meeting was then held tor the purpose of arranging for other meetings, <&o.