THE IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE.

West Coast Times, Issue 238, 27 June 1866, Page 2

THE IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE.

The public meeting which, accord ; ng to advertisement, was convened by tho Improvement Committee at the Firo Brigade Hall, came off last night, at the Harp of Erin Hotel instead, the former building being \uiava\lablc. Considering the importance of the occasion, the attendance was very jjmeagre, which, doubtless may, in a great measure, be attributed to the exceeding inclemency of the weather. / Mr Smithers, being voted to the chair, opened the proceedings by stating that the meeting was called for the purpose of receiving the half-yearly report, balancesheet, and resignation of the Improvement Committee, in consequence of its term of offico ha\!ng exp'red. Ho presumed that Mr' Munro, tho hon. sec, was prepared with a statement. Mr Staite (of the firm of Moir and Staite) regretted that the attendance that evening was so exceedingly meagre, which was no doubt caused by the wretched weather, and also that other meetings were in hand. He would therefore suggest that as the final resignation of office, by men who had effected so much good, ought to be marked by a decided demonstration hy their fo)low«citizers, the meeting should be adjourned until a more favorable opportunity. There was evidently a misunderstanding respecting *he placo of meeting, and tlvs, in itself was sufficient to crcato confusion. Mr Munro, in reply, said there was no time for such a procedure, however desirable it might be, as the nomination of candidates for the Municipal Council was to take place next day. Mr Hall (Hall and Findlay) agreed with Mr Munro, and thought the committee had better make its statement. Those who had failed to attend the meeting would have an opportunity of making themselves acquainted with the proceedings by referring to the columns/ of the morning paper, which would doubtless much better suit their convenience than coming abroad on such a night. Mr Munro then read the following report :— Gentlemen, — When you did us the honor of electing us as yoiir representative body in the town, on the 17th January last, we resumed our labors to watch over your interests and that of the district generally with renowed vigilance and energy, " feeling sure that we possessed your approbation for past acts, and confidence in our proceedings. Since then we have held our meetings regularly, and with a good average attendance of members. In presenting this, our second halfyearly report, we do not hesitato to affirm that, although our labors during the past six months may- not be so apparent to the general public as those of the preceding period, we have worked hard and successfully in watching over your interests and those of this district, and placing the town in that enviable and independent position which it is now about to assume, viz., second to none in the province. Our first duty was to get the town declared a municipal district, which, we are glad to say, we succeeded in doing, and in that case did not feel ourselves justified, or in a position, to make those extensive and desirable alterations which are so necessary throughout the town to render it a healthy and comfortable residence. Wo considered that tho best and most proper proceeding on our part would be to leave such, works to the Municipal Council, who will bo in a position to levy rates, and exercise other important powers which the Municipal Council Ordinance confers on the town. The small balance in hand (L2l 5s 3d) when we rendered our last report, was expended in some trifling improvements to Revell and Wharf streets, since winch there has been no cxpenditnre of money in improving the streets, in consequence of the Government refusing to ronder any assistance, and tho public not responding to the call made upon it for cleaning and graveling them, and thus rendering* them passable for general traffic. Yet the Coinmittc, in carrying out its ordinary work, has incurred an expense of nearly L3O, which still remains unpaid, as no general rate has been levied on any portion of the town since the Committee's rc-olcction. Our attention has b<*on given to several important matters relating to the welfare of this district, amongst which may be mentioned the sale of the remaining portion of town lands, the establishment of a manure depot, the safe landing of cattle, tho desirability of reserving certain right-of-ways from salo, the crowded stato of the gaol, <ho publication of Goldfields' Wardens' reports, the hospital, wharf extension, and quarterly sittings of the Supreme Court. In all these matter a, wo have from time to tune taken steps to remedy the grievances connected with them. In some cases our representatives have been successful; but asyou know much remains to be done. We also took tho opportunity of His Honor tho Superintendent and tho Executive

being in Hokitika, to form a deputation for the purpose of having a personal interview with them, when all the subjects requiring attention on behalf of this district were brought before their notice, and we hope that some attention may yet bo paid to the representations then made. The Committee is pleased that it is able to congratulate tho inhabitants of this town on the healthy and prosperous state of commerce and the increased yield of the goldfields. This town having been placed under the Municipal Counoil Ordinance, the committee can only express their hope that householders will elect men possessing sound common sense and practical understanding • and having the interests of the fown and district afc heart. In conclusion, tho committee beg to resign into your hands the trust you have twice reposed in them during the past twelvemonths. Mr B. Marks moved that the report be received.

Mr Mcc seconded the motion, whioh boing put to the meeting, was carried unanimously. Mr Hall wished to be informed how the committeo had performed the duties entrusted to it, and without wishing to cavil at the report just read, he felt compelled to protest againstone of the past acts of the Committee, in reference to the improvement of Wharf street. Certain sums had been 1 obtained from him for that purpose, for which he had received no equivawnt, as his frontage still remained in its pristine state. He considered the money had been obtained under false pretences. (Lnughtcr, and cries of "order, chair, &c.''; An amusing disciißsion, marked by perfect good humor on both sides, ensued for a few minutes, when Mr Meo proposed, and Mr Staite seconded a vote of thanks to the commltttee, who desorvetl well of the community ; and this, being put to the meeting, was heartily and unanimously carried.

Mr. Munro wished to explain how it was that the meeting was not held at tho Firo Brigade Hall, as at first decided upon. At the meeting held the preceeding evening by the Improvement Committee, two members of tho Fire Brigade were present who raised no.objection- to the hall boing used for the purpose. He, however, thought it advisable to see the Captain, and was that, morning proceeding to his residence to obtain permission, when he met him in the street. Captain Millard held a copy of the " West Coast Times " in his hand, and referring to the advertisement, considered that a liberty had been taken, as his permission should have been first asked for. He therefore'objected to the hall being used, and the consequence was that the llarp^of Erin Hotel had been chosen instead.

Mr Prossor begged to return thanks on behalf of the Committee, for the vote of thanks accorded to it. These thanks were accepted with gratitude, and he felt sorry that more work had not been done. The Committee, however, had labored under great disadvantages, having the Government to contend with on the one hand, whilst on the other was a public, which he felt constrained to say, was any thing but a" good paymaster. At the same time, considering the many difficulties the Committee had from time to time to contend against, he thought that throughout it had worked well and most harmoniously, and in the latter respect would bear a most favourable comparison with any Municipal body in New Zealand, many of which disgraced their debates by caviling and bickerings. He trusted that the Municipal Council about to succeed the Improvement Committee would work as amicably and pleasantly for the public weal. Touching the remarks made by Mr Hall, he felt sorry that any gentleman should consider himself wronged by an act of the committee, and assured Mr Hall that it was owing to a mistake in the measurement that the improvement extended no further than it did. He would rather than Mr Hall should consider himself swindled, pay a share of the amount subscribed by him out of his own pocket, and he felt sure the Committee would follow his example. (Applause). A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the meeting. Saianoe Sheet op the Hokitika Impbove* ment Committee, June, 1866. ASSETS. Balanco m hand £21 8 9 M'nuto Book ... .. Mv rioipal Counoil Ordinanco ... File of "Government Gnzotto," for ouii'ont yoar Sundry lotters and memoranda, containing matters of interest and importance relating to tho riso and progross of Fokitika ... TiIABIIITIE9. Improvomontsin JRovoll and Wharf Btreots ... £21 3 9

Etauiett & Co., advertising ryiToll & Co., do " Evening Star," do Rroozo, boll- ringing D. W. Purdon, Clerk's Salary 2 14 1 14 1 14 0 10 18 0 £24 12 £