MUNICIPALITY MEETING.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 278, 22 June 1868, Page 2

MUNICIPALITY MEETING.

The meeting convened by Dr Giles in accordance with a requisition for the purpose of considering the advisability of creating Westport, into a munisipality, was held on Friday night last. Dr Giles occupied the chair, and introduced the business of the meeting, by reading the requisition. He went on to say that though his position prevented him from taking any part in local • politics, still it did not prevent him from expressing his thorough confidence in the broad principle of local self government, and he cordially sympathised with any movement having that for its end. There could be no doubt that by dealing with their own affairs, they would be better managed. The main point was not whether it was desirahle to form a municipality, but, whether Westport, was as yet ripe for it. On that point he would not givo an opinion, but would be satisfied with expressing himself favourable to the broad principle. He regretted that Mr Kynnersley, who had for some time had sole local administration, was not present, for he could have explained many things, made suggestions or pointed out difficulties of the past. He had no hesitation in 3aying that the district possessed great natural resources not yet developed, which the council could, at least assist in developing. He mentioned the coal as one special item and also pointed out the benefit that the establishment of a municipality, would be in a sanitary point of view. At present the law was such thatnothing could be done, beyond putting down gross abuses, and though amply sufficient causes for disease, existed in various parts of the town, the authorities had no power of dealing with them. Though they could not touch them the byelaws of a council could. It had been customary to rail at the weather, on the coast, and indeed it might be said that they had lost a summer, but this had at least one advantage that the rain had kept off disease. It last summer had been hot, fever and sickness must have been very prevalent from the innumerable causes that were found in Westport, and he himself had been greatly surprised that more illness of a serious nature has not occurred. He conconcluded by calling on'anyone present to bring forward any business, in connection with the object of the meeting. A pause ensued which was broken, by cries for Mr O'Couor. Mr O'Conor came forward and said, that it appeared to him that the only objection to the municipality was the increased taxation, but he did not know why that should frighten them, for the reasons for increased taxation did not exist, there were no expensive streets to be made, and the municipality could be managed at slight expense. There were always a few facitious men in every community ready to turn anything into ridicule, but that would not deter him from speaking his mind. He would suggest that a committee should be appointed to enquire into the subject, and if they found it advisable to procure self-go-vernment, let them do so. He paid a high compliment to Mr Kynnersley for his past administration of the affairs of Westport, but remarked that that gentleman could not be everywhere, and attend toa.ll, aswell as people could do themselves. He therefore moved that a committee be appointed by that meeting, to communicate with the Nelson authorities and take such other steps as were necessary to ascertain the

probable income and expenditure of a municipality, together with all information calculated to show its desirability or otherwise, aud that they report to a public meeting to be held that day mouth. Mr (Simpson seconded the resolution.

The Chairman called on any one to speak to the resolution, or to move an amendment, and a considerable amount of disorder ensued.

Mr Alcorn thought it would be better either to negative or affirm the desirability of establishing a Municipality. He would move an amendment—"That the the report be received that day six months." He did not think that "Westport was ripe enough for municipal iustitutions, and in support of this idea stated that a section and house had recently been sold for £ls. With property so depreciated he did not think it was advisable to have a municipality at present, for it would increase taxation to a considerable extent. (Cries of no, no ; yes, yes)._ He concluded by moving " that the time be six months."

Mr M'Nab seconded the amendment, as he did not think that Westport was mature enough for a municipality, If one was established a portion of the town would have to be rated very heavily, for the officials alone would cost £2OOO a-year. Mr Of Conor could not see what objection there could be to a committee, for it was necessary, if for no other purpose than to dissipate the gross ignorance on the subject that had been displayed by the speakers that had yet addressed the meeting. He characterised Mr M'Nab's objection to salaries as simply ridiculous, for a town clerk could easily be got for £l5O a-year to discharge the duties, which would be of a very light character. He pointed out the advantages that would flow from having a local body to look after their own interests. All he asked for was to have an investigation into the matter, and then that the public should decide, and not burke the question by putting it off for six months. Mr Neil opposed the motion, as he thought the Q-overnment would then give Westport less than they did now, and would wish to shelve the question altogether. The chairman then put the amendment to the meeting and it was lost. The original resolution shared the same fate, a majority negativing it. Mr O'Conor proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, and took the opportunity of giving the meeting some severe rubs for their unreasoning opposition. Mr M'Nab seconded the resolution which was carried by acclamation, and the meeting then separated.