MEETING OF THE PROGRESS COMMITTEE.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 385, 24 October 1868, Page 2

MEETING OF THE PROGRESS COMMITTEE.

A special meeting of the Progress Committee was held last Monday at the Court House, when there were present, Messrs Bain (chairman), O'Conor, Alcorn, Milne, Powell, and Field.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

The Chairman said that the object of the meeting was concerning to the petition which had been prepared, and largely signocl in reference to the river bank protection. It had been suggested as an advisable step to send the petition in charge of an accredited person to the Superintendent, so that any delay could thereby bo avoided. He had therefore called a meeting tc ascertain the views of the members of Committee. If the Committee thought it well to send anyone, it might be advisable to convene a public meeting to back up the prayer of the petition by the general voice of the community. The question of expense would also have to be considered. He thought it proper to mention these things at the outset of the meeting, in order that the Committee might know the object for which they had met. Mr O'Conor in connection with the petition said that it had been partially scut round, and that 173 signatures Had been appended. At the same time only half of Gladstone street had been visited.

A conversation arose in reference to getting more signatures, and different members expressed their willingness to go round with the memorial for that purpose.

The question of sending a special representative to take charge of the petition was then discussed, the whole of the committee being favorable to that course in expediate matters, aud procure an immediate reply to the prayer contained.

The next matter considered was, who should be delegated to the charge of the petition. In the course of the discussion it was asked what course would be taken, if the Superintendent declined to interfere, and in reply it was broadly stated, that if the Nelson Government declined to take steps for the preservation of the lives and

property of the inhabitants of Westport, the latter should take measures to place themselves under some other form or kind of Government. l'he Chairman and Mr O'Conor were each requested to accept the appointment, but at first both declined on the score of business engagements. Mr Bain eventually on his being pressed consented to act if elected"

Mr O'Conor then moved that Af r A. B. Bain be deputed to proceed to proceed to Nelson, and present the memorial, and also at the same time urge the importance of the matter on the notice of the Provincial Executive, with a view to its immediate consideration and to obtain a decided answer.

Mr Milne seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously. It was also resolved to solicit the cooperation of Mr Bentley, M.P.C" for this district, and of other gentlemen interested in Westport property Mr Alcorn suggested that when the deputation waited on the Superintendnet, the track to Giles' should be mentioned, and its formation requested, but the Committee generally were not favorable to the subject being brought forward at this time, and the matter dropped. Mr O'Conor moved, and Mr Milne seconded, that Messrs Powell, Alcorn, Leslie and the mover, be appointed as a committee, to make arrangements for defraying the expenses of the deputation. Carried. Mr Leslie brought under the notice of the Committee, the fact that the proclamation now in force in reference to the removal of drift timber from the beach, did not extend far enough to be the necessary protection to the town. It scarcely extended to Mr Kynnersley's house, and the sea was already encroaching greatly in that part. He therefore moved that the Superintendent be requested to extend the boundary of the proclamation to the Orawaite, and that no timber should be removed between the Bullet- and Orawaite. Mr O'Conor seconded the resolution which was carried unanimously. This concluded the business of 'the meeting, which then adjourned.