Taranaki Herald 8 May 1896

Tataraimaka

The annual meeting of ratepayers was held in the schoolroom on
Tuesday evening; it was a very dark wet night, a fact which no
doubt kept many away who otherwise would have attended. 
Notwithstanding this, about 14 or 15 ratepayers put in an appearance,
thus proving conclusively that they took a deep interest in the
affairs of the district. According to the advertisement, there was
to have been an election, as three persons were nominated, and only
two required; but one candidate, Mr FOREMAN, decided to withdraw from
the contest, thus obviating the necessity for an election,
consequently the other two candidates, Messrs BILLING and OXENHAM
were declared duly elected members of the Road Board. The clerk
read the notice convening the meeting, when Mr J. C. HONEYFIELD
took the chair and proceeded to read the accounts and balance sheet
for the past year, when it was ascertained that there was a sum of
about 3 pounds in hand. The accounts were carefully gone into, and
the various items discussed, the discussion at times being very
animated; on one occasion some decidedly unparliamentary language
being indulged in. It is to be regretted that people cannot abstain
from using profane language when in the heat of argument at a public
meeting. Complaint was made that a resolution passed at the last
meeting was not recorded in the minute book, the said resolution
having reference to a fence which is erected on the public road;
but as there are now two new members on the Road Board, the owner
of the fence being one let us hope that this matter will be finally
settled, and the fence taken off the road and put in its proper place.
Objection was taken to the action of the Chairman in paying the clerk
5 per cent for collecting the rates. Several other matters were
enquired into including the price paid for horses and dray when
carting gravel, when it transpired that it was 14s per day. One
individual mildly suggested that the Board ought not to give more
than 12s per day. On Mr OXENHAM's motion a vote of thanks was passed
to the Chairman when the meeting was brought to a close.

(To be continued - ran out of time)