JACKEYTOWN.

Manawatu Times, Volume V, Issue 111, 26 January 1881, Page 3

JACKEYTOWN.

The annual meeting of the Jackeytown householders for tlie purpose of electing a committee for" the euduing year. was. held on Monday night, at Jackeytown, at the house of Mr. Jonathan Sharjnan^MrtDyiM'Ewen, sen., was voted to the chair. '■■"- - - Mr. V: MoNBAtf "said lie "wouia "like to say a few words re the acceptance of Maori votes at these elections. Maoris m his opinion were householders m the meaning of the Act, they were subject to European laws, pent their children to school &c, and he saw no reason why they should not have a voice m so important a matter as selecting a suitable committee.— A very animated discussion ensued, m .which more than one voice was heard, someone observing that a Maori whare without window and chimney could not be designated a house, hence a Maori could not be called a householder. At this point a letter was read from Mr. A. A. Brown, sec. to the Wanganui Education Board bearing out Mr. Monrad's . opinion, although there was nothing sufficiently decisive m the letter to warrant the admission of Maori votes. Mr. George Richardson strongly argued against Mr. Monrad's motion, the chairman eventually settling the matter by ruling that Maoris not being householders m the meaning of the Act, . they were not entitled to vote. Mr. D. Rowland was asked to make this known to three Maoris present, who were thereupon requested to withdraw, Mr. Monrad informing them that if tiiey were not satisfied they could write to the Education Board m Wanganui. Mr. Richardson, as retiring chairman, then read the committee's report as follows : — ...■-, On the 16th March last year the committee of Jackeytown School district took office m order to construct a «chool m the district. The site that was originally fixed upon being unobtainable, the committee applied to Mr. R. Buick. but met with a refusal, they then accepted the offer of Messrs. Richardson and Tanner of an acre, Section No. 40, which section was approved of by a majority of householders and accepted by the board, when Messrs. Mon« rad and Akers wrote to the board m which they made a statement that the majority of the householders were opposed to the site selected, they went to the length of fortifying their cause with the nam«9 of Maoris and outsiders. Your committee replied by a counter memorial containing the names of fourteen properly qualified persons approving of the site which cumber constituted a large majority of the householders m the district, but as yet the matter remains m abeyance. Signed Gm Richardson, Chairman of Committee. • Mr. Tanner moved, and Mr. M'Ewen seconded-r-" That £he report be accepted." Carried. Mr. RiCHABDgON briefly addressed the meeting as retiring chairman, and hoped that the new committee about to be elected weuld do all m their power for the educational welfare of tUe district. The election business waß then proceeded with, eight gentlemen being proposed and ballot ted for with the following result : — V. Monrad 32 i D. M'Ewen '„', 17 ! H. M'Ewen 17 I M. Mathieson... ,;, ... 16 J. Tanntr ... ]5 J. S barman 15 D. Rowland 12 G-. Richardson 9 Seven being the number required to constitute a committee, the first seven were duly eleoted. ' . 'Mr. M'Ewbn proposed, and Mr. Rowland seconded — " That Mr. Monrad be elected as.Chairman." Mr. Monbad thanned them for the honor conferreed on him by {their choice, but de« clined to stand, whereupon Mr. Tanner proposed, and Mr. MathikBON seconded — "That Mr. D. M'Ewen be elected." This gentleman expressing his willingness to accept the position was duly olected, Mr. Monrad being. elected Secretary. The newly elected committee then had a discussion, re the school site, but it was decided that nothing could be done m the matter until after the next meeting of the Wanganui Education Board. The next meeting of the committee to be held at Mr. D. M'E wen's house, date to be notified hereafter. A vote of thanks being accorded to the Chairman, and albo to Mr. Sharman for his kindly placing his house at the disposal of the committee, the meeting dissolved about 9.30 p.m.