Page:Item 6 1854.pdf/107

From Historical Hastings
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him, saying "Never give up St. Leonards." The Town Council thought that taking away the district from the Archway to Verulam place would be a stepping-stone to getting a central office, but the letter sent to the Duke went further and stated that they desired a central post-office and to do away with the post-office at St. Leonards. The central position of the St. Leonards post-office was very advantageous, and by the presence of many persons at that meeting, he was sure that they were well served by their post-office. The money-order department was more important than before, and its importance would increase as banking facilities decreased. From the railway bridge to Verulam place there was a frontage of about one mile and a half - nearly three quarters of a mile on each side of the post-office. The whole frontage of the borough was about three miles. No post-office could be more admirably situated to serve the district than that of St. Leonards (cheers). He felt deeply interested in this manner, having, as it were, grown up with the town, and having taken part in the building in which they were now assembled; they would therefore excuse him if he showed a little more warmth than some of the rest (cheers). He would, very cordially second the resolution. There was more that he could say, but he should have to speak in the Council. He wished, however to speak for five minutes on another subject, as he might not have an opportunity again of speaking to many at once. He referred to the representation of the West Ward. The time was come when they must move in that direction. Unfortunately, an Act of Parliament would be required; but an Act must be had, and the West Ward must be fairly and adequately represented in the Town Council of Hastings (loud cheers). If he had been sooner aware that an Act was required, he would have got a meeting and gave been prepared to bring in a bill this session, but it was now too late. Money would be required, but it must be had, and a fair representation of the West Ward be brought about as soon as circumstances would admit (cheers). The rateable value of St. Leonards and St. Mary Magdalen had increased during the last few years at the rate of £2,500 a year; and while they were increasing so rapidly in the west, unfortunately - for he was sorry to see it was so - the eastern parishes (one of them, at least) had decreased during the same period. According to the rate of increase during the past few years, these two western parishes would be equal in assessment to the whole of the East-Ward. This matter was very important, because there were large interests at stake. There were many trademen in this district - young tradesmen, he might say, who had been struggling and who were looking to the gentry for support and who were deserving of that support. He felt an in-