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===1857-58 opposition=== | ===1857-58 opposition=== | ||
Those opposed to the formation of the District continued in their attempts to frustrate the activities of the newly-elected Board. Opponents held a public meeting on 8 August 1857 to condemn the first collection of rates. They argued that residents had not been given enough notice and that the process did not allow any recourse or appeal. Dr Palmer, by now the inaugural [[wikipedia:President of the Victorian Legislative Council|president of the Victorian Legislative Council]], addressed the meeting at length. According to reports in the ''Argus'', he was philosophical about their cause and urged opponents to accept their defeat, despite his previous rigorous opposition. Several resolutions were passed at the conclusion of the meeting; most notably one that created a committee of five men to "watch over the proceedings of the road board" and raise money to fund their activities.<ref>The Argus. ''Boroondara Road Board''. 10 August 1857. http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/7136765, accessed: 22 December 2016</ref><ref>The Age. ''The Boroondara Road Board v. its Inhabitants''. 13 August 1857. http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/154832961, accessed: 22 December 2016</ref> | Those opposed to the formation of the District continued in their attempts to frustrate the activities of the newly-elected Board. Opponents held a public meeting on 8 August 1857 to condemn the first collection of rates. This was part of general disquiet throughout Melbourne among some settlers who resented having to pay property rates.<ref name="OldHartwellBook">Wehner, Volkhard. ''Old Hartwell - the life and times of the village that lost its name''. 2012: Glen Iris.</ref> They argued that residents had not been given enough notice and that the process did not allow any recourse or appeal. Dr Palmer, by now the inaugural [[wikipedia:President of the Victorian Legislative Council|president of the Victorian Legislative Council]], addressed the meeting at length. According to reports in the ''Argus'', he was philosophical about their cause and urged opponents to accept their defeat, despite his previous rigorous opposition. Several resolutions were passed at the conclusion of the meeting; most notably one that created a committee of five men to "watch over the proceedings of the road board" and raise money to fund their activities.<ref>The Argus. ''Boroondara Road Board''. 10 August 1857. http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/7136765, accessed: 22 December 2016</ref><ref>The Age. ''The Boroondara Road Board v. its Inhabitants''. 13 August 1857. http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/154832961, accessed: 22 December 2016</ref> | ||
Once formed, this committee began holding further meetings to drum up support for their cause throughout Boroondara. After a number of people refused to pay their rates, the committee resolved to assist in the defence of anybody summoned before a court for the failure to pay rates if that person also agreed to oppose the entire legality of the Board and its existence.<ref>The Age. ''Boroondara Road Board''. 30 September 1857. http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/154830761, accessed: 22 December 2016</ref> The failure of nine residents to pay their rates was brought before the District Court, the first time that such a case had been presented in [[wikipedia:Victoria, Australia|Victoria]].<ref>The Argus. ''Road Board Rates''. 1 October 1857. http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/7139572, accessed: 22 December 2016</ref> The defence successfully argued that the court had no such jurisdiction in the matter and that it should be referred to the Supreme or County Courts.<ref>The Age. ''Boroondara Road Board''. 3 October 1857. http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/154835425, accessed: 22 December 2016</ref> These events coincided with the convening of the Board's annual general meeting which was held on Saturday 3 October. It was thrown into disarray when members of the residents committee took control of the meeting and refused to appoint any auditors or board members.<ref>The Age. ''Boroondara Road Board''. 7 October 1857. http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/154831928, accessed: 22 December 2016</ref> | Once formed, this committee began holding further meetings to drum up support for their cause throughout Boroondara. After a number of people refused to pay their rates, the committee resolved to assist in the defence of anybody summoned before a court for the failure to pay rates if that person also agreed to oppose the entire legality of the Board and its existence.<ref>The Age. ''Boroondara Road Board''. 30 September 1857. http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/154830761, accessed: 22 December 2016</ref> The failure of nine residents to pay their rates was brought before the District Court, the first time that such a case had been presented in [[wikipedia:Victoria, Australia|Victoria]].<ref>The Argus. ''Road Board Rates''. 1 October 1857. http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/7139572, accessed: 22 December 2016</ref> The defence successfully argued that the court had no such jurisdiction in the matter and that it should be referred to the Supreme or County Courts.<ref>The Age. ''Boroondara Road Board''. 3 October 1857. http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/154835425, accessed: 22 December 2016</ref> These events coincided with the convening of the Board's annual general meeting which was held on Saturday 3 October. It was thrown into disarray when members of the residents committee took control of the meeting and refused to appoint any auditors or board members.<ref>The Age. ''Boroondara Road Board''. 7 October 1857. http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/154831928, accessed: 22 December 2016</ref> |