The Annual Meeting of Ratepayers was hold at the Town Hall at o'clock yesterday afternoon. When the meeting opened there was not very large attendance, but the numbers increased considerably towards 3 o'clock. On the platform were Mr. E. C. Pearce (Chairman of the Municipal Council), Messrs. A. 8. P. White-Cooper, E, I. Ezra, W. L. Merriman, C. E. Anton, H. C. Gulland, C. G. 8. Mackie, A. Hide and Count Jezierski.
The meeting was called to order at five minutes past two by Mr. E.
Pearce, who said: and gentlemen, It being the hour for which the meeting was called I have to propose Resolution I,—That our esteemed—fellow-ratepayer, Sir Havilland W. de Sausmarez, be invited to take the Chair.
Mr. Warre-Coorer—I have much pleasure in seconding this resolution.
Mr. Psance—Will those in favour kindly signify in the usual manner? Thank you, gentlemen. It is carried unanimously, Bir Havittanp ps Savsmanez then took the chair.
Mr. Prance—I have now to propose Resolution 1.—That Mr. E.
L. Allen be appointed Secretary to the Meeting.
Mr. Wurre-Coorer—I have much pleasure in seconding this resolu tion.
The Cuarrwax—Thoso in favour of it please hold up their hands. It is carried.
The Cxarrmax—It is now my duty to read the notice calling the meeting. (Notice read). This notice is signed by the Consuls of the different countries represented in Shanghai. I will now call upon the mover of Resolution No. 3.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.