BOUNDARY QUESTION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 46, 27 June 1947, Page 5

BOUNDARY QUESTION

TWO HARBOUR BOARDS MATATA RIDING MEETINGS Meetings of ratepayers were held at Manawahe and Matata on Monday to discuss the question of the boundary between the Tauranga and Whakatane harbour board districts. Cr W. Hunter deputised for the County Chairman (Mr J. L. Burnett) at these meetings. Consideration was given by ratepayers as to whether representations should be made to the Tauranga Harbour Board to have the Matata Riding of the County of Whakatane excluded from the Tauranga Harbour District and included in the Whakatane Harbour District. '

The Whakatane Harbour Board was represented by its chairman, Mr W. R. Boon, and the Tauranga board by Mr Alach (chairman) and Mr Wilson.

Nine ratepayers attended the Manawahe meeting, and the following resolution moved by Mr Relf and seconded by Mr Logan was carried: “That a vote be taken on this important matter at the next election.”

At Matata 35 persons attended. A resolution moved by Mr John and seconded by Mr Withy was carried on a show of hands: “That a ballot be taken at the time of the November Elections in order to decide whether the Matata Riding of the County of Whakatane shall be transferred from the Tauranga Harbour District to the Whakatane Harbour District or not, and that the ballot be one of ratepayers only. Councillor’s Report

Cr Hunter explained to the council that the question of whether only ratepayers could vote or not was important, as it was a financial question. Matata ratepayers were how liable for interest and sinking fund on loans.

It had not been easy for him to get the ratepayers to - believe that the Whakatane board did not intend raising further loans, but would carry out new works out of revenue.

This year the Tauranga board would not collect any rates from Matata riding, but was paying £4O a year for the travelling expenses of the Matata member of the board. Mr Hunter stated that the total travelling expenses of all members of the Whakatane board was £4l 10s 2d for the past year. The point to be cleared up was whether ratepayers only or all residents should vote on the question. The Tauranga chairman had given the impression that he thought all residents should vote.

The County Clerk read a letter received from the Marine Department earlier in-the year which stated that the Tauranga Harbour Board as the local authority concerned would have to make the necessary application to have Matata excluded from its district.