GREATER CHRISTCHURCH.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16164, 19 March 1918, Page 6

GREATER CHRISTCHURCH.

RICCARTON'S POSITION

PETITION BY RATEPAYERS.

A large deputation, representing thi ratepayers of Riccarton, waited on the Riccarton Borough Council last overling, with reference to the inclusion in tho city of the Riccarton Borough.; The deputation was armed with a, largely-signed petition from the resi-; dents in favour of the suggestion. ■ Mr J. Reynolds, who headed the deputation, asked the Council to arrays, a poll as to whother or not tho borough- ' should join the city. Tho speafcffiv said thut there iveru a few essentials,, missing in the administration of the;, borougn, particularly the high-pres6Ul® ; water supply, lire prevention, anA underground seworage. Mr Reynolds went on to instance various directions in which Riccarton was not quite what it should be. He then presented * petition, signed by 204 ratepayers, acting that the borough should be included in tho city. Mr G. D. White eoconded Mr Reynolds's remarks, and said that any scheme for tho betterment of the borough would be supported by the ratepayers. Everyone felt sure that the Council would tall in with tho ratepayers in bringing about any such desirable scheme. Unfortunately, thfl Minister had not granted the ratepayers' petition, owing to the fact that it was asked that the whole district should be included in the city. Mr \V. Helliwell supported the previous Bpcakers' remarks. The borough, ho considered, had justified its existence admirably, but we must progress with tho times. There were many things that must be brought about for the bettorment of the borough generally. In reply, the Mayor said that in his opinion the speakers were on right lines. After various questions had been askod and answered, Cr. W. Dalle? moved that the petition of tho deputation should be received. After the deputation had left the Council Chamber, the Council decided that the petition should be left to » committee, consisting of Crs . George, Ford, Dallcy, and the Mayor, witi power to act in order to bring the mat ter to a finality as soon as possible.