Cots in lighting subsidies opposed

Press, 5 July 1983, Page 9

Cots in lighting subsidies opposed

A National Roads Board proposal to cut street-light-ing subsidies has drawn opposition from the Paparua County Council. The council decided last evening to write to the board and the Counties’ Association, expressing disapproval of the cut which might be made next year. Council officers were not sure what the proposed cuts would cost Paparua. Estimates ranged from $BOOO to $22,000.

Cr A. Y. Shuker said he was dismayed at the possibility of subsidy cuts. He suggested the council oppose them “most strongly.” The Acting County Chairman, Cr W. J. Baker, said he had been told that some smaller local authorities could benefit by the subsidy cuts. He was certain the Counties’ Association would oppose any reduction in the subsidies.

Sewerage loan The council will apply for a loan for the Kennedys Bush Road sewerage scheme before residents in the area have decided if they want the work to be done. Cr Shuker said that a poll of residents and ratepayers would be taken on the scheme. He had grave reservations about the council’s taking steps to begin the work before the results of the poll were known. Cr C. J. J. Adlam said that the council could apply for the loan but it did not have to take it up until it knew whether the residents approved of the scheme. The council would be “presupposing the peoples’ action” if it were to apply for the loan now, said Cr Shuker. “This could influence their decision,” he said. he abstained from voting on the matter. District Council Cr E. C. Britnell opposed what he saw as an attempt by the council to direct the Halswell Community Council in the running of its works programme. Cr. Shuker successfully moved that the District Council be advised that a footpath for the south side of Halswell Junction Road should be put on its works programme. The District Council was a “fully autonomous body,” said Cr Britnell. The County Council would be on dangerous ground in trying to lead or direct what work it should do. “The principle is totally and utterly wrong," he said. Cr Shuker said that as a member of the County Council he had the right to criticise anything he thought wrong in the county. He did not think his motion directed the District Council to construct the footpath, only that it should be looked at.

“I did not say they had to spend the money, only that the work should be programmed. You can programme things for 100 years in advance,” he said.