WADESTOWN MATTERS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 513, 21 May 1909, Page 6

WADESTOWN MATTERS.

THE NEW TRAMWAY POLL. THE WATER SUPPLY QUESTION. ■ Tho question as to what steps should bo taken in reference to the Wadestown tramway poll, which, as stated in yesterday's Dominion, has proved to be invalid, was brought up at. last night's meeting of the City Council, when tho confirmation of tho special orders concerning tho necessary rating camo up for consideration. In connection with tho matter, the Finance Committee reported that they are advised that on account of the largo area that has been eliminated from tho special rating district in connection with tho Wadestown tramway loan, the proposed special rate will not bo adequate. They therefore recommend that proceedings be again commenced de novo. , ' Tho Mayor (Dr. A. K. Newman), 6pcakrng in reforenco to the water supply loan for Wadestown and Northland, which was taken'with the tramway poll, said that tho loan was perfectly in order, and was confirmed on April 22 by the council. In committee since it had been discovered that there was no provision for sinking fund, and it was suggested that a new poll be taken. It was found that there was no necessity for a new poll unless it was desired. If a new poll wag taken the water would not come for a considerable time. He ascertained that they could raise the money without a sinking fund. He moved that the special order be passed. Councillor Luke seconded the motion. Councillor Ballinger: I think wo ought to provide a sinking fund for all our loans. . Councillor Shirtcliffo thought the loan had to carry a sinking fund. Tho deficiency involved was only .£l3O, so that really there was .sufficient in the rating. He agreed that none of these loans should be carried on without sinking funds. . '. Councillor Atkinson said, that the people of Wadestown and Northland were greatly exercised, and, ho hoped the motion would bo carried. Any delay would be serious, as in any case it would be a close finish to got done during tho summer. Councillor Devine agreed with Councillor Ballinger regarding the necessity for providing sinking funds. The motion confirming the special order in connection with the water supply was carried. THE TRAMWAY.

Dealing then with tho question of tie tramway, the Mayor remarked that in this case the Sosition w entirely different. It had been iscovered that the rating value was not sufficient to cover interest and sinking fund, and the 10 per. cent, margin required Dy the Act. The poll was invalid, and therefore it was impossible to raise the loan. This was on the statement of the council's legal advisors. The whole thing would have to bo done over again, and the committee 6aw no way of surmounting tho difficulty. He moved that a new poll'be taken. In seconding the motion, Mr. Luke regretted tho occurrence because a good deal of work had been dono in connection with the loan. Still, he saw no other way out. Ho hoped the undertaking would bo "pooled" as in the case of the Brooklyn lino. He thought the loans should bo consolidated, 60 as not to penalise any part of the city. Councillor Shirteliffe remarked that in this case there was a-deficicnoy of ,£533. It would mean a rate of 6d. instead of 4d. Councillor Atkinson: "Certainly, the people of Wadestown have earned their tram when they pet it. This is their fourth poll, and I hope there will be ho further botch." He added that the matter was not contested in the way it should have been. The whole thing, ho said, went through in a private fashion, and before anybody in tho district was aware of it. Councillor .M*Lnren agreed on this matter, but he objected to the "pooling" proposal. Councillor Smith hoped that when the matter was put before the ratepayers it would be made clear that they would have to bear the burden. Councillor Fletcher suggested that the ex-: empted area be- included "this time, as the whole thing had to be done over again.. He quite agreed that the question was not represented in the Court as it ought to have been. Councillor Fitzgerald remarked that a good deal had been said'about pooling. He asked if Brooklyn and other suburbs were subjected to a special rate. I .. Councillor Frost replied that the pooling waß in compliance with, the agreement with the city. ■ ■ ■ ■..-.... . .. The M.vor undertook that Councillor Fletcher's suggestion would receive due consideration by the. Financo Committee; iTho motion to hold a fresh poll in connection with the tramway was carried.