HUTT AND PETONE NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 780, 1 April 1910, Page 6

HUTT AND PETONE NEWS.

(From Our Special Correspondent.) ... _$ ; A large gathering assembled in the Lower Hutt Town Hall last night to hear the address 'of Mr. W. H. Russell, one of the Mayoral candidates. Mr. Peterkin occupied the' chair. Mr. Russell, who was vigorously applauded, thanked those present for attending on such a wet night, and said he had a few cold facts to lay before them relative to the present administration. He, like others, thought that when Mr. Bunny was elected Mayor there were to be great alterations, such as lower rates, better streets, etc. But what was the present condition of things? The Lower Hutt was staggering and groaning under, the burden of its rates. There had been an increase of from 8 to 10 per cent. As regards the library, that splendid institution which it should be the aim and object of every Mayor to make as prominent as possible and within reach of all In the first place, the subscription had been raised from ss. to 10s. It was closed earlier than hitherto, thus making it extremely difficult for a working man to receive the full benefit of it Should he be returned he would do his utmost to reduce the subscription to nil, and take such steps as would allow all to go in and spend a reasonable time of an evening. He favoured amalgamation with Hutt River Board. (Applause.) Mr. Russell then went into details as regards the River Board's managemnet. At the close of his speech he was accorded a hearty vote of thanks and confidence. At the next meeting of the Hutt River Board Mr. F. J. Pinny will move:—"That in the opinion of this board, the time has arrived when, in the interests of the ratepayers of the borough and- tbn river district generally, the functions ot the Hutt River Board should bo vested in the Lower Hiitt Borough Council" The Mayor of Petone, Mr. J. W. M*Ewan, has. received a letter from the secretary of the Wanganui School Committee expressing the thanks of the committee for the kindness 6hown to the Wanganui cadets during the recent encampment. Bro. Brocklebank presided at the meeting of the Loyal Petone Lodge of Oddfellows. Bro. Haigh was elected to the position of trustee, vice the late Bro. S. R. Johnston. Bro. Home was elected sick steward. Bro. Brocklebank reported on the Tecent conference of the Manchester Unity held at Napier.