TO JOIN THE CITY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 1, 26 September 1918, Page 6

TO JOIN THE CITY

ONSLOW COUNCIL'S DECISION

PRINCIPLE OF AMALGAMATION

AFFIRMED

Last evening " the Onslow Borough Council affirmed tho principle- of amalgamating the borough of Onslow with tho city of Wellington. There were present: at the mooting the Mayor (Mr. J. M. Dale), Councillors A. E. Budd, W. ApDleton, E. Hobbs. G. F. Hodgson, J. C. Gardiner, A. W. Palmer, A. B. Topp,'and E. G. Tucker. After a long discussion in committee, Councillor Appleton moved: "That this council affirms tho principle of amalgamation, provided that satisfactory conditions can bo , ' arranged, and provided also that the Kaiwarra ward rates are fairly adjusted." . Councillor Appleton said that a few years ago the people of Onalow looked on amalgamation with the city as an impossibility, as a dream, but gradually a change of feeling had come about. By amalgamating with Wellington they stood the. best chance in sight_ of getting water and drainage services. Councillor Gardiner seconded-the motion. He said that the want of water and draiuage had retarded the progress of the borough, and he looked forward to Onslow soon getting these. Councillor Budd remarked that the proposal to amalgamate would be regarded unfavourably by some people in the borough. The Mayor: Not very many. Councillor Budd said that-some people contended .that if Onslow joined up with the city the rates would be doubled or trebled. The fact was that tho rates would not_ be increased at all. At 'the present time the city rates were about £1 higher than Onslow's, taking a property of £1000—and look at what the oity got compared withOnslow! If a poll were taken on the. question of amalgamation the question .would probably be put to the people in February next. . I Councillor Hodgson spoke as one who was taking a neutral stand. He said that he had at one time been under the impression that amalgamation would bring about a rise in rates. He would not etand in the way of any scheme which would make for the improvement of the" borough. The-motion was carried unanimously. It was resolved also: — "That" it be a suggestion to the City Council that after amalgamation Onslow should be given ono special representative on the Oity Council for a period oi y (aay) four years." "That the permanent officers of the council be given* equivalent positions by the City Council." "That when the time comes for the installation of water and drainage the p-'l! taken be confined to the people • '■ iiiceriied, and that a special rating \ i- •• mi bo set up so that only those who 1 :-'!H'Ut shall pay." , _"*s regards the milk supply, that :;tiie-present Onslow oonditiohs shall be 1 'n:!!lltilill"d "' • " ' !' '■•ra.* 1-cided to wait on the city re-')i"M'iitni!--'t eo hava matters pushed ■■ _ :i ■; i-tv!;i>iiofhthst if everything gees ■.»f!i :!-f. should be ef-. • ■■•■•.••!': \\ *|..i, J, :,est. Tbn steps were »••: out '<K ilio .-ounni) ns follow:— Ean.v XovMilier to December—Special ortli'.r, Ousk'-.v" deciding to take a poll of the electors. Early January to February 14—Closing now district electors' roll, and steps in connection with the poll. Say February 14—The poll. Say March I—Petitions to the Governor to constitute the boroughs as one.. / £!ay March B—Proclamation' by Governor constituting the boroughs one.