KARORI AND THE CITY

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 65, 10 December 1919, Page 7

KARORI AND THE CITY

LINKING UP OPPOSED LIVELY MEETING ON EVE OF THE POLL The residents of ICarori attended in force last evening to hear the reasons why amalgamation with the city at tho present timo was inadvisable. The meeting was convened by Councillor E. Harrison, and was held in tho Methodist Schoolroom. Captain J. W. Gardoner presided, and in opening tho meeting said they know that they had been called to hear arguments against amalgamation. Councillor Harrison said that they had already had two meetings on the' fjues tion of amalgamation, and they left those meetings nono the wiser. It was stated that he was against amalgamation, but that wus not correct. He was in favour of amalgamation at the proper time, but that was not yet. They were told-that they would havo water and drainage, gas, a shorter tram route, and other privileges, but ho pointed out that the city was committed to various works that it would be four or five years before ICarori could expect anything. Ho doubted whether tho ratepayers of ICarori wero going to saddlo themselves with water and drainage at tho present timo with material at such high prices. The Mayor of tho city said the other day to a deputation that they had not sufficient material to carry out urgent works. A voice: Mr. Morton is bringing out material.

The speaker contended that tho time Karori should havo joined up with tho city was wjien the tram servico was inaugurated. Ho thought it would be suicidal for ICarori to amalgamate with the city now. It would bo better to wait until things were normal. Tho progressives told them the other evening that they would be supplied with gas if they linked up with tho city. What did they want with gas with tho hydro-electric scheme which would serve their purpose. He maintained that they could not get these privileges for many years. For the sake of the ratepayers he thought it would be better to wait for four or five years before linking up. Tho speaker said that tho Mayor of tho city had covetous eyes on the adjoining boroughs of Karori and Miramar, and with these two boroughs in the city tho Mayor would have a big security to offer the money-lenders. It was for them to decide at the pol.l whether the city was to get ICarori. Onco thc-y linked up with tho city they could not sever the connection, and "if you join the city you will havo to shut your eyes and accept what Luko will giro you." Councillor Henderson asked if ICarori would be any worse off in respect to material if she remained out of the city?

Councillor Harrison wanted to know what the advantages would he. Councillor Henderson said there would bo the advantage of (he tramway loan boing pooled, and they were going to save in other directions.

Councillor Harrison: Have you anything to show tor that?

Councillor- Henderson: A special resolution of tho City Council.

Councillor Caughley qnjited the advantages secured by Onslow through joining with the city, and mentioned file fact that the construction (f llie tram to liaiwarra had been authorised.

Councillor Harrison: Tlicy have not got the ti'ani yet.

'• Councillor J. C. Fulton also opposed amalgamation, and said that it would be timo enough to -jcjiisider the matter ;i year hence. 110 did not know vliut they had to gain by joining tiie «ity. A voice:' They had nothing lo !ose. Councillor Fnlloii: You would lose control of. your own affairs. k'arori was an excellent borough, and it would lie time enough four or five years hence to join up with the city. He was going to vo.te against amalgamation.

Mi. Isaac Sykes ulsu spoke in opposition to amalgamation, and his arguments were much the same as those of the previous speaker.?.

The' Mayor (llr. B. G. If. Burn) was asked to address the meeting, and in complying referred to the position of the Kami ratepayers, He said, with respect to sanitation that on a vacant section there would be- ;i saving of 21s. a year, but if tlicre were a. house on file section the rate would be 265. The speaker then went on to answer pest criticisms of his actions and in general defended himself against attacks-' made on hiru at a previous meeting.