LOWER HUTT AFFAIRS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 192, 10 May 1921, Page 6

LOWER HUTT AFFAIRS

BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETS. The initial meeting of the newlyelected council of the borough of Lower Hutt was held last night. Mr. E. P. Rishworth, who had been returned unopposed to the Mayoral chair, presided, and the following councillors made the usual declaration Messrs. A. J. West, A. J. Hobbs, W. T. Strand, W. T. Cotton, W. N. Dempsey, J. Brasell, W. G. Meldrum, J. Mitchell, and A. M'Bain. The Mayor «aid that with the finance of the country in so uncertain a condition and the fact that they would be faced with problems of labour which would require most careful handling, it was wise and necessary to look forward with a degree of care. During the next two j'ears, said the speaker, they would have works of some magnitude before them. It was almost certain that the hydro-electric scheme at Mangahao would iiave to be provided for by local reticulation, and it would also be necessary to go in for a supply of gas for tho borcnigih. Those questions would require careful consideration, and he felt quite certain that he would receive the same amount of support locally as he had received in the past. Councillor Hobbs, on behalf of the old members of the council, congratulated the Mayor on his return, and assured him of their support. Councillor M'Bain, for the new members, said that they would endeavour to maintain the high, standard of excellence that had been observed during the past term.

A letter was received from Messrs. Climie ana Sons stating that since the prenaration of the report on the Mangaroa hydro-riectric scheme the interest, rates on-loan money had considerably increased and that as the Mangahao scheme should be through shortly it would be advisable in their opinion not to undertake the work. The Mayor was of the opinion that at all events they should go in for a scheme of local reticulation. ' Ho moved that the necessary steps be token to place the council’s proixisals regarding the gas and hydroelectric schemes before the ratepayers. Councillor Meldruni .seconded the motion, which was earned. Councillor Cotton then moved that the town clerk write to tho Minister of Public Works with a view to ascertaining when they should have the electric power and how much would be available for the borough of Ixiwer Hatt. The motion was seconded by Councillor Strand and carried.