PETONE ELECTIONS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 199, 20 May 1944, Page 9

PETONE ELECTIONS

Citizens’ Opposition To Amalgamation There should be a definite prospect of reduction of'rates, said the Citizens’ candidate for the Petone mayoralty, Mr. 11. Green, at meetings this week, when he reviewed the administration of his council. The hospital levy, over which the council had no control, had been increased by 72 per cent, in the past six years. During his term the borough’s public debt had been reduced by £54,683. to £166,662, which meant a substantial drop in interest charges. Outstanding rates had been reduced from £6032 to £2077. and the bank balance at £6123 was almost three times that of 1938, despite air raid shelters and E.P.S. work costing £2240. Wages and salaries had increased from £12,694 to £14,634. Before the cost of living bonus was introduced he was one of those instrumental in granting a minimum wage of £5 to lower-paid council employees. This was criticized elsewhere, but was fully justified. He strongly opposed any amalgamation. Despite frequent assurances, subtle forces were at work, and the position required careful watching. Petone was well-administered and would gain no advantage from joining Lower Hutt. It could not afford to become the backyard of the Hutt Valley/ Petone, with its tra-' ditions, should be allowed to decide its own destiny. Its water supply was pure and adequate for double the present number of consumers. There was no reason why Petone people should be burdened with unnecessary expenditure by being forced to subscribe to the city and suburban water scheme. Flooding alleviation had been halted by manpower and materials shortages. Plans were ready, and when those factors now short were again available, a start would be made. The £15.000 required was already authorized. A block of land had been earmarked as a site for a Victory building to provide a large hall for public gatherings, a smaller hall and rooms for smaller

gatherings, arts and crafts, games and the like. Pressure should be put on the Government to give railway electrification, providing quick, modern transport. Though power was short, the plans could be prepared now. A quicker and shorter route to Koro Koro and Maungaraki. where future development lay, would have to be investigated. A satisfactory solution would make available a valuable hill settlement.

A commission would shortly investigate harbour works/nt the Hutt River mouth, with the proposed deviation through the centre of MeHwen Park. This vitally affected Petone. There was a danger of interfering with a natural water course, the risk of ruining a fine beach, the loss of a valuable sports area, and the severance of sewerage works from the town. The electors Iwanted a strong council to watch their interests in this matter. A full Citizens’ ticket would provide it.