RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1041, 6 November 1903, Page 3

RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION.

A meoting of the Ratepayers’ Association was held in the Borough Council Ohatnhora last evening, Mr F. Harris presiding.

MR LESLIE REYNOLDS’ REPORT. In connection with Mr Leslie Reynolds’ roport on the Waitnata, it was stated that the sum of £2O 12s was already in hand, and the balance of the £25 required would bo collected in a day or two. The money would be paid to the Borough Council, and Mr Reynolds’ report would be furnished to that body. BRIDGES AND STOCK TRAFFIC. Tho Chairman made longthy reference to tho necessity of something being done in the direction ot obtaining better bridge accommodation. The prosent state of affairs was, he said, a disgrace to the borough. A great quantity of stock was brought through tho town during the most busy part of the day, and ibis should be put a stop to. Tbe Borough Council should be forced to see that bettor bridge accommodation was provided. The County Counoil bad statod that they did not think it necessary to have a second bridge, but they could not have considered the present inconvenience that the publio was put to. Every day carters were kept waiting at the Taruheru bridge whilst stock came' aoross. There was also the danger to children. Stook should not be ajlowed to be driven through the town except at certain hours. Gisborne was getting a largo pjace, and it should follow on tho lines of other civilised centres. The Borough Council would not move unless pressure wore brought to bear on thorn. r Mr Moriee said tho Borough Council had to erect the bridges and collect a share from tho other Bodies. Mr East thought the farming community was to bo considered, for it was tho goose that golden egg. They must not block them from doing business, He thought 'that not only was a second bridge required, but a third one over the Waimata.' They talked a lot about the cost of a bridgeifcnt it was a mere nothing whon tho -.cost was distributed. The townspeople should let tho County Council and Borough Council thoroughly understand that thoy wero not going to put up with tho present state of affairs. After further discussion it was decided that Messrs Harris and East should bo a deputation to wait upon the Borough Council at their next meeting, and bring the question of bridges and stock traffio before them. ,

BOROUGH EESERVES. Me Harris spoko at some length on this question, urging that some steps should bo taken to make the reservos of the West End more profitable. They should bo out up into sections and let with .an improvement clauso. By this moans u eonsidorablo revenue would be obtained. Bor many years a lot of the land would hot be required by the Council. If h!3 schema or that of Mr East woro adopted, instead of Childers road aud other parts of the town beiug a barren wilderness it would be thickly populated. Mr W. Webb explained that with another ho was anxious to establish a jam and pickle factory on a borough reserve, but owing to tho obstacles in regard to tho small amount paid for improvements they were prevented from doing so. A. lease for 21 years should bo given with a fair valuation at' the end of the term. If tho reserves were put ou tho market they would have a revenue of something like £20,000. For one section that ho had he Whs only paying a shilling a week, and if the property was put on tho market it would realize £6OO. Mr East: I have an aore, but lam paying £5 per year. Mr Webb : I would be willing to sell my lease. ‘ The Chairman : People blame the Government for not opening up the back country, but hero wo have land in the middle of the town looked up. It was decided to appoint a committeo to view the reserves and bring the matter before the •Council at thoir next meeting on Tuesday evening next. FOIiTNIGHTLY MEETINGS.

It was decided to hold fortnightly meetings of tho Association every alternative Tuesday. .