THE PROTECTIVE WORKS,

Grey River Argus, Volume VI, Issue 438, 3 November 1868, Page 2

THE PROTECTIVE WORKS,

PUBLIC MEETING. A public meeting of the ratepayers, called by the Borough Council, was held last evening, in the Religious Institute, Gresson street, for the purpose of considering the present condition of the river embankment, and the steps to be taken, for completing the protective works. The. meeting was very largely attended. The Mayoe took the chair, and said the meeting had been called for the purpose of giving the residents an opportunity of taking certain action in reference to the present position of the protective, works. It had been called by resolution of the Council, passed at last meeting. On that occasion tenders were opened for certain supplies, necessary for carrying on the works, and it was clearly seen that the amount required was a larger one than could be met by a general rate. It had been the popular idea, for some time past that a special rate, would be levied for finishing the embankment ; but it had been found that at present the Council was not in a position to levy such a rate. They had been in communication with the General Govern^ ment on the subject, and had received a, reply that it was out in their power to put a special rate in force. All they could do was to make a separate rate, as it was, called by the Act. Clause 204 of the Act provided that such a rate should not be. levied unless petitioned by the inhabitants, to that effect. Since the Council had taken offic.e they had done all in then? power to push forward the various public works, and that had been a heavy drain on their funds at the first starting of the, Municipality, the principal of which- was the wharf protection, which would require a very large amount of money to complete it. Ordinary works could be carried on as. the revenue came in ; and in the pro-, tective works they must either expend all the money at once and complete them, op they could go on gradually as they got money-. But it hajd been clearly proved that the ordinary revenue would be in* sufficient for the purpose. The whole of this ordinary revenue, and the general rate, would be reqiiired to complete the worlds, and contracts now taken and in progress, without touching the protective wor-ka in any way. Every possible step had been taken by the Council to secure, the levying of a special rate, and they had written to the Nelson Government asking 1 some assistance towards the completion of the works, but no answer had yet been received. On Saturday last they had telegraphed to the General Government with regard to their- position, and received a reply which the Town Clerk would read to the meeting. He might mention that no separate rate, could be levied exceeding sixpence in the pound, If such a rate was. not struck the wo?ks would have' to remain as they were. It was simply a matter of necessity, and the Council wished to knowwhat course the citizens would adopt in their present difficulty. The Town Cleek read a copy of a. telegram sent to the-General Government, with respect to power being granted to* borrow money on a special rate, and ex-, plaining the financial difficulties with thq Road Board. That afternoon a reply had been received to this effect — ''The Legislature not being in session, no provisions can be made by the General Government for borrowing money to complete harborr works.* • The Mayor said the Council "did not consider this reply satisfactory, and it was. only an answer to a portion of the question, asked. Mr Parkinson made explanations, similar to those made by the Mayor, and pointed out that the case was one of urgent necessity. If the works were to be completed or secured a separate rate must be levied. If not, the works would have . to stand as they were, and all that had been done might be washed away. Mr G. Simmons moved — " That tha Borough Council be desired to levy a separate rate, for the purpose of securing the protective works, and that a committee be appointed to draw up a petition to the Council requesting them to levy the. same." Mr Heldebrand seconded the motion. A long discussion here, ensued, during which a number of questions were asked with regard to, the probable cost of the works, the manner in which they were proposed tobaoarried out, and the probable, amount of the rate when levied, which were answered by the Chairman. Mr F. Gdinness moved as an amend-t ment — "That previous to any separate rate being struck, the opinion of Mr Balfour, the Marine Engineer, be taken upon the present system of carrying out the protective works. v Mr H. H. Lahkan seconded the amendment, and a number of gentlemen spoke, toi+, ' r When the amendment was put it was. lost, only three hands being held up for it, and the motion waai carried, almost unanimously. A committee consisting of Messrs, Kennedy, Lab man, and Moss, were, appointed to draw up the petition to the Council, and get it signed by the ratepayers. The usual vote of thanks to the Chair-t man brought the proceedings, to a close.