LOAN PROPOSALS

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 2, 12 April 1927, Page 2

LOAN PROPOSALS

Are our readers in particular—and ratepayers in general—alive to the fact that in the very near future loan proposals will be placed before them which may involve the expenditure of a very large sum of money—nearly fifty thousand pounds? Our Borough Council contemplates asking the ratepayers to consider and support three distinct loan proposals; (a) to erect, in the immediate vicinity of the proposed new bridge, municipal offices (including a large room for the library; (b) to carry out a scheme of street widening, and (c) to erect a pavilion on the Recreation Ground. Now, surely these proposals—apart altogether from the cost of carrying them out—are of first importance to the Borough, and are such that every ratepayer will weigh them well and so be prepared to give a considered vote when called upon. With regard to number one—Municipal offices, —there surely cannot be two opinions: The point on which there is bound to be a difference of opinion is that of site: Many hold that the growth of our business area is toward the north, and that the -property (belonging to the Borough) immediately opposite the present offices is more central, and is of sufficient area. It is the duty of everyone to weigh this matter well, and we feel sure our Mayor will deal fully with this phase of the proposal when he— as he surely will do—addresses a public meeting on the whole of the proposals. Regarding number two— street widening—we feel strongly that there are narrow streets or sections of streets that are—owing to their being too narrow —a danger to life and limb in these days of fast motor traffic. We might instance Victoria Street, Woburn Road and Heke Street in support of our contention. Then there are narrow corners—some in our busiest thoroughfares—that should be rounded off. Whether the policy of our Council should be compensation for land taken or acquisition of the whole property are matters demanding the fullest consideration: It is quite probable that the purchase outright might be the quickets and more economical method. The necessary land for widening purposes could be taken and the balance—on an enhanced frontage—profitably sold. The third proposal—pavilion—is one that appeals to sentiment somewhat. We have a beautiful ground, but no pavilion whatsoever for spectators: In the winter we frequently see several

hundred of onlookers —many of the gentler-sex, standing on the wet and muddy ground: a pavilion can be only in some measure self-supporting, so if we are to support this proposal we must—as surely the great majority are—be prepared to make a small sacrifice for the benefit of our youngmen and women in all branches of sport. We cannot too strongly urge our readers, to make the fullest enquiry into these proposals, weigh them well—having due regard for the great strides our Borough is making—and have them definitely settled at the earliest opportunity.