LOWER HUTT CIVIC ASSOCIATION.

Hutt News, Volume 2, Issue 13, 22 August 1929, Page 2

LOWER HUTT CIVIC ASSOCIATION.

Petone and Lower Hutt GasLighting Amendment Bill, 1929.

Mr;. Shiel, vicerpresident, occupied the chair at the monthly meeting.

A careful examination by members of the clauses of the Bill before Parliament disclosed that tie company is not identified by a name, and th« persons forming if are not mentioned. No statement exists that it is registered, or capital fully subscribed and paid up. There is no mention of a monetary bond in case of liquidation, or guaran-. tee that the gas-producing machinery will be owned and preserved free from debt, mortgage, or encumbrance. Further, nd provision is emibodied for a decisive poll of the ratepayers on the gas-purchase proposal.

Members discussed the existing gas-

lighting statutory legislation that "provides for the levying of taxation on the properties of ratepayers in the Hutt Valley, when the finances of the Board necessitate that course.

It was mentioned that when—Board control was initiated debentures valued at thpiisands of pounds were handed to the Lower Hutt Borough Council in payment for the tangible interests transferred to the Board, and that When amalgamation of the'Petone and Lower Hutt- boroughs .is consummated, the Board will cease to exist, and the coalgas production, works, land, finance, etc,, "will be transferred to the amalga-mated-local authority.

It Was resolved .that a drastic amendment of the Bill was necessary, and .that the Hon. Mr. Wilford be asked to insist that an amendment be made providing for a decisive poll of the ratepayers on the is3ue. It Was further resolved that the Borough Council, ds guardian of the debentures held, be requested to co-operate in protecting the burgesses and the. gas-purchasing public :