TURUA TOWN DISTRICT.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXII, Issue 4347, 25 November 1921, Page 1

TURUA TOWN DISTRICT.

A PUBLIC MEETING. ARRANGING PRELIMINARIES. RETURNING OFFICER RECOMMENDED. A public meeting was held in the Victoria Hall on Wednesday night to discuss matters in regard to the forthcoming Town District area. Mr J. A. Bennett explained ithat he Had called the meeting to discuss preliminary matters in connexion with the proposed Turua Town Board. Mr J. E. Green was appointed secretary for the meeting. Mr J. McConnell was proposed as chairman ; also Mr J. A. Bennett. Mi’ McConnell declined; leaving the field to Mr Bennett. Mr Bennett said the Board would come into operation on April 1, 1922. Mr Green then gave the gist) of information, in regard to formalities, secured from Mr T. W. Rhodes, M.P. fb.r Thames. It would, Mr Green said, take three months at the very leasit to get the preliminary work accomplished. There would be certain adjustments to be made in regard to county and drainage board matters.The chairman read an apology for absence from Mr R. W. Bagnall. Mr J. E. Green was proposed as returning officer, on the motion of Mr J. Treadaway, seconded by Mr S. Mercer, and it was carried unanimously ; that Mr Green be recommended to the Minister of Internal Affairs. Mr Green said he would be quite willing to stand down if Mr J. Gibsoi wouli accept the position, and he would help Mr Gibson all he could. Mr Gibson appreciated the offer, but declined to act. Mr Green said the Valuation Department would probably prepare, the valuation roll, on the old valuation. There was a new valuation, of the Hauraki Plains County in 1921, which was not likely to be effected this year, however. But seeing that a revaluation was due, the Department would probably not make a special revaluation of the Turua Town District area. Mr P. Gardner thought it would be advantageous to the coming Town Board to have an immediate revaluation. Mr Green read portions' of th j Municipal Corporations Act flor the enlightenment of those present in respect to qualifications for voting. It would be a great advantage .to the district if a rate were struck immediately on the formation of the Board, or as soon thereafter as possible. The Board could strike a general rate of l%d in the pound on the capital value, or its equivalent on the unimproved, or, on the annual value ; special rates could also be levied for water, lighting, sewage, or cemetery. “T hope the latl'.er rate will hot bo needed,” remarked a. speaker. (Lauglbter.) Mr Green said the Council did not

intend to declare any roads, main roads at present. The Board being formed would make no sort ofl difference io any special rating areas now existing; all the people in such areas would pay such rates to the County Council, whether in the Town District area pr not. Mr C. Ansford said there would have tp be a revaluation in the case of subdivisions. . A! speaker asked what benefit the town district would be tio those living in the outer area. Mr Bennett replied that U. was hoped tp build up a good town, which would benefit all adjacent properties. Mr Green pointed out that t|he fact of the County not declaring main roads was a very , good reason for wlhy the Good Roads Committee should go bn with the reading scheme, which would comprise an area partly outside of the Town Board area.’ Mr T. Davis remarked that when the Town Board was formed the rates collected would be spent in the town, whereas those collected in years past under the Thames County had obviously not been spent in the town, which was in a shocking condition. | A hearty vote of thanks to the chairman and secretary 'concluded the meeting.