THE PROPOSED LOANS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4784, 3 December 1924, Page 2

THE PROPOSED LOANS.

Sir,—Now that we are confronted with more Borough loans on such a large scale, would any of your many readers assist the ratepayers by throwing a little light on the subject. For instance, why should they give their homes and earnings, as security for £6OOO to supply .the Railway Department with water —they are wealthy enough to foot their own requirements, surely, without asking such a sacrifice. Also, if £2OOO is sufficient as stated, why ask for £6OOO ? No ;we are merely to pay the loan and interest, and have no right to the “large profits.” Are the councilloio to have the big surplus and profits to build municipal chambers ? Then, this other £6OOO to purchase the old worn-out gas plant, with its broken mains and leaking meters. . If the owners cannot make it pay with their long knowledge of gas production. why are we asked to pay such a price for a “dead horse.” Only a mere few rely on the gas for lighting purposes, and they would discard it if tlio price is raised : but what about cheap tar for the costly tar sprinkler and good roads and footpaths for the lucky few ? If our wise councillors are unable to sleep because a few people are burning kerosene, why hot borrow one thousand to help them instal electric light. How about calling a meeting of our own right away and talk things out before the public meeting. We have made many blunders in the past, and we need a few delegates for the Mayor’s meeting, and scrutineers for polling day. RATEPAYER. [Ratepayer has not kept to facts, and we would advise him to read the loan proposals, together with the circular issued by hte Mayor; also the report of the Chamber of Commerce meeting published in our issue of November 26. —Ed. J