SPECIAL RATING AREA.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5088, 14 February 1927, Page 2

SPECIAL RATING AREA.

BITUMINISING NORMANBY ROAD.

REQUIRED SIGNATURES OBTAINED

Although not on the order paper, Cr. E. Edwards was granted permission to refer to the proposed special rating area in Narmanby Road at the Paeroa Borough Council meeting on Thursday evening last. Cr. Edwards inquired if the council had now obtained the 75 per cent, o'f ratepayers’ signatures required to give effect to the proposal. The Mayor (Mr W. Marshall)' said that ,a sufficient number had been obtained.

Thereupon Cr. Edwards suggested that the work should not be further, delayed, and the works committee should be authorised to get a move on at once.

The Mayor explained that the next step would be the holding of a special meeting, for which three days’ notice was required. He proposed holding the. meeting on Wednesday next. Cr. G. P. de Castro said that if the required number of signatures had been obtained, all well and good. He understood that the ratepayers concerned were required to sign a regulation form. He had not received a form, and he wondered if other ratepayers had.

The Mayor said that he believed he could show Cr. de Castro where he was mistaken and had gained a wrong impression of the whole matter. If Cr. de Castro cared to make an appointment he was. prepared to place all his cards on the table and explain the matter in detail before the special meeting was held. Cr. de Castro thanked the Mayor and said he would avail himself of the offer. Cr. Edwards said he understood that forms had been issued only to those ratepayers who were favourable towards the proposal. The Mayer replied that he believed that was the position. *Cr. Edwards contended that it was only fair to forward forms for formal consent to all the ratepayers in the area. Those who were opposed to the proposal should be given an opportunity of stating their objection. Cr. de Castro advised the Mayor that he had not received a form.

The Mayor replied that Cr. Porritt had undertaken the 'responsibility o'f getting the. signatures. Cr. Flatt facetiously remarked that Cr. Porritt was guilty of a serious omission in not having called on Cr. de Castro. Cr. Porritt replied that it was never too late to mend. The Mayor pointed out that the council could set the machinery in motion as soon as 75’ per cent, of the signatures were obtained on the petition. The position was not as Cr. de Castro thought, that 75 per. cent, of signatures to the formal consent 'forms had to be obtained. He was willing to explain to Cr. de Castro where he had misinterpreted the spirit of the Act. A Voice: Ah •’ that sounds like burying the hatchet. Cr. de Castro: I* was not aware that the Mayor and T were bad (riends. The discussion was then allow to drop until the holding of the special meeting.