The Proposed Town Loan.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 80, 1 May 1908, Page 3

The Proposed Town Loan.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —It is common rumour that some sort of informal meeting was held this week in connection with the above, but by whom called, or what it's object, no one seems to know. Can it be possible that this was intended for the statutory meeting provided for by the Act, and which is for the purpose of giving the ratepayers an opportunity of considering the proposal before being called upon to vote upon it. If so, why was it notadvertised locally ? This is a matter of too great an importance to the town and district to be dealt with in any hole-and-corner fashion of this sort. It is clearly the duty of the County Council, before proceeding to a poll on any proposal of this kind, to place all information as to the area proposed to be affected, the valuations, the rate to be struck, and the nature and extent of the proposed works, before the ratepayers, at a properly called public meeting. Otherwise, how can anyone be expected to vote for a scheme, the details of which they know little or nothing about? There can be no question but that someone has blundered, and, in the best interests of the town, steps should be taken at once to remedy the mistake ; otherwise, it is more than likely that the proposal will be lost, and a serious set-back to the progress of the town experienced. Might I suggest that a public meeting be yet held, and the fullest information placed before the ratepayers, so that when they go to record their votes, for or against, they may do so with an intelligent knowledge of what they are doing.— I am, etc., m JAMES BODDIE.