"THE LOCAL BODIES' LOANS ACT, 1886."

Kumara Times, Issue 3121, 3 November 1886, Page 3

"THE LOCAL BODIES' LOANS ACT, 1886."

SPECIAL MEETING OF WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL. A special meetiug of the Westlaud County Council was held iu the Council Chambers, Hokitika, on Monday, at 11 a.m.; present—The Chairman (Jas. Clarke, Esq.) Messrs Grimmond, Jack, Hansen, Dungan, and M'Goldrick. The Times reports : The Chaiiman said the meeting had been called to consider the " Loans to Local Bodies Act," and it would be for the councillors to move in any direction they might think fit. Mr Jack said the rateable property in the county was very small. It was necessary to ask the ratepayers' sanction before any action was taken. The county of Westland occupied the singular position of being comprised almost entirely of Crown lands, and if loans were obtaiued, the Crown lands would get the greatest benefit, and this came badly when it was remembered the Government proposed to take away the Crown lands rating. He thought the Government had. committed a breach of faith ; all the' legislation of last session was tending to cripple a comity like Westland. He thought if another session happened like it, it would be better if Westland were wiped out altogether, [Messrs M'Whirter and Daly here entered and took their seats.] Mr Dungan did not at all agree with the views of Mr Jack as to the meeting being premature; on the contrary, he considered it very necessary that a meeting should be called to discuss the Act, He did ngree with Mr Jack its to the inapplicability of the Act to the exigencies of the West Coast counties. He did not think it met the wants of Westland in any way; it was very complex, and he did Hot see how it could be made use of. Mr Grimmond said a great, deal had been said about the Act with which he agreed, but a great deal had not been said which might be said in its favour. For this reason he "'proposed moving in the way of falling in with the Act. It would be wise—if the Government would lend borrow £6OOO at 4 per cent., and devote say ,£2500 to the main south.toad, and the remainder to other roads In the district. Mr M'Goldrick could thoroughly appreciate the advantages that would result if the Act was taken advantage of. It was very necessary to construct the Bowen-Okarito ro;id, and there were a number of other most useful works, and if the money could be obtained at a small percentage it would be most judicious to get it. The county ratepayers were an intelligent, well-educated class .of men, and he-had no doubt they would readily see the advantages. Mr Hansen did not think the Councillors rigbtly understood what was before them. It was not for the Councillors to say what should be done—that rested with tbe ratepayers. To get the authority of the ratepayers a poll would have to be taken, and that was a very costly undertaking; he believed that the money would cost 10 to 15 per cent, before it was obtained, and then a sinking fund had to be piovided. Mr M'Whirter agreed with Mr Hansen that it would be found impracticable to work under the Act; he regretted Mr Seddon was not present, as he would probably'be able to point out some advantages which a cursoiy examination did not disclose. He suggested to Mr Grimmond that the other Act be considered, the one which provided for the construction of say a rotid in any particular riding, and impose a toll to provide means for interest. He wished the Council to go ' into Committee to go through both Acts. Mr Gn'mmond did not agree with Mr M'Whirter. In the proposal he had made, it would be necessary to fiud [a lender; if bis suggestions were carried out, a lendor at a low rate of interest was already provided. There was no use in going through the formality of asking the ratepayers until some definite issue was laid before them on which to express their views. It was necessary that apnlicaI t.ion Vie made before the first, of "next month, anr 1 then when it was known how the Government would den] with it, it would be for the Council to usk ♦ he sanction of 'he ratepayers. Mr M'Whir'er's motion was then put, and the Council went into Committee to discuss the Acts. On lesuming, Mr Seddon moved that the Council j adopt 'ho Government. Loans Ac and 1 the Loans to Local 13>diey Act by i special order, and hold a subsequent I meeting in December to confirm tbe , u,.mc. Th:„ wa.; by tin.-Ch.iiv-I man, and, after much discission, carried. | Mr Grimmond moved that the

Government be asked to make a reservation of £6OOO for the Westland County under the • Acts, as this Council contemplates taking the"necessary, steps to borrow the amount, k . i. . > .; r . ;. . . The motion was seconded ;by Mr Daly and curried. I It was decided that e'ach councillor prepare a schedule of works to be constructed out of loan, such schedule to be submitted at the next, ordinary meeting of the Council. -■■■■' The Council then adjourned.