Public Meeting.

Manawatu Herald, 29 November 1892, Page 3

Public Meeting.

In response to advertisement a good number of the burgesses attended the meeting called by Mr Nye at the Temperance Hall.

Mr T. P. Williams was voted tc the chair, and he said as the oldesS member of the Council he was glad to find the ratepayers taking an interest in the proceedings. A short time ago they had to go begging a gentleman to take office, but now there was a healthy opposition. He did not know why there should be this diffidence on part of candidates but Councillors were stimulated to do more in pushing the district ahead from noticing how this interest in public matters had been awakened. (Applause.) He then called on

Mr Nye, who was applauded on coming forward, said he would give a brief resume of the past four years work. For the year 1892-98 we have in hand to spend £899 8s lid, out of which is available for roads £504 2s 6d, the particulars of which were as shown in the last balance sheet. He saw it had been suggested that the money for metalling on the Avenue should be devoted to the Motoa road. He thought this was unfair, as the money had been already allocated for roads. He believed the £48 18s 9d to be expended on the Motoa road was as much as they had a right to expect. It had been mooted that we should go in for a loan. A loan was a matter tor the ratepayers to decide, and also where it was to be spent. Ho would show that the roads that bore the most traffic did from flax carting and the settlers would want these lines metalled as well as any others. He questioned if any of his brother Councillors knew what road making cost. It was not for us (the candidates) to say what the amount of the loan should be or where it should be spent. He would answer any questions.

The Chairman suggested that the candidate should give particulars of cost of metalling roads.

Mr Nye then said that from Baker's corner to cemetery would cost £890 8s: Motoa road, £737 11s; Lady's Mile, £ ; No. 1 Line, £709 10s ; No. 2 Line, £752 2s.

The speaker then referred to the water. He said the money expended was £187 ; to reach water -would cost £23, and £10 in addition as a bonus. He also gave minute particulars as to cost of laying pipes to different parts of the Borough, in all £622.

He further mentioned that only 2500 yds in Messrs Robinson's property and 5500 yds in his own pit now remained. He looked upon the Motoa road as a main line and thought it ought to be metalled. If all the roads Avere metalled it would take 10,850 yards, being more than the local pits possessed. No money can be borrowed for repairing roads. His opinion was that the ratepayers should husband the gravel they have in Foxton for repairs. He thought, with economy, the Motoa road and the Avenue road could be done out of the rates, within 3 years, He spoke adversely to raising a loan.

In answer to questions, he declined to say whether he was in favour of a loan. He was a progressive man. He was in favour of a loan if the majority of ratepayers was in favour of it. At the present time he was not in favour of a loan.

Mr T. Bowe proposed, and Mr Fnrrie seconded a vote of thanks to Mr Nye for his address to night and his past services, which was pat and carried.

- Mr McMillan said he was in favour of a loan for certain works, such as the Motoa road, £610, Cemetery road, £800, the next work is for water, this would cost £500. Mr Nye had said it would cost £600. The cheaper plan would be to sink a well at the Motoa road end. He would be in favor of borrowing (but of course the ratepayers decide) £1500, this at 6 per cent would be £90 for interest. We are spending £172 this year on these roads and £160 for water, so that the balance after paying interest would find plenty of money for repairs. This loan would necessitate a special rate of4d which would only make oar rates Is 8d in the £ against 3s 6d in Palmerston. We must progress and ha believed all would be in favour of opening up the country. The Motoa road was the only main road which is not metalled. All main lines should be done first then he would advocate the Avenue road. Sanitation is a big subject but he did not at present see how the old cesspools regularly cleaned could be improved. The earth closets were not nice. Good water is the most important) matter after all and he believed had we had good water we should not have had so many deaths. He believed he had more interest in Foxton than Mr Nye and had been in; the Council quite four years. He would do his best to keep all roads in repair as he had already done.

In answer to questions, he stated a special rate must be struck but need not be collected.

" *Mr' Startup moved and Mr Border seconded, a vote of thanks be given to the candidates for their addresses. This being carried the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the Chair* man. ......