Meeting of Ratepayers.

Manawatu Herald, 30 September 1902, Page 2

Meeting of Ratepayers.

FOXTON-SHANNON BRIDGE.

A meeting of ratepayers in the Awahou Riding o! the Manawatu County was held in Whyte’s Hotel on Saturday evening last to discuss matters mainly in connection with the Foxton-Shannon bridge, and the attitude taken up by the Foxton Borough Council in objecting to be included as to the cost of construction.

His Worship the Mayor (Mr P. Hennessy), was present and occupied the chair. The other members of the Council present were Crs A. Baker, Walter Robinson,and B. G. Gower.

Messrs Caverhill, Geo. Seifert and Fred Carter, in speaking of the proposal pointed out the great Advantages that would derive if the bridge were erected, and asked for the cooperation of the Council who were alone unfavourable, with the result that a Commission had been appointed to consider the question. The Mayor, in reply said personally he was in favour of the erection of the bridge, although many imagined he was not, and more especially the Shannon people, who had the idea he was antagonistic to the proposal. He was only voiceing the opinion of his Council by his present attitude, that it became unfair to the ratepayers to pay the same interest as the other bodies whose income was far in excess of the Borough. The expense of a Commission sitting was to be avoided if possible, and he would like to see the matter arranged amicably, and he had no doubt the Council would agree to pay in proportion to their income.

At the Mayor’s suggestion it was agreed that h® : would place his proposal before the next meeting of the Council,

Several ratepayers spoke of the fairness of the. proposal, and eventually it was decided that a deputation consisting of Messrs Caverhill, Fred Carter, Geo. Seifert, N. Saun-

ders, Geo. Gower and Walter Barber wait on the Horowhenua andMana* watu County Council* at their next meetings in regard to the matter.