Meeting of Ratepayers.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3628, 24 March 1906, Page 2

Meeting of Ratepayers.

A MEAGRE ATTENDANCE.

new borough chambers.

Certainly the weather was not in favour of people venturing outdoors last evening, which, in a measure, explains the meagre attendance at the Public Hall last night, to discuss loan proposals. Nevertheless, it seemed a pity that such a mere handful of ratepayers should deliberate on the subjects at all. However, time is precious, and we certainly think the course eventually adopted by the meeting was a wise one. The Mayor (B. G. Gower, Esq.) occupied the chair, whilst Crs F. W. Frankland, G. Stiles, and H. Baker were on the platform. The Mayor briefly explained the object of the meeting called for the purpose of discussing loan proposals to erect Borough Chambers and concrete tanks for holding water for fire-extinguishing purposes. He called upon Mr Fraser (Borough Clerk) to read the proposals. (These have already appeered in our columns.) In proposing the loan for the erection of Borough Chambers, the Mayor thought it was quite time Foxton had a decent building to conduct its affairs. _ It was proposed to erect the building on Borough property near the Post Office, and to include in the structure two offices. Offers had already been received to rent these offices, say at ros a piece, whereas the present building could be rented at the same. This would mean about £7B a year, and, assuming that the loan could be raised at five per cent, there would be left a year to go to sinking fund. It certainly was a necessary building which should be supported by all ratepayers. Cr F. W. Frankland had great pleasure in seconding the proposition. Perhaps he could say, in addition to the advantages mentioned by the Mayor, that one argument in favour of the new '-.nlding was the insufficient accommodation provided in present Chambers for’ the public’s convenience. In the new Chambeis they would have the opportunity afforded of listening to the deliberations of the Council. At present, no chance was given of an audience.

Mr Jonson thought Council had taken the matter up in the nick of time. He supported the proposal as everybody else should do. Mr Speirs thought the Borough Offices should be erected in brick, not wood. He thought it was not to our credit that a Chinaman should be ahead of us with a brick building. Mr Walker said new affairs were necessary.

Cr Stiles thought it rather tinbrtunate we had never heard preViously of the brick building, and U the previous meeting it was i early understood that the building was to be a wooden one. As lo matter of site, he would personally prefer to see the building on the present site, away from the noise of passing vehicles and the ruisunce of drains.

At this stage Mr Speirs moved in amendment to the effect that the new Borough' Offices be of brick. Mr Hennessy seconded, contending that we should go in for a progressive building—-one that would do for all time. The Mayor explained that if the amendment was carried, the same ground would have to be covered

again. Cr Baker, in speaking to the amendment, thought both questions (motion and amendment) should be put before ratepayers at the poll. Then Mr Hennessy brought the matter up of embodying the site in the proposals. Referring to the delay likely to be caused should any other proposal go to the poll than the one already advertised, Mr Fraser thought it rather unfortunate. But it was by Act of Parliament that such delay would occur. It seemed to him the simplest way out of the-difficulty would befbf the Mayor to take a poll for the money advertised and then invite tenders for both a brick and wooden building. Then call a meeting of ratepayers, such raeetiug to decide what the build’ ing was to be. If it was decided on brick, and the tenders surpassed the sum borrowed, another loau would be necessary to complete the work. It was not likely that we would leave the work incompleted. Mr Speirs was again on his feet, 1 and referred to, Mr Fraser’s proposal as likely to be underhanded. They wanted a straight forward scheme.

v Mr Fraser rose and explained to the meeting that he had said nothing underhand, nor did he intend to do so. . He strongly objected to I Mr Spams’ remarks that anything he said could be termed under*

hand. On the contrary everything he uttered, especially from the public platform was above board. —Applause. Here Mr Speirs rose and explained that be did not intend to refer to Mr Fraser’s proposals as the latter had taken it. But it seemed to him something definite was necessary.

Mr Hurley said that if, at the next meeting to consider the proposal someone else proposed something else, they may go on for ever.

Then Mr Fraser read the Act to more clearly define the position to the meeting. Cr Stiles thought that what this meeting done practically counted for nothing, and he did not think it right for such a mere handful of ratepayers to kill the motion.

Mr Hurley thought likewise, and added: “If you have the power to take a poll, your Worship, take a poll. Never mind about this meeting.” Mr Fraser spoke of the difficulty if they did not go on. We were only 20 odd, whereas there were 500 ratepayers in the Borough. Voting had previously taken place on the motion and amendment, the meeting being decidedly in favour of a brick building.

Replying to Mr Speirs, the Mayor said that at the next public meeting called for the purpose he would be guided by the majority, and that meeting would decide whether the building was to be a brick or wood, even i! there were only five present. He intended putting the ,£'looo loan for the purpose to the poll. Then argument ceased as to the new Chambers. THE SOUP POTS. Mr Hennessy rose to introduce the subject of the concrete tanks which were meant to hold sufficient water to extinguish fires, but Mr Speirs asked Mr Hennessy to keep his seat, as the Council should introduce the matter. But there seemed little need for introduction, as the meeting was apparently dumb on the question. Eventually Mr Fraser said there did not appear likely to be any discussion, and the Mayor exclaimed “ The Tanks will Die.” Prior to the subject dying out altogether, Cr Stiles mentioned ii seemed peculiar that at the previom meeting much support was given to the proposal. And then—- “ The Soup Pots Died ! ” Mr Hennessy proposed a vote of thanks to the chair, which was carried by acclamation, and the meeting closed.