THE ROAN PROPOSALS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3712, 15 September 1906, Page 2

THE ROAN PROPOSALS.

The public meeting to discuss the loan ■ proposals for lighting and Council improvements was very poorly attended in the Masonic Hall last Thursday evening, the majority of the ratepayers preferring to hold back their opinions till polling day. There is a feeling abroad that the lighting of the Borough should be left to a private company, and after the initial stages sre overcome the Council to step in and take the gas works over as a going concern. This proposal is opposed by a section of ratepayers who are in favor of the Council raising the loan and carrying out the works. A third party has arisen which champions a “ mark time” policy. The coming poll in reference to the gas question will arouse greater interest than any proposal yet pul before the ratepayers. Representatives of the parties above referred to are now putting on their war paint, and between ihe factions the public should be well educated on the question of municipal v. private control of the gas works. That gas will be installed ‘n the Borough we have no reason to doubt, and it only rests with the ratepayers to sav whether the works will be controlled by themselves or by a private company. We shall be pleased to publish the opinions of any ratepayer on the lighting subject. It now remains for the Mayor to publish a notice setting forth the day, not less than one or two weeks from the day of the recent public meeting, on which the poll shall be taken.