GAS WORKS SITE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3769, 13 August 1907, Page 2

GAS WORKS SITE.

The Question of Area. Debate in the Council. At last night’s Borough Council meeting Mr Butcher submitted plans of the proposed gas works, site, and reticulation. The question of area on which the works are to be erected was the cause of much debate. The site was shown on Mr Coley’s property in Cook street, but no area was given. After a few had been fired Cr Coley informed the Council that he was agent for the land, Cr Hennessy said the area for the proposed site should not be less than half an acre. The Mayor agreed, and said it would be better to have sufficient land now than be compelled to enciease the area in 20 or 30 years time, when land would have greatly increased in value. Cr Austin : The area should be stated. Some discussion took place between the Mayor and Cr Coley. Cr Stiles suggested that Mr Butcher be sent a telegram asking the area of the site. Cr Coley ; I’m selling the land at per foot. They can have one foot or 5000 ft. if they like. Cr Colev then turned to Cr Austin and asked whether he would like to know the area. Cr Austin; The Council would. Cr Coley: Well, go to my lawyer in Palmerston, and I’ll pay your fare. Cr Austin : Can you afford it ? Cr Coley: Yes I can and then pay 20s in the £, that’s more than a good many people can do. The Mayor then called Cr Coley to order.

Cr Wilson thought the site excellent, and was of the opinion that half an acre would be cientCr Coley again interjected, and Cr Hennessy rose to a point of order. Cr Coley : Sit down Hennessy: I’ve had enough ot you. Hear some more cross-firing took place between the two Councillors, and the Mayor appealed for order. Cr Stiles stated that he may' become interested in the company. He thought the Council should not unduly hamper the company and hinder them at every turn. He thought the question of area could be arranged satisfactorily. Cr Hennessy asked whether Crs Stiles and Colev could discuss the matter seeing that they were interested parties. The Mayor ruled that if the Councillors were interested they could not discuss the question. Cr Stiles said he desired to make an explanation before the Council did anything. He was likely to be interested in the company. He desired to be straightforward in order that the matter could not be thrown up at him later. Cr Cole} r : I won’t vote on it. Cr Baker was of opinion that Crs Coley and Stiles should retire. This Cr Stiles refused to do unless the Mayor ruled otherwise. The Mayor asked whether anyone could tell him of any gas works in New Zealand erected on. , less than half an acre of land. \ Cr Coley : Yes, Temuka. ' Cr Hennessy denied this. Cr Coley maintained that the aforesaid area was less than a quarter of an acre. More cross-firing here occurred between Crs Coley and Hennessy. The Mayor said he would certainly not give way on the question of area. Proposed by Cr Wilson and seconded by Cr Gray, That Mr Butcher be wired to asking him what area of land he proposes erecting the gas works on in Cook-street . —Carried. This ended the matter for the time being.