BOROUGH FOOTPATHS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2296, 30 June 1921, Page 2

BOROUGH FOOTPATHS.

FINANCE COAIAIITTEE’S REPORT.

APPLICANTS FOR NEW PATHS TO BE ASKED TO PAY HALF . COST. , '

W The Finance Committee’s leporfc re ways and means of dealing with footpath construction was presented to Alonday. night’s Council meeting. The report stated that, in view of the impending loan proposals already awaiting submission to the ratepayers, firstly, for watersupply and sewerage house connections, also for re-erection of Council Chambers, the time is inopportune for formulating a further loan proposal for footpaths, etc. Also thftt, ns far as the general rate is concerned, the extension of further new works, i.e., footpaths, etc., cannot be materially carried out without substantially increasing the general rate. The Finance Committee does not recommend a loan for footpaths, but does recommend for favourable consideration that section 179 of “The Municipal Corporations Act, 1920,” regarding payment of half cost of construction of footpaths from frontages be placed before applicants for new footpaths.” The Mayor, in speaking to the report, said the Council was endeavouring, gradually, to get the borough in a better state, and that they could keep the matter of footpaths “steadily in view.” A portion of the Avenue is to be curbed and asphalted, and probably more will be done later.

Cr. Whibley stated that while he agreed that the present *wns not an opportune time for such work, he did not. think the suggestion of imposing half cost of footpath construction to be paid by the people interested was right or ..equitable. Me thought that the recommendation should have been made.to apply to former cases.

Cr. Alar tin asked if the people of Park Street paid half the cost of die Park Street footpath; also why diis portion of the Act was not enforced before. He considered the footpaths were a disgrace, and advocated raising a loan for the work. He disagreed with the Alayor’s remarks about, keeping the matter of footpaths steadily in view. Cr. Thompson said that that portion of the report concerning the half-cost of footpath construction should be deleted.

Cr, Smith said that lie did not think the present time was opportune for raising a loan, but considered something should be done to 'mprove the footpaths. The Mayor pointed out that thero

was nothing in the report to commit the Council to anything definite. Cr. Martin moved an amendment, seconded by Cr Rand, that the Council submit the ratepayers a proposal for raising a loan for the formation of footpaths, which was lost. Cr. Whibley moved a further nmendment, seconded by Cr. Thompson, that the report of the Finance Committee be adopted with the exception of that portion referring to the half cost of footpaths being borne by. property owners, which was also lost. The report was adopted.