PUBLIC LIBRARY LOAN

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2669, 8 December 1923, Page 2

PUBLIC LIBRARY LOAN

MEETING OF RATEPAYERS. PROPOSAL TO BE SUBAITTTED TO POLL OF RATEPAYERS. A public meeting convened by the Mayor, to discuss a proposed loan proposal for the erection of public library, reading-room, etc., was held in the Town Hall supper-room 1,•.>1 night and was attended by nlioul 50 ratepayers. The Alayor, in outlining the proposal referred to the swimming baths which the Council believed to lie in the interests of public health and would mark the completion of the water supply scheme. Tie outlined particulars in connection with the Levin baths and public library, both of which had been erected without cost to the ratepayers. COST AND AIATXTEXAXOE. The Alayor said the interest and sinking fund on capital cost of library building, £1,200, at 7 per cent would lie £72, caretaker £7B, hooks etc., £67, lighting and heating £4O, less £4O subscript ions, leaving a total of £229 per annum. This would have to he secured bv a special rate of 13-64 din the £, providing £B4, a library rate of 5-32 d in the £, producing £64 and a transfer from general account of £Bl male ing a total of £229* equivalent to a total rate of 9-16 d in the £ on the unimproved value of the borough. LOAN PROPOSAL APPRO\ 7 ED.

Or. Smith moved, seconded hy Air Admore “that this meeting of ratepayers urge the Council to submit to the ratepayers a loan proposal for the erection of as uitable building to provide a reading-room, library, ladies rest room, conveniences, etc.”

Cr. Smith speaking in support of the motion quoted figures which went to show that the average annual cost to ratepayers on the scheme would not exceed 1/(5 per year.

Or. Ross in supporting the proposal said if the average cost was 2/6 per year, per ratepayer, it would not be felt. The figures quoted by the Mayor could be reduced and he believed when the proposal was submitted to the ratepayers it would be sanctioned.

The Mayor opposed the motion and said the ratepayers could not stand the extra expense. A library and rest-room was already in existence in tlie Town Hall. (Dissension and laughter). They should carry out to completion the works in hand. The present, library and rest-room was self-supporting. The present rale was 10<1 in (he £ and if the present proposals were pul through it would he increased to 1/1 in the £. There were 384 ratepayers and 360 occupied dwellings and he quoted the average payments in rates spread over a population of 1,700 people. If the burden was increased people would walk out of their property and hand it over to the Council. If they looked after the health of the people, they could do without luxuries.

The Alayor was subjected to n number of interjections. Mr O. Huntley said they should complete (lie water and drainage scheme before undertakng any other works.

ATr Hornblow supported the motion and referred to the breach of faith hy the Council with the ratepayers in using the library loan money for the construction of the municipal chamber. Cr. Smith, in reply, objected to the Mayor’s reference to cheap popularity. The intellectual side of the community was worthy of consideration. Every local body in New Zealand had raised loans for public conveniences but Foxton’s Alavor was antagonistic to such things. He refuted the Alayor’s figures. The motion on being put was earned by an overwhelming majority. EASTON PARK SITE SELECTED. Cr. Ross moved and Air Jno. Ross seconded the following motion: — “That this public meeting approve id the proposal to submit to ratepayers a loan proposal to erect in Easton Park, at hack of entrance section, adjoining proposed swimming baths, a suitable building to provide a reading room and library and ladies rest room with nurse’s room, dressing rooms and conveniences." (Jr. Russ pointed out the advantages of the Easton Park site and submitted a sketch plan and layout as drawn up by Mr Vamham, architect. The Mayor moved as an amendment that the Council Chamber site be selected, but there was not seconder. Air R. Edwards said the site m proximity to the baths would be objectionable on account of the noise. After further discussion the motion was carried with three dissentients. . .

Tlie usual compliment to the cluiii concluded the meeting.