THE CORONATION COMMITTEE AND THE COUNCIL.

Motueka Star, Volume II, Issue 87, 13 June 1902, Page 3

THE CORONATION COMMITTEE AND THE COUNCIL.

At the meeting of the sub-commit-tee of the Peace Demonstration Committee, held on Wednesday evening, a long and somewhat warm discussion, took place on the Council’s action in voting only £2O towards the festivities, to be held on the 26th instant. Mr McFarlane moved, That the BoroughCouncil be asked to grant a further sum of money in addition to the amount already voted. Mr R. Rankin, in seconding the motion, said such a combined event would, perhaps, never occur again. The amount voted was: altogether insufficient, and if the sum was not increased they would have to go round with the hat in order ta raise sufficient money to make it a success. He disapproved of the latter course and said it would be better to forego the celebrations than have a paltry demonstration. The Rev. Mr Wills characterised the action of the Council as discreditable ;asa body they had not shown themselves in sympathy with the movement to celebrate the coronation and proclamation of Mr W. J. Moffatt said the reflections were scarcely fair as the Council gave the matter every 'consideration. The councillors were as< loyal as any other members of the community, but in view of the state of the borough finances and the decision to keep down expenditure, it would be impossible for them, on the penny in the pound rate levied, to do more than carry out the ordinary requirements of the borough. The Mayor had said, at the last meeting of the Council, that rather than have a shabby turnout he would be prepared to levy an additional rate of one farthing. He (the speaker) had said that if the Mayor would move in that direction he would be prepared to support the motion. The Couneil had voted £2O, which would be handed over to the Committee. Were the burgesses sufficiently loyal to sanction a special rate of a farthing, the proceeds of which would enable them to pay oft the liability in connection with the hospital to be erected in Nelson, to vote the Committee the additional amount and to do something to recussitate the local brass band.

Mr R. Rankin said the meeting did not wish the Council to levy a special rate ; they simply wished them to stretch a point and vote the additional sum asked for. After further remarks from other speakers the motion was put and carried unanimously.