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Motueka Star, Volume III, Issue 117, 26 September 1902, Page 3

Another question affecting the constitution of the Motueka Borough Council was brought up at its last meeting by His Worship the Mayor, Mr J. 8. Wratt, who stated that he was in favor of reducing the number of Councillors to six or seven. The effect <»f such a reduction would mean the acceleration of the business brought up each meeting for discussion. In other parts of the C dony the same point is laised, as it lias been found that the increase in number of Conncilkus has not proved beneficial, and steps are being taken in the direction of reduction, which can be done in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1900, which provides (section 182, clause 2) that “the Council may (a) alter the total number of members of the Council,” and (clause 4) “the powers given by this section snail in each case be exercised by special order gazetted.” Clause 48 of the s line Act, which governs the number o: members provides that in the case of an undivided borough (such as Motue.ca) the Council shall consist of not tess than six nor more than twelve C mncillors, exclusive of the Mayor. vVe believe local councillors, as a body, favor a reduction, although deep down i.i the breasts of some there may lurk a suspicion that if the proposal is carried, the burgesses will lose their invaluable services and wise counsels. The fear is a groundless one, for if they have discharged their onerous duties with zeal, energy, and thoroughness the ratepayers will once more show tiieir appreciation of disinterestedness and attention to the needs of the Borough by giving them a seat at the diminished board.