The Motueka Star PUBLISHED TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS. “Te Ora Mota Iwi.” FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 1903.

Motueka Star, Volume IV, Issue 147, 16 January 1903, Page 3

The Motueka Star PUBLISHED TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS. “Te Ora Mota Iwi.” FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 1903.

His Worship the Mayor gave notice of motion at the last meeting of the Motueka Borough Council in the direction of reducing the number of councillors from nine to six. That is, instead of ten persons being called together at least once a month during the year to administer the affairs of the borough, his Worship - is of opinion the business could be transacted by the lesser number, efficiently, and with possibly greater despatch. In giving notice Mr-Wratt said that he did so out of no disrespect for the present councillors, and. in referring to the matter we are actuated by the same motive, namely, that as at present constituted the Council is, numerically, out of proportion to the volume of business which has to be considered and dealt with. City and borough councils in other parts of the colony have and are moving in the direction of reduction, for which provision is made in the Municipal Corporations Act passed by Parliament. The bulk of the present councillors are, we believe, in favor of the proposal to reduce, and if carried at the usual monthly meeting in February next, the new council to be elected in March, can be chosen from the present members and others who aspire after municipal honors. The proposal is, we believe, a step in the right direction, although we are told by a very hio-h authority that “in the multitude °of councillors there is wisdom.” Whilst writing on municipal affairs we may remind the burgesses that besides having to elect a new Council, they will be called upon during the month of April to select a resident to act as Chief Magistrate of the Borough of Motueka for the year following the date mentioned. During his term of office, the present occupant of the position, Mr John Stuart Wratt, has carried out the duties in a most satisfactory manner, proving himself an excellent chairman, having the respect of his tellow councillors and we believe the confidence of the burgesses as a whole. Under the circumstances we trust he will be asked, and agree, to fill the responsible position for another twelve months. The finances of the Borough are in a satisfactory state, with every indication that the present overdraft will gradually diminish ; another reason wishing to see the present Mayor occupying the chair during 1903-4.

There is evidently some misunderstanding in connection with the application sent to the Borough Council bv Mr Charles Lewis asking that body to support him in obtaining Government aid to prospect at and in the locality of Tableland. Councillors were fully under the impression that all that was needed was their official support and recommendation to enable Mr Lewis and his party to get Government aid, but it has been found that according to the regulations under the Mining Act 1898 it is provided that “the Minister may grant subsidies not exceeding pound for pound in respect of moneys expended by any local authority.” This condition will of course render inoperative the resolution passed at last meeting of thegOouncil, for the simple reason

that they have, we believe, never been approached for assistance and if they had the state of the Borough’s finances and the fact that the territory is beyond their jurisdiction, would have at once put the request out of court.