FOXTON

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 259, 30 September 1940, Page 2

FOXTON

The commission set up to take evidence ip connection with the application by 51 property-holders in the eastern portion of the borough to have their properties taken out of the borough and inc.udcd in the Manawatu County, sat in Foxton. Mr A. M. Goulding, S.M., presided and associated with him were Messrs H. C. W. Mackintosh, Commissioner of Crown Lands, and R. Self {District Valuer, Palmerston North). The Court decided to visit the area mentioned in the petition and also the land lying between Union and Purcell Streets, and the land north of Lady’s Mile. Mr J. W. Rutherford represented the petitioners, Mr M. B. Bergin the Foxton Borough Council, and Mr A. K. Drew the Manawatu County Council. Mr Rutherford opened the case and made use of deductions supplied to the Court and prepared by the town clerk. Mr Trueman produced a statement, tables showing the rating charges, values of the areas, etc., concerning each property in the area. He was briefly cross-examined hv Mr; Ruthcrfurd. Mr B. G. Gower, a former Mayor of Foxton, gave evidence on beha'f of the petitioners. He considered 1 that the land proposed to bo severed would never be required for sub-division or building purpcse's unless there was some extraordinary development locally. Mr E. C. Thompson, in evidence, contended that his farming operations were severely hampered by the excessive rate charges he was called on to pay. To Mr Bcrgjn, witness said that to his knowledge the five principal farmers m tho area had all purchased their own properties 'or additional land during the last ton years, during which time no increase in rates had been levied on the properties. Mr J. G. Honorc, in evidence, said that he had started with nine acres and, bv steady buying, had now acquired 100 acres in the borough. He was supplied with water by the Borough Council, but he contended that his rates were crippling him. lie also owned land in the Manawatu County Council. Witness _ was cross-examined by Mr Bergin, this bringing to a close tho case for tho petitioners. Mr A. K. Drew explained the position from the viewpoint of the County Council, emphasising tho comparatively low valuatjon of this area compared with the valuation in the Manawatu County, tho length of roads in the comparatively small area, and the disproportion between tho. capital and unimproved values of the land in the area as compared with those of the land in. the surrounding county. Mr Bergin explained the Borough CouncjPs attitude, which, ho said, was one of friendly opposition to tho severance.’ He quoted at length from the town clerk’s schedules and statements. Prior to the closing of tho Court, the chairman complimented Mr Trueman on the thorough and detai’ed evidence and neatly tabulated forms presented to the Court, which Had greatly expedited the sitting. Mr Rutherfurd expressed his appreciation of tho attitude of the Borough Council and referred to tho help and assistance rendered by the town clerk, who, ho said, was the only person able to give the detailed information in this matter. He endorsed the chairman’s remarks concerning the . manner in which Mr Trueman had presented his evidence. In duo course the Commission will present its report to the Governor-Gen-eral. In the event of a severance. being made the property-owners concerned will still have to pay special rates to the Foxton Borough Council until tho last loan matures in 1966, in addition to rates to the Manawatu County Council.

Mrs L. Elliot, of • TCai Ivvi. is the guest of Mrs R. O. Hornblow, of TJiynne Street. Mrs R. 0. Hornblow presided over a meeting of the committee of the Horticultural Society. A statement in connection with tho spring show presented by the secretary (Mr V. E. Bryant) disclosed a satisfactory position. A motion of sympathy with Miss I. Robinson in her bereavement was passed. It was decided to hold tho summer show in November.

The death occurred . in the Wellington Hospital last, week of Mr George Ruffcll, who had lived in Foxton for many years before removing to Wellington last January to undergo treatment. For a number of years he worked for Mr J. M. Thomson, and was a member of the Foxton Bowling Club. A single man, he was a Canadian by birth. He had been in illhealth for the past year or two, and before going to Wellington he had been an inmate of the Palmerston North Hospital. where ho had undergone an operation.

Tho funeral of the late Mrs M. E. Robinson took place in Foxton, when' business premises closed for a short time as a mark of respect. Rev. G. B. Stote-Blandv and Canon G. Y. Woodward, vicar of All Saints’ , Church, Palmerston North, conducted the services at the house. All Saints’ Church (Foxton) and the graveside. Tho pallbearers wero Messrs N. and C. Robinson, H. Thynne, G. Tladficld, M. B. Bergin and H. Hughes.