ADVANCE OTAKI.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 1 September 1920, Page 3

ADVANCE OTAKI.

I'OBWABD MOVE DISCUSSED. •A public meeting was held on Mon-,, day night in the Druids’ Hall for the purpose of considering various matters for the welfare of Otaki and the district generally. There was a good attendance, and Mr Harold Cockrell was voted to the chair. In his opening remarks the chairman stated that the meeting was called to consider the affairs of the Town Board,, discuss the borough proposal and, if necessary, to run a “ticket” for the election. In connection with the latter, however, it was hoped, he said, to avoid an election of commissioners and allow the present m'embers to retain office till the J borough matter was settled. Mr | Cockrell then asked Mr Brandon, I Chairman of the Otaki Town Board, to j address the meeting. j

Mr Brandon stated that nominations for the Town Board election would close on the Btli September, and that the election was due one week later. It was hoped to know the fate of the borough on the 10th October, and members of the Board had agreed to hold office during the interval and to give an undertaking in writing that they would resign in a body and thus allow of a contest, if necessary, after the borough proposal had been decided. In the ordinary course of events, if tbo borough were formed—and he hoped A would be —an election would take plats in April. Mr Brandon spoke of the benefits to be derived from a borough, pointing out that all must feel that a

change of local -government was imperative. The borough gave citizens a better status, they got the benefit of

legislation and were brought into lino with cities and town of importance. As a town district Otaki was looked upon as a small place. There was, he said, a deal of misconception as to the rating effect of the borough, it being

thought by ihauy that boroughs had unlimited powers of rating, but, as a matter of fact, town boards and boioughs were on the same footing in this respect, there being no difference in the powers of rating. Loans could

not be secured without the sanction of

i ratepayers, so there was no need for | alarm in this direction. Mr Brandon j stated he had addressed a meeting of j Natives recently and had pointed out j the advantages of a borough; they now

j wanted to know the disadvantages, j These he could not tell them, as there ! were none. Ho hoped on the day of the I poll all would roll up and vote for pro-

j The Chairman asked, in view of the poll on the half-holiday question, would there be much extra expense incurred in holding an election of commissioners'? I Mr Brandon assured the meeting that the extra expense would be considerable. Reverting to the formation of a borough, Mr Brandon stated that a deal of criticism had been levcllc J ' relative to the boundaries. It had ‘ been thought advisable, seeing there was no proper plan, to confine the area 1 to natural boundaries, and such have been suggested. There was no need for the petition against the proposed

borough, residents could simply wait on the commission and lodge their objections. The petition was not a fair move. In answer to Mr Williams. Mr Brandon stated that the commission had power tp diminish or iucreaso the proposed area, while in reply to Mr Vaughan he stated that after the poll had been carried the Council could apply to have the area increased, but this would mean additional expense. Mr Brandon said he hoped to see people from distant parts fuke up residence here —the climate was of the best, but other attractions were needed. He had known families, who wished to reside in Otaki, go -elsewhere because of lack of conveniences, such as water, lighting, etc.. The Chairman said there seemed no doubt that all present were in favour of the borough—it meant that anyone with interests would gain advantage, while as the town proper progressed so would the outskirts. He considered all present should pledge themselves to push the scheme, and considered water and light, could be got with but little trouble. Ouce they had such conveniences they would have no wish to revert to the old order of things. Mr r Rikihana said he was at present opposed to the borough, as he considered the Natives would get no

I 'Th Nieolsoit stated that ho had alwnvs been out for progress, anc would like to see the borough proposal

The Chairman expressed regret that Com. Rikihana did not favour the proposal. while Mr Norgrove considered improved roads, lighting, water, etc., would be beneficial to the Natives. Com. Rikihana said he would attenu the meeting of Natives, to be addressed by Mr Brandon, and if they then decided in favour he. would also gi' e

his support. . Mr Pole expressed himself in favour of* a borough, and feaid he knew several people who had taken up residence elsewhere because there were no conveniences in Ofaki. By forming a borough the residents had everything to „ Kiu and nothing to lose. He then moved. ‘ ‘ That this meeting of rate- - accord J Tla y ers rs borough’ movement r % to do everything in d . ward the proposal. mis wa but Com. 'Rikihana said the - desired to live on as they had done in the past, being quite satisfied mth .he present conditions. . Mr McMillan held that the caicr improvement wonld be in the centre ol the town; outside lands were not o> ■highly valued, and rates, no doubt, would be adjusted accordingly. Tlie Chairman pointed out that under the proposal a borough could be divided 1 into wards, and thereby the town por-

tion could be more heavily rated; and that if ratepayers did not wish water they could do without by paying half rate. . .

Mr Brandon pointed out that to have

wal'd!! it required a population of 1000 for each. A general fate could be spread over the whole district, while a special rate could be spread over the whole or a part. The motion was then put and carried unanimously. On the motion of Mr Albert Smith, seconded by Mr Irvine, it was decided to approve of the action of the commissioners in offering To hand ih their resignations when occasion arose. Mr Williams at this stage made an appeal for all present to join the Ratepayers’ Association. Mr Brandon, in support, considered it behoved all residents to do their best to push not only the borough movement but Otaki in general. He advised all to push on and do their bit for progress. Mr Williams pointed out that the Ratepayers’ Association gave their time and did their best, yet wore severely criticised for doing so. It w'Ould be nice to have a large membership so that advice would come not only from a few but from many; It was an uphill game to push Otaki, but the Association fully appreciated what the members of the Town Board had done. Deputations had been cordially received and their requests given every consideration. The Board had worked in harmony throughout, and had not simply “received” letters as other bodies had been in the habit of doing. Mr Norgove, in proposing a very hearty vote of thanks to Mr Brandon, eulogised the good work he had done as chairman of the Town Board. Mr Braudon, lie said, had devoted much time and labour for the welfare of the town, and the best thanks of ratepayers were due to him. This was I || seconded by Mr .St. George and car- [ ried.