Patea and Hawera.

Patea Mail, 19 May 1882, Page 3

Patea and Hawera.

The race between these neighboring boroughs is becoming keener. Patea seemed to be gaining until lately, having got first incorporated. Hawera then put 6m a spurt, and is keeping it up with energy. One good: reason for this is that Hawera residents pull together with a heartiness which is not often equalled in public movements at Patea, The latest evidence is the successful ; starting of a Gas Company. Courage Pnd public spirit were shown in carrying ‘ the loan of,five thousand pounds through the formal stages with admirable promptness, as if the new Borough Council meanUto make Hawera what they fondly believe it ought to be—the “ leading city of the Plains.” In adopting the loan scheme, there was no time lost in surveys or elaborate reports on local works. Permanent levels had been taken before, and the Council needed only to estimate the proposed formations, gravelling and sewering. It has been different at Patea j for here., the streets had to be surveyed anew Before levels could be fixed ; and we cannot see how this work could have been got. through in less time than Mr Beere has occupied, before making his lengthy and elaborate . report on levels and proposed formations .and sewerage. Now that the Patea report is the estimates are finished as required, the; scheme of works to be executed out of loan is being advertised four., consecutive weeks, after whic[i a public, meeting can bo held for discussion of the loan scheme in,ail its details. We suppose tlie meeting can be held about a week hence, arid it is desirable that the date should be fixed and announced. The vote of ratepayers will: not need a majority of bnefiflh to carry the. loan: scheme. We. find that by an amendment Act, ;,a clear, majority of ratepayers is sufficient. to carry a loan proposal. This supplementary Act does not state whether voting on a loan means a single vote for each ratepayer, or several votes to those whose valuations entitle them to more than oneSin election voting,.; The presumption: is that the. voting should be according, to • value. ; In either case,’ a clear majority of the whole ratepayers is needed to carry, a loan; proposal . It will be strange'indeed, and a sad evidence of disunion, if this £6,000 .ilban cannot- be • carried by ah ample majority. :■