"GIVE US OUR OWN."

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 12, 29 May 1912, Page 3

"GIVE US OUR OWN."

Edinburgh St. Deputation. Another large deputation waited on the Pukekohe Borough Council at last week's meeting with respect to Edin-burgh-street. Mr. Mclntyre pointed out that the Council at its previous meeting agreed to spend about £l4, provided the ratepayers paid £5. If the Council spent the difference between the two amounts —or say £6 or £7—that would do all the people were asking for. The Mayor said they were all agreed that the work was needed, and it should be one of the first undertaken ; but it was a matter of expediency with the Council. If they granted this application they must agree to ether requests in the same way. Cr. Lawrie reckoned that these people were more entitled to a footpath than anybody else in Pukekohe. They talked about their difficulties, but the borough w«s perfectly sound. The Mayor agreed about the soundness of the place, but their financial difficulty was an immediate one. So far as. he could ascertain there were liabilities on the water works accounts, over and above the loan, of between £3OOO and £3500. The road from Dell's corner to the factory, although already overspent, would perhaps require another £3OO to complete it. They had several thousands of pounds to meet, and they had to get the money. If the borough were sued, it might, not only be for the amount owing, but for damages as well. The putting in of an official receiver might follow non-payment, and while the money owing was coming in for rates there would not be a penny spent on the roads. Mr. Cooper pointed out that although the houses in the area affected had increased from one to seventeen in number, not a penny had been spent in Fdinbugh or Tobin-streets. After further general discussion, Cr. Johns moved that if the people level the footpath the Counoil will supply metal chips to form a path oit wide and 1 .Jin deep. Cr. Lawrie seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr. Cooper by permission, asked a question relating to an alleged expenditure, to which the Mayor replied that tho proper peoplo to answer that question wero the peoplo who spent the money. " When we get a statement," said tho Mayor, "if wo ever do- get it, it will not only bo a duty but a pleasure to lot tho poople know all about it." Mr. Andrew said that £67 (0a was

put down against Hanis-street, and h asked if the intended to go into the question of ovor-expenditure to see if it were legal. The Mayor said that until they got the returns that had been a*ked for a discussion on the financial question could not be reopened. Mr. W. Eoulston suggestel that the 10 per cent contingency money on the loan should be applied for. The Mayor thought they should apply and get a definite answer as to whether they could get a loan, as the (ircumstances were special, from the Government.