THE Pukekohe and Waiuku Times PUBLISHED ON TUESDAY AND FRIDAY AFTERNOONS. TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 1917 TUAKAU'S LOAN.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 258, 13 March 1917, Page 2

THE Pukekohe and Waiuku Times PUBLISHED ON TUESDAY AND FRIDAY AFTERNOONS.

TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 1917 TUAKAU'S LOAN.

'We nothing extenuate, nor let down aught in malice."

Some opponents of progress at Tuakau are rejoicing at the difficulties that [are confronting the Tuakau Town Board in raising the money for the £12,000 loan recently sanctioned by the ratepayers for roading and other works. It is to be hopedt however, these objectors will have no cause for joy but that through persuasive arguments of the Board's Chairman v Mr Dynes Fulton) with the heads of Government Departments in Wellington some portion of the loan money may become available. War or no war such a rising township as Tuakau should not be compelled to remain at a standstill as it must do if its roads are not brought up to modern requirements Mr Fulton at the Town Board meeting refuted a current rumour that the Board would be unable to meet its liabilities at the close of the current financial year, viz., on the 31st inst., in the event of no loan money being available and he explained that the Board had been careful to see that expenditure to date had been strictly limited to income derivable from rates and overdraft. This, of course, is strict finance for which the Board deserves credit but had ,it been that monetary obligations were in excess of the legal limit the Board would have Keen fully justified in their action. Let us review the position. By a very decided majority the ratepayers approved of the proposed works being carried out. Then again, a loan during the currency of the wur is subject to tko Governor's sanction such this was duly obtaiued. Not only this but a promise was secured from the Public Trust office that the provision of the nicuoy could be relied on. Later, indeed, on the occasion of his visit to Tuakau the Minister for Internal Affairs (the Hon. G. W. Russell, M.P.), when difficulties of ability of the Government in one or other of its branches to lend the money were being hinted

at, gave the assurance that in the event of actual necessity his Department had a fund which he would place at the Board's disposal to some limited extent. Armed with this guarantee, not to speak of earlier expectations based on anticipated sources of revenue, the Board would assuredly have been justified in entering into contracts particularly feeing that the cost of material and the prices of labour were steadily using. But. according to Mr Fulton, the Board did not even do that. They only let such work as they were certain to be able to pay for. The possibility of the full scheme being delayed to an indefinite date is, however, disconcerting and it is to be hoped that as a result of Mr Fulton's visit to Wellington its progress even by piecemeal instalments may yet become possible. Too long has Tuakau been marking time but armed with authority from the ratepayers to make good past defects the Town Board may be relied upon, directly the necessary wherewithal is available, to proceed along the paths of progress with efficiency combined with economv.