PAPAKURA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 395, 26 July 1918, Page 1

PAPAKURA.

TOWN BOARD ELECTION. PROGRESSIVE PARTY ACTIVE. MR. GILLESPIE'S STATEMENT. With the biennial Town Board elections due to take place next September, interest in Papakura in the forthcoming contest is already keen. The existing position is that, with the exception of Mr. Campbell, all the present members of the Town Board are united in advocating a continuance of the progressive administration now being pursued, but opposition is likely to come from those of more "moderate " views.

As a preliminary to the campaign that is to be instituted, Mr. R. M. Gillespie (the Chairman) announced at a special meeting of the Board held on Monday that, in deference to the wishes of several deputations that had waited on him, lie had re-considered his decision to resign membership of the Board, and he would be a candidate at the forthcoming election with a view of assisting to secure the endorsement by the electors of the Board's forward policy. He intended at an early date to call a public meeting and to address the electors on the needs of Papakura. so that the "progressives " might raise a " ticket" as against that started in other quarters in opposition to the Board. He hoped that even Mr. T. D. Campbell might see his way to range himself with the other progressive members of the Board.

Mr. W. Richardson mentioned that he had been asked by a ratepayer, who was keenly interested in the subject, his views as to adopting rating on unimproved values, and a suggestion had been made that a meeting should be called so that the question could be discussed. Mr. Richardson added that he had referred the ratepayer to the Chairman, who would no doubt deal with the matter.

Mr. Markwick expressed great pleasure at hearing Mr. Gillespie's decision. He was confident that th 4 district had never had a chairman, equal to Mr. Gillespie, who had shown his ability to carry out progressive measures of a permanent nature, and who had discharged his duties in a thorough business-like manner. The greatest credit was due to him, and he personally was pleased to know that he had decided to stand again. In the future he hoped a more give-and-take principle would be adopted by their critics, as such would tend to more satisfactory work being accomplished. Too much talk had been going on about rates, but good roads could not be formed unless money was spent, and if rates were kept low it meant poor roads. Mr. Markwick added that he was a strong supporter of rating on unimproved values. Mr. Campbell questioned if the roads were anything like so good as years ago, and made some reference to only 182 yards of metal being used for road purposes.

The Chairman hinted to Mr. Campbell that he ought to see that he was not misled, and then added that he would deal with hiin at the proper time. Mr. Gillespie also claimed that the roads had not deteriorated, but had improved, despite increased traffic. After this little " breeze " the meeting dispersed, all the members, with the exception of Mr. Campbell, expressing determination to support Mr. Gillespie in furthering the progressive policy of the Board, with a view of securing its continuance after the election.

A start with the adornment of the walla of the Papakura Town Board's office is to l>e made by the attachment therein oi a framed and enlarged photograph of the late Mr. James Walker, the Board's first chairman. At the last ordinary monthly meeting of the Board the chairman (Mr. R. M. Gillespie) mentioned that, on referring to the Board's past history, hj« had found that the late Mr. Walker wag elected chairman on the Board's tormation in 1882, and then held office for five years. In 1890 he was reappointed to the post, which he retained until 1908, his tenure of the chairmanship thus totalling 23 years altogether. During that time he worked must unselfishly for the good of the district. He (Mr. Gillespie; accordingly thought that it would be « graceful act on the part of tha Board if they perpetuated the memory of their first chairman by displaying hit portrait in the Board's office. Mr. Gillespie's suggestion was unanimously adopted. ONEWHERO. At a meeting of dairy suppliers and farmers held on Tuesday of last week in the Publio Hall, Onewhero, and convened by the New Zealand Dairy Association, Mr. R. Glasgow presiding an interesting address on the past season's work was delivered by Mr. M. Shaw, the Association's local representative. As the result of information piven by the speaker, it was decided to take steps V'Wards the erection at an early date of a casein factory Names of those willing to cooperate in this direction were submitted, and the feeling was unanimous in favour ef tha project.