LOAN PROPOSALS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 513, 12 March 1920, Page 2

LOAN PROPOSALS.

: PROPAGANDA NEEDED. 1 COUNCIL DISCUSSION. The matter of holding a public meeting of ratepayers to discuss the loan proposal was discussed at a ' special meeting of the Borough Couni cil on Tuesday night. Cr. Bilkey said the public should be properly educated up to the advantages of short-dated loans, which could probably be renewed at a lower rate of interest than at present. The clerk explained that as only a small amount of the loan would be called up from time to time, it would be renewable, and certainly not be necessary to pay back within ten years. The loan could not be worked economically in, say, a 36 years' term. As had been done previously, a renewal could be made by means of debentures—an absolutely safe investment for any investor. Cr. Armstrong contended that the borough had to go either forward or backward, and it could not go forward without the money. Up to a certain point, the Chamber of Commerce had done good work. Exercising its legitimate functions, it had asked for explanations on certain points, and these should be fully explained. Members considered it would be more informative to send circulars to every ratepayer, explaining the proposals, than to hold a public meeting. As a rule, only those who were hostile attended such meetings. Cr. Armstrong consideerd that if the proposals wre fought for by all th councillors, and the various matters fully explained, the loan would be carried. Some people criticised the ability of the councillors; the lighting system was also criticised, and the reason for this was that the plant too small for the load, alß|Wf?sequently was overburdened af times. The extensions would have to be made, otherwise no further houses could be connected. All the objections raised could be very easily answered. The borough should be worked systematically by personal propaganda by councillors. The Mayor said it was a foregone conclusion that, if the loan was carried, the general rate could be re- | duced by 'jd in the £l. Cr. Hamilton said the drainage and sewerage service would wipe out the £3OO a year now paid for sanitary service. The Mayor referred to the many cases of fever in the town. Drainage must come. The town hall site was next discussed, the Mayor stating that the public should have the right to say where the hall site should be. It was generally agreed that Mr. Wm. Roulston's offer was a good one, though the site was not suitable. The question could be settled by referendum. A resolution was passed thanking .Mr. Roulston for his generous offer, anhl that it be accepted conditionally <in the carrying of the loan and the \erdict of t the people on the hall site question. It was finally decided against a public meeting, and that, instead, the finance committee draft a circ«lar for distribution. It was pointed out that some of the roads specified in the loan proposal were already metalled, and thai therefore there would probably be money available for other roads. Members considered that if baths were placed at the disposal of the school children at certain hours of the day a subsidy would be available.