MARTON BOROUGH ELECTION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXX, Issue 8698, 5 January 1907, Page 2

MARTON BOROUGH ELECTION.

Addresses by Candidates.

An unusually large number of rate- ■ payers and householders assembled at the Opera House, Marten, last evening to hear the views of the two candidates for the borough bye-election. A number of ladies were also present. Mr J. J. McDonald occupied the chair. He said it was a long time since ■“ candidates had taken the opportunity of expressing their views on municipal' matters before an election. This should be appreciated by ratepayers as it would assist them in forming their opinions; He trusted the election would be fought in a good spirit and that both candidates would be given a courteous hearing. It was hardly necessary to introduce Mr S. J. Gibbons, as he was well known.

Mr Gibbons, on rising, was greeted with applause. He said he had appeared before them in many different roles but it was tbs first time as a candidate for a seat on the Borough Council. He was sorry to say that it was owing to the serious illness of his father that he had been asked to contest the elcctiou. He (his father) had b cen obliged to retire from the election but be hoped they would recognise his father’s long services—upwards of 30 years—-by returning him at the head of the poll. He claimed he was the largest ratepayer in Marten and therefore was quite justified in contesting the seat. It was to his interest to see that careful administration of municipal affairs was carried out. It might be assumed that ho was too young to represent them and required more experience, but he reminded them of the fact that it was tho rising generation they should support because they bad to be looked to for future government. He had to first thank his opponent (Mr MeKldowney) for his consideration iu allowing him to speak the same evening. Bor his part he desired to see a fair contest. He had not had much time to study tho finances of the Borough but he would give his views as clearly as possible. Figures were then quoted, showing that the overdraft this year would be £3OO less than for the corresponding period last year. This was attributable to the increase in property values. They had two loans falling due towards the end of this year—a general loan of £7BOO and gas loan of £SOOO. Now these loans had to be met or refloated and ho had an idea of consolidating them. Another loan for the gas works had been recommended. These works had been paying handsomely—bringing in £3O to £lO profit each month. It was found necessary to provide a new gasometer and to extend the mains at the same time. If they went in for a loan of £2OOO it could be obtained at 4$ per cent and by consolidating the three loans they could get the money a little cheaper. This would bring the amount to £15,800. It would not be necessary to call upon the ratepayers for increased rates. A special rate of Is 4d would be sufficient for interest—4j per cent and 1 per cent sinking fund. The special rate was now Is Cd, so that the amount would be reduced by 2d, and this amount could be added to the general rate, bringing it to Is 9d, which would not mean any increase. Ho was against spending about £3OOO towards cost of improving the water supply. This sum would not be sufficient, and even if ‘Jin. mains were laid down they would not get the pressure required for fire purposes. He favoured a more comprehensive scheme, and was opposed to the proposal to get water from Mr Galpin’s Upper Tutaenui property. The expenditure would be enormous, and would simply mean a 4s rate. They were too heavily rated now. Ho fully realised the importa nee of an improved water supply scheme for lire purposes, because it would mean a reduction in insurance premiums. He had been reliably infermtd that it would take very little to induce companies to lift all risks from Marten on account of insufficient water supply. If elected, ho would introduce a scheme -for an unproved water supply. He advocated improvement to streets and footpaths, and urged that attention should be given to’the demands of residents in the back streets. Money could be borrowed—say, £2ooo—under Loans to Local Bodies Act, at the rate of 3-J per cent. These loans would run themselves out in 41 years, and revenue from the general rate could keep the streets in good repair. The loan would be carrying interest of about £7O, which could be paid out of general account without striking a special rate. Much needed improvement would then be effected to the streets and footpaths. It was too late to make any attempt to get the railway station shifted. The residents of Marton were in tho first place to blame for the removal of the station. If a siding was urged for Henderson’s crossing it would, result in Pukepapa station being done away 1 with altogether, and that was hardly 1 desirable. He believed it was the intention of the Government to remove the New Plymouth railway works to Marton Junction, so that in the event of this being given effect to it would : be useless to make any attempt to propose a more convenient site for a railway station. He was against the agitation for a reduction in coach fares. It was interfering with private enterprise, and coach proprietors already ! allowed liberal concessions by carrying children and luggage free. The ] charges were not exorbitant, and he ridiculed the idea that present charges made kept people away from Marton. A motor bus service would not pay. He had gone into this matter thoroughly, and found that expenses would bo a considerable item. It would cost £2OOO to purchase the cars, and ■ then two expert drivers, ticket collectors and an engineer would be required, besides the cost of erecting sheds, etc. He was not prepared to express an opinion on rating on unimproved value, but intended to obtain the fullest information on this question. In. conclusion, he hoped .electors would support his candidature, which would serve to show their appreciation of his father’s many years’ services to the Borough. (Applause.) A vote of thanks was aegorded Mr Gibbons for his address.

Mr J. McEldowney followed with a vigorous speech which was frequently applauded. He had not hoard his opponent’s full address but came iu when ho was discussing finance. As a rule those who had a lot to say about finance knew very little about it themselves. (Laughter.) His opponent was talking about borrowing money at 3£ per cent. (A Voice; He said 41 per cent). He had the advantage over him (the speaker) of being an engineer and knowing something about pipes, drains and motors, but it was hard to say what he knew about finance. He admitted he knew little about it himself. The Ratepayers’ Association, of which ho was president, had been charged with moving in the matter of getting Marton Railway Station shifted. He wished to deny this. With regard to the reduction in coach fares there had been considerable misrepresentation. The Association had recommended that fares be reduced to 6d and that a charge bo made for children and for a certain quantity of lugga.ge. The coach proprietors had been met fairly in the matter and it was found that the high price for horse feed did not warrant a reduction. It had been suggested that one month’s trial he given at 6d fares, and he had asked that, in the event of this experiment being run at a loss, the business people should make up the deficiency. The suggestion was not entertained and the matter ended, but it was again brought up at a subsequent meeting, and ultimately it was recommended that the Borough Council be asked to fix the fares at sixpence with the understanding that a conference between the coach proprietors and Council, be first held. He did not want the coaches to be run at a loss for the benefit of the business people of Marton. He did not wish to say anything connected with the extraordinary vacancy. But he desired to express his kindly feelings, and sympathy towards Mr Gibbons, sen., in his illness, and he was sorry that health did not permit him to seek re- f election. Ho felt that he would have had a fair fight. He declared that his. opponent would‘be a member .of the quartette who were working against the best interests pf the borough. That they were a dominant party could notf"

’ ftp denied, tei tty*,ai ask the Mayor, i j)r. Sutcliffe or Cr. ■' Grove if this was i * . kgot so. (A ToxoJm Ash Cr, Read). nTou don't understand the position re,/torted Mr MoEld&wney. If my op- "• 4 I ponent is electedA to-morrow things ; will remain as at present on the ConnI oil. It will mean ] promotion to Cr. t Bead. He will be tine leader, then my opponent will be tjhe next to dictate, and he will be followed by Cr. Little, and Cr. Dommctt will be the tail. (Laughter.) He urged that the quartette had no claim to be dictators on Marton borough affairs. The present ( 'Constitution of the Council was a farce, a ! nd the speaker added “ and if lam elected, and I know 1 will be (laughter and a voice ‘do not be too sure ’) I Would be one of the first to tender my resignation if my actions were contrary to the opinion of the majority of ratepayers.” (A Voice: Let us have some facts). Four months ago a majority of ratepayers had no confidence in the gentlemen now associated with his opponent and a public meeting called j upon them to resign. They did not do | so and the quartette have done nothing I since to lead ratepayers to change I their opinions. (A Voice: They have I got a water cart). They were going j from bad to worse. Cr. iltwd had de- I dared -his intention of n-Msuing if ‘ directed to do (Cm--.- of Ao. No.; * (This brought Mr .Read to (he floor ami I Raids’, confusion he was heard to .?i.y j , ut if the majority ot ratepayers who t 4 elected him wanted, hi ;i ir. resign I ]p would haw done .-o). He could not J fc?gct ‘h. - tho quartette opposed the § M fvobs motion in regard to the iDspiel’s incident. Tliis caused the • ratepayers to lose their confidence in Jthose gentlemen and their resignation m was demanded. But pressure was JH brought to bear and those Councillors

who had announced their intention of resigning had then broken their promise, thus losing all self-respect. He strongly denounced their action in | dismissing the Opera House caretaker i to wipe out old scores and animosities. 1 There was no legitimate reason for his dismissal. He then came to the question of printing and stated that the quartette proposed tho printing should be given to the Advocate on tho grounds that the proprietor employed a big staff and that the paper was a local institution deserving of support. Ho believed this action was taken to secure votes. (A Voice : Don’t you think the Advocate is entitled to a share ?) He would prefer that the printing should be done by tender. They had every reason to feel proud of the Advocate. The paper was second to none as a country journal in New Zealand. He was speaking from experience when he said it was the best advertising medium in the colony. Tho proprietor of the Advocate was a most consistent man.' He was a freetrader and believed in buying from the cheapest market, and he (the speaker) believed in doing the same. Ho was not in favor of a gas loan before expert advice had been obtained and until he was assured that I the gas works would pay interest on . i this expenditure. (Hear, hear). Ho was opposed to the present Council i i spending a single copper of loan money. ! If elected he would do his best to act i Independently and would not be attached to any party, and would undertake to see that the finances of tho borough were carefully administered. He endorsed Mr Gibbous’ remarks re- j ]

lating to improved streets and footpaths. He was no< prepared to commit himself in regard to extension of borough boundaries as he had not gone into this matter thoroughly. If the ratepayers were satisfied his opponent would prove a bettor representative their votes should be recorded in his favour as he did not wish to win the election by unfair practice. He hud been accused of being under the wing of the Mayor, but this was not so. He had not had three minutes conversation with the Mayor in connection with the election. He was free to support or oppose any motion that might be brought before the Council and he would support any scheme which would be to the best interest of ratepayers. His opponent had appealed for support because ho was his father’s sou. Well he (the speaker) was his father’s son also (laughter). He had been identified with the town for 20 years, and he piestioned whether he had an enemy in ;he community. (Applause). After a few questions had been asked i vote of thanks was carried by acclanation.