SHANNON BOROUGH AFFAIRS.

Shannon News, 13 March 1923, Page 3

SHANNON BOROUGH AFFAIRS.

RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION FORMED.

On Thursday evening a meeting of ratepayers, convened by Messrs. A

H. Morgan, B. F. Spencer and J. Varley Burns, was held in the Parish Hail for the purpose oi forming a Ratepayers’ Association, there being about thirty ratepayers present. Mr Morgan, one of the convenors, in opening the meeting, said lie was pleased to see,, such a representative gathering. In asking those present to elect hf chairman, lie pointed out that it was necessary in such an Association that the chairman should not be I a member oi' the Borough Council. i Mr B. F, Spencer was then elected chairman, and Mr A. H. Morgan hon. secretary. Mr Morgan gave an outline ol Hie formation "and purposes of such an Association. He stated lie bad beeu asked repeatedly “What are you going to do with the Borough Council?”; ‘,‘ls the Association- being formed to criticise the Borough Council I” He said emphatically “No.” The Association was for'; a greater purpose than for criticising the Council or Individuals. In the big towns an Association Was not so necessary as in the small ones, because as a place grew the Association gradually dwindled away. Often ilie smaller Councils were working in the '’dark and under-estimated wlial was required, and the Association would act as a buffer between the Council and the public on petty questions. Before putting any matter before them they would have to be sure of tlieir ground. As regards membership of the Association, it was usual for others than actual ratepayers to become members, as married women could nominate in writing their husbands to represent them. The executive must consisi of non-councillors, as they would have more liberty to discuss questions and be able to approach tiie Council unbiassed.. It was nonpoJitieuJ, politics being-a private mailer between ratepayer and citizen in 'the event of outsiders, who felt lie .or she' was not- capable, or would not receive a sympathetic hearing, and the Association was satisfied they had a bona-fide case, it, would assist them. They would have a representative at all borough meetings, outside committee meetings, who would place a l l the doings of the Council before the Association. They did not want to criticise but- to help the Council. Tie stated councillors could attend the Association’s meeting. He then invited questions from those present b' 1 - 1 lore forming the Association, including councillors. He would like 1o hear their views.. Cr. E. Spencer: Re expenses of Association, is there to be an annual subscription? Mr Morgan: A nominal one of practically 2/6. per annum, according 10 number of .members. It all the rale payers in the borough joined, 1/ pinannum would cover expenses. Cr. Hyde said the proposed formation pf the Association had given him great pleasure, and those responsible for bringing about the meeting were to be complimented. He said it was a step in the rigid direction, as every move of this kind’meant progress, i was not wise to leave everything to the Council. Shannon had a great future; and many people i won Id be. surprised to learn that’ during the past ten years it had nearly doubled in population, and he shw no reason why it should not pass Levin, as they had surrounding them about 40,000 acres of land, which’, when cut. up, would place Shannon in the centre of a large dairying district. The formation of the Association ywould be for the betterment of the town, and as I bey had just carried the water loan, the Association could give great lie Ip. 'There were several tilings re quired in the town, bat they wanted men to push them along, and be felt sure tiie Association would be very beneficial in that direction. As a means of defraying the. expenses ol the Association, be thought it best to raise funds by entertainments instead of subscription. Cr. Fargher: I would like the executive to know that the. councillors did not come to the meeting to criticise, but to co-operate, and lie wished the Association every success. The Council would be only too pleased tu have their representative at its meet-

ings. Cr. Spencer endorsed. Cr. Fargher’s remarks. Mr Clayton: If we form this Asso r eiation wu must not criticise but help. All must he workers. If not, don't form it. Cr. Murray skid at one time he had thought of a Chamber of Commerce, but it the Association was started on a good footing and got genuine workers it would be of great . assistance, and he was sure the Council would help. ilie chairman thanked the Borough Councillors for their support. The motion “That, a Ratepayers’ Association be formed in Shannon,” moved by Mt Sinclair and seconded

by Mr H. Hook, was then carried unanimously. The following were! elected an. executive: Messrs! Clayton, Franks, Burns, Quarrie, Dowries, Hook and Booker. . The chairman then asked lor questions. Mr Clayton: What, about arranging subscriptions and what constitutes a member? ~ - The chairman asked if any person had suggestions to make. Cr. Murray: At present we have only a vague idea of what the subscription should he. The chairman: The executive will have to canvass ratepayers to see who wish to join, and until that is done a subscription could not he fixed. He thought Cr. Hyde's idea re entertainments was a good one. Cr. Hyde said he would like to make it quite clear re entertainments. Jhey would need money now, hut it was in the future lie was referring to. It was necessary to have subscriptions. for the first twelve months to carry on with.

Mr Downes: A good idea; 2/6 is not going to stop them if they have the interest of the town at heart..

Cr. Murray: Eighty ratepayers at 2/6 is not going far. ", Mr Gunning moved, and Mr Downes seconded, that the membership fee be 2/6 per annum.—Carried. Cr. Spencer: As far as lie could see, the heaviest expense would he hire cf hall, and as-it was for a public benefit he thought arrangements could be tnade for-the use of the Council Oh ambers.

Tfiose. present were then /invited to become members of- the Association., all in the room joining. - ,