THE LOAN PROPOSALS.

Shannon News, 9 July 1926, Page 3

THE LOAN PROPOSALS.

DETAILS OF THE SCHEME.

On Tuesday evening next in the Maoriland Theatre, the Mayor and Councillors will place before the ratepayers of the Borough their proposals for raising a loan of £700 to renovate and make additions to the present Council Chambers, or for £10,000 to erect a new building, which will consist of Municipal offices, Municipal picture theatre to seat 350 persons, purchase of furnishings and fittings, social hall to accommodate 120 persons, library living rooms and ladies’ rest room. In respect to the first proposal this was placed before the ratepayers on November 13th last when it was thrown out by nine votes, 66 voting for and 75 against. It was understood at that time that several ratepayers considered they should have had an opportunity to vote on a loan proposal for a new building, and this was largely why the ratepayers threw put the proposal. We are of opinion that the real reason was that the ratepayers were not properly acquainted with what work the Council intended to carry out for the money. It is to be hoped that on Tuesday night the Council will place the facts clearly before the ratepayers, as there is no denying the fact that something has got to be done immediately in respect to the present building. Already the Health Officer has ordered certain improvements to be carried out to put the building in a sanitary condition, the cost of which is estimated at approximately £200. If the loan is again rejected these improvements will have to be carried out, which will mean that £200 will be practically thrown away, whereas for another £500 we will have a presentable and convenient building, which should last for many years to come, and by letting the office which is included in the scheme, it should bring in sufficient revenue to cover interest and sinking fund on the loan. The proposal provides for alterations which will consist of a new front to the building which will extend into line with the shops. This front will have a 42ft frontage by 15ft 4in in depth, with a large plate window front, folding doors to the main front and a private door to an office which is to be let. There is to be an attractive parapet of modem design in keeping with public buildings. All material used in the construction will be of the best. The present structure is to be raised at least 12 inches and a small portion of the under structure to be removed. Provision is made in the new addition for reading room (11ft by 15ft), main entrance hall 7ft wide, town clerk’s office 8 x 15, office to rent 8 x 15, with a private entrance lobby 5ft x 15ft. The portions to be renovated and painted are the present Council Chambers, while the library and living rooms are to be treated in such a manner that will conform with the Health authorities’ regulations. Additions to the rear of the present building consist of strong room 8ft by 6ft in ferro concrete, to be perfectly fire proof, also verandah, porch and washhouse complete. Permission has been granted by the Post and Telegraph Department for the use of 18 inches of their land to give a right of way of 4ft 6in in width giving access to a ladies’ rest room towards the rear of the building. The rest room will consist of a waiting room with washhand basin and up to date lavatory. In regard to the larger loan of £10,000 for a new building, we do not think the time is opportune for ratepayers to shoulder such a burden, which would mean with interest at 6 per cent, and 1 per cent, sinking fund a total of £700 per year would have to be found before allowing anything for insurance and depreciation. It has also to be remembered that if the Council undertake the running of Municipal pictures a sum equal to £25 per week would be necessary to place it on a sound business footing, It has been suggested that if the Council run the picture theatre, the public would get cheaper pictures, but with a seating accommodation ot only 350 persons and the high cost of running the same, this is very questionable. We agree with Cr Roberts, who stated at the Council meeting on Tuesday night that if Shannon wants to raise a big loan, it would be far better to spend it on a sewerage scheme than on a picture theatre.