THE LOAN PROPOSALS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 62, 15 March 1913, Page 3

THE LOAN PROPOSALS.

(To the Editor Stratford Post.) Sir, —Wiiy does Mr W. D. Anderson hope that all the borough loan proposals will be thrown out by the ratepayers ? Is it because ho had, while he lived in Stratford, all the advantages the town could offer in the shape of good roads, good paths, and an excellent water service? Did ho raise his voice against the expenditure incurred by the borough in giving a good' road and a good path to serve one house, the house he lived in? To save Mr Anderson a few pounds by way of rates we, 1 who have to reach our homes by unformed streets, and muddy footpaths, must votS against the loans. Mr Anderson has stamped himself with the hall-mark of unprogressivcness. May Auckland be proud of her new citizen t— l am, etc., PROGRESS. Stratford, 15.3.13. THE LOAN PROPOSALS. STRATFORD BOROUGH.

To the Ratepayers,— Ladies and Gentlemen.—Your decision in connection with the loan proposals, at the poll on Wednesday next, will have a very material bearing on the progress of Stratford; a decision negativing raising any loan must necessarily have a prejudicial effect on the progress of our town, while an affirmative poll for at least a portion of the proposed total amount must mean progress. When elected Mayor I advocated a loan of £15,000, and my principal reason for desiring the loan proposals placed before you in' separate issues was to enable you to vote for that amount or more as you may wish.

Notwithstanding contrary opinions that may be held as to the advisability of raising a loan, and the statements made in the press against the loan proposals, I most earnestly urge ratepayers to vote for at least the water and drainage issues, as being most essential and in the best interests of the borough. An abundant supply of good water together with an efficient sanitary system are the first essentials of a modern town. Under the loan proposals the water scheme covers the completion of the reticulation system throughout the borough and purifying the supply. The drainage loan provides for draining the most populated parts of the town with an efficient system and a newly-constructed septic tank; also under this loan £ISOO would be provided to enable ratepayers to inatal drainage and sanitary conveniences on their properties, payment to he made bv instalments. («

Concerning the streets improvement portion of the loan proposals, I may say that all the work has been very carefully scheduled, and if money is not raised for this work at the present time, it will bo necessary to do so later. In the matter of borrowing, all progressive concerns, from a small business to large companies, also the Government of a country, find it imperative to borrow for development purposes. Over-borrowing is all we have to fear, and when it is considered that the public debt of Stratford is only £42,89!) and the capital value of the borough £44)7,606, it will be readily realised that a very wide margin is left to borrow upon, while keeping well within a proper limit. The total rate of the borough does not exceed 4 33-80 d in the £. Whatever sum is borrowed, you may rest assured that the expenditure will be made over a reasonable period and not spent hurriedly.

The fact is to lie realised that tlie town of Stratford is not keeping pace with the development of the surrounding country, and to the end of making our town the chief commercial centre of this prosperous district a vigorous development policy is necessary within the confines of the borough. In conclusion, as it is only possible to get a proper indication of your wishes on the loan proposals by a large percentage of ratepayers recording their votes, I would appeal to all ratepayers to exercise their privilege of voting.—Yours sincerely, W. P. KIRKWOOD, Mayor.