The Aroha ANO Ohinemuri News AND UPPER THAMES ADVOCATE.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 283, 21 July 1888, Page 2

The Aroha ANO Ohinemuri News AND UPPER THAMES ADVOCATE.

' Tins above all — lo thine ovin self be true, And it must follow as the night the day Thou etmst not then be fnlsc to any n->an. — Shakespeare.

SATURDAY, JULY 21, IBS 3.

THE BOROUGH QUESTION. Ix fulGlmcnt~of the promise vecentlj' made to our readers, we'" proceed to deal with that important question which is ius'o now agitating the minds of many local lesidenls, viz., the advisability of Te Aroha and Waiorongomai uniting at this time for the pirpose of constituting a Borough to include the Waiorongomai and Tui goldsfields, as has been proposed. We shall also, as promised, lay very impoitant facts and figures before our readers for their careful consideration. ' We rtpear, facts and figures ; not mere estimates such as we have already heard so much of — estimates of a most grossly " one-sided character, utterly unreliable, most misleading, and which it is difficult to understand how any man (much less a member of the Piako County Council), assuming to bo an authority with respect to the question under consideration, could deliberately 1 put fonv.'trd as trustworthy. Mr Mills, who (together with his associates) appears to be so terribly anxious, for some reason or other, to commit the lesidents of Te Aroha and Waiorongomai to the responsibilities of a Borough, was requested at the public meeting held at Waiorongomai on last Tuesday evening — having, in the course of his remarks urged the people to get clear of the Piako County Council, whom ho referre) to as receiving all and giving but little in return — to state ivhat the income and expenditure of the Te Aroha i Rilling for the past financial year had amounted to, and in reply said he could not tell. Mr Munro, chairman of the I meeting, and one of the Borough committee, was also requested to supply the the information, but with i\o better result. Both these gentlemen were also repeatedly pressed to give f ever so approximately, what they thought the liability that would attach to a Borough if fanned would be, but the only reply that, could be elicited was " They could not tell — had no idea,etc\" Vciily nice would- le legislators! Eut to return to real facts and figures, which have such n very important bearing on the question under consideration. We do not purpose wearying our i readers with a multitude of details, but to give the condensed facts (not estimates) as obtained fiom the books of the Piako County Council, which (as we presume all our leaders are aware of) have yearly to pass tha keen scrutiny of the j Auditor-General, and a voucher for every item of receipt and expenditure must be , forthcoming before lie will certify the t.ifcpment of accounts as correct. In giving these figures there will be no occasion to <io back prior to the year in which t l io work of constructing the conuiy tramway was enteied upon.

Tl. £20,943 3 10 T). £32,502 10 2 [Th* 1 receipts oC 3888, as above, include the fir*t year's lent of Tramway paid in advance.] The above figures — tlic accuracy of which we challenge the Borough ". agitators, those who say Piako County Council with respect to To Aroha Hiding receives all fmd gives back nothing, and all others to disprove— show thnt during the six years ending, 3 1st March last, Piako County Council received from Te Aroha Riding, including Government grants and subsidies £2G,943 3s 10 ; whilst during the same period they expended in Te Aroha Riding £32,502 19s 2d ; in other words they expended £5559 15 4d duiing the period referred to more than they received from it. But we wish to reduce the amount as low as it is possible to do so, and therefore deduct from the above £3000 granted Council through lion Mr Larnach in 1886, on condition that Council provided £3000 more by levying a general rate over the whole county of |d in the £ (which they did) ; for we consider that £3000 should be credited to the Te Aroha Riding, although it was granted to enable the Council to reduce their tremendous overdraft, incurred through expenditure on the County tramway. If this £3000 is then deducted, it will still show that the Council expended £2559 15s 4d more than the receipts from all sources. In other wouls, or the past siv years Piako County Council have expended in Te Aroha Hiding on an average £42G per annum ! more than they have received from, or on account of. the Rising ; or at the rate of L8 per week for the past six years more than they received. Including the £3,000 last referred to, I the total amount received by the Council from Government towards the cost of constructing the County tramway was | 1,12,000. j j So much then for the main facts and j figures. J Now for a few minor details of recent date which may prove of interest. Tt has been stated the Council have expended scarcely anything on goldfield roads and tracks of lato. Asa matter of fact this branch of expenditure for the past two years and a half (ending March 31st, 1888), amounted to L 457 18s ; L 227 8s lOd of that amount being provided by Government. The total amount received from Te Aroha separate rate account for the year ending 31st March, 1888, was LI 3I Iss 3d ; from thence to 30th June last, L 3 9s Gd ; whilst there was expended during the corresponding periods on separate rate account within the Riding, LISG 7s 2d, and L 39 I9s Gd. As was stated at the last meeting of the PiaUo County Council in reply to Cr Murphy, Te Aroha Separate Rate account, as a whole, was in debt to the extent of £202 10s 7d, on 30th June last. For the past three months ending June 30th, the total receipts from the Te Aroha Riding were L 163 I3s 9d, whilst (he monies actually expended, together with works authoiised within the Riding during the same period amount to L 204 8s 9d (and include repairs to Upper Hill track, LB5 10* ; Te Aroha-Wnio-rongomai road, L2O ; Gordon Settlement road, L 35 ; do , approaches to Wairakau bridge, Ll4 ; draining Graham street, Waiorongomai, (estimated at L2O, but which has been let for LI3 10s), L2O, etc. etc. ; and to which must b3 added Engineer's fees, etc. With respect to LSIB which the Council should have received for tramway haulage ; as a matter of fact they never have received it so far. So much for facts and figures as regards the manner in which Piako County Council have treated the Te Aroha Riding. We say, and we think any impartial man will say, Piako County Council have acted towards this Riding in a manner unsurpassed for liberality (and so far as we are aware unequalled), by any local governing body in New Zealand. As compared with the foregoing facts and figures — what could a Borough Council do for the gold Geld, with its very limited influence, and with practically no security to offer for the advance of monies that might be urgently needed to open up new discoveiies, etc? And now a few words respecting the probable liability that would attach in the event of separation being obtained. It is urged by the " would bo " Boroughites that the Borough would only have to take over i<s proportion of actual outstanding liabilities at date of separation, which they say would be only its proportion according to rateable value and population at date of separation. This might be so if any or all the other Ridings were concerned in the amount of bank overdraft, but the AuditorGeneral would find on investigation of thn books, that every other Riding ivithout exception, save Te Aroha, have always been in credit ; therefore it surely follows as plain as night follows day that were it not for Te Aroha Riding (that portion too now to be cut off) there would be no overdraft whatever, and that therefore the said amount of overdraft at date of scpaiation should reasonably be all charged against the Borough •, and would it not be a fair and just award ? This is assuming that the Riding debt of L 7,200 (or deducting the la#t Government grant 0fL3,000, L 4,200) would

not bo taken into actual account in the adjustment of assets ami liabilities; although it is difficult, to suppose the fact of such a. debt existing would not' weigh in Councils favour. The Councils bank overdraft at the end of the last financial year, according- to the published balance sheet amounted to L2'115. The Borough would also have to take over its share of other Te Aroha Riding debt?, such as L 473. proportion of Converted Debentures under Roads nnd Bridges Construction Act ; L2OG2 10s, Debentures in repayment of loan for road to Gordeii Settlement. Proportion of Hospital and Charitable Aid contribution, etc. Then as regards the County Tramway, we are of opinion that its being leased) | clear of all liability, for a period of ten years at LI 00 a year, would be all in favour of Council who would lose this revenue which represents interest on L2OOO at five pei*bhnt. The tramway is an asset of the whole County ) and as such would probably bo valued (no doubt at a very small sum, as compared with the cost of its construction^, and charged against the Borough, as one of the souices of County revenue, although up to the present the Council have expended in tl-e Riding any monies they have derived from it. And what about the rolling stock, etc. of the tramway, set down in the last County balance sheet as a County asset valued at L9so,— is the Borough to step in and take possession of this also without compensating the County who provided the funds to place it there ? And what about the Tui gold field, — is Ohinemuri County to be deprived of that source of levenue without compensation, or without accepting a, proportion of the liability of that ccunty ? But surely we need not proceed further) the foregoing facts and figures are sufficient to convince any thinking man that in all probability the liability that would have to be accepted in the event of a Borough being formed would be very great' — far too great to make it desirable for so small a community to voluntarily undertake, at any rate at present, seeing the County are expending in the Ruling and on the goldfield what they receive from it. Could a Borough do more ? Would any one ask the Coirty to go on rating the other Ridings for the benefit of Te Aroha? Have they not done justice to the Riding and exerted their influence to the utmost in obtaining large grants, subsidies, etc., for it? They have already paid for inlerest on Te Aroha loan for Gordon Settlement road (although thp loan lias been so very recently obtained) £9G 19s Gd in excess of special rate? received on account of thai loan, and which are to that extent already in arrears. We have now as clearly as possible laid before our readers the actual position of affairs, as viewed from our stand point. We want them now to give the matter that careful consideration its importance demands. Let all be don<» that it, is possible to do before faking any decisive step to have a Borough constitute !, towards asceitaining from the best available authorities what the liability is likely to be, We do not take it upon us to say to local residents " Do not form a Borough" — if, after the fullest impartial enquiry has been made, it can be shown the liability that would attach would not ho too great, that there is something wherewith to meet it, mid also to justify theidea that weshould a?a community be better off, our goldfield better cared for, our taxation no heavier than at present. We are deeply interested in the welfare of this district, are anxious for its prosperity, are jealous that the goldfield shall not be crippled and the place steeped in debt and taxation ; and therefore hav<\ as in duty bound, put the matter honestly before our readers as we view it. But if after all it is deemed desirable to form a Borough, and such is done, none would be better pleased than we should to find the burden to be accepted was n light instead of a heavy one. The Borough form of government is rio:ht enough in itself, it is this goldfield liability that in our opinion makes it undesirable for Te Aroha and Waiorongomai to constitute themselvc9 into a Borough to include the goldfield, at present. The Borough form of government although efficient, is an expensive one, and would require various paid officers : And the ambition to become a Mayor, Borough Clerk, or Foreman of Works, is a very laudable one, although of course the rest of the community would have to pay for its gratification. In conclusion we would only add, that whatever the liability might be that would attach to the proposed Borough it would have to be met, and that, so far as wo can see, largely by personal security. Unfortunately there is no land at present available that we could even ask Government for as an endowment, with a reasonable prospect of promptly obtaining it. Goldfields revenue is too fluctuating to be accepted as security to auy amount worth mentioning, goldfiold's duty must bo classed in the same category ; as scarcely a Session passes without an effort being made to reduce ifc or do away with it altogether. The tramway will yield £100 a year, but that is only assured for ten years. A 1 rate of fd in the £, over the area 'of the proposed Boroiigh would not probably yield L2oo— which would not suffice by a very long way for the bare working expenses of Borough machinery. Bank" overdraft would be pretty sure to carry with it interest at the rate of Bor 10 per cent. The members of Piako County Council were for years personally liable for a large amount of overdraft on account of monies expended in Te Aroha Hiding, and of course it is only a simple act of justice to

not overlook the fact that the members of the Borough committee, who ma}' •also possibly be connected with the Borough Council (if formed), , Messrs Mills, Whitchouse, Montague, and Co., would nc fc for one moment be so unpatriotic as to hesitate about magnanimously .sacrificing themselves for the good of their coutiliy, b.y volunteering both jointly and severally to offer their personal security to the bunk authorities for any amount lequired. But these bank managers are so erratic in their movements you can never tell what mood you may find them in, and suppose they were so fastidious as to decline to advance the required amount without other security — unreasonable though such a refusal might be — it would result in a rathpr awkward contretemps (assuming the Borough petition granted and the award made) at any rate for the unfortunate ratepayers. All these matters 3hould be fully considered^ and the way (at least apparently) clear before taking the decisive step. We must leserve for a future issue some further remarks respecting local self government as affecting this district.

Outvvard direct mail closes at To Aroha post office at noon to-day. There will bo a sitting- of the Resident Magistrates' and Warden's Couits at Te Aroha on Tuesday next. An interesting report, having reference to the Waitoa G. M. Co., will be found published on our fourth page. A special meeting of the Town Board was held on Thuisday evening last for the purpose of passing the statement of receipts and expenditure for the remainder of the financial year in order that a general rate rate of Is in the £ might be struck. Theie were present : Corns. J. A Dobson son (in the chair)) D. J, Frazer, and M. Hotchin. The statement was laid on the table, and on the motion of Com. rFazer, seconded by Com. Ilotchin> it was adopted. The Chairman then moved that a geneial rate of! Is in the £ on all rateable propeity be stiuck at n meeting of the Board to be held on Friday, August 3. Coin. Hotchin seconded the motion, and it was unanimously adopted. The statement oL' receipts and expenditure is published in our advci tiding columns in accordance with the Town Districts Act. The Mount Aroha Troubadours will shortly give an entertainment in aid of tiie Te Aroh.i Library fund. The management of the Electiic Skating Kink, Te Aroha Public Hall, have determined to cairy linking on foi another loim. The usual pi ices of admission will be charged. The Mining Inspector, Mr Goo. Wilson, notifies that application will be made to the Warden for the forfeiture of all licensed holdings and special claims at To Aroha that are not being worked in conipMance with the Regulations made under the Mining Act, 188G, unless pci mission has been obtained from the Warden to work with a fewer number men than specified by the Regulations. There is no fresh mining news to chronicle since oiir last repoit. Messis Howell and Adams leave for Auckland t >-d.n , Mi llowoll being about to pioccod to Vu-.ti.ili t l>3' Tuesday's boat to meet Mr \V, H, Wilsoii. Mr \V. Dibsoll notifies by advertisement a special cheap dealing sale.

urccisirrs [Tor year ending 31 bt March ; £ s d [BS2— 871 13 U 1883- 4943 8 7 188-1— 0504 0 1 1885— 4021 4 '8 [88(>— 3747 1 0 1887— 2674 13 11 IQ«Q.__ 11ft1 1 8 jfiXPiflNDrruiiK. For year ending 3 1st March : 4- s () 1882— 054 0 4 1883— 5287 11 2 1884-15,237 15 '2 1885— 3C53 G 10 1886— 3196 15 6 1887— 3062 3 2 ifi«Bi fi«B 1111 7 n MSB— HOI 1 O 1 000 — II 1 / U

TK AKOHA TUDIXG.