BOROUGH BORROWING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 264, 17 April 1915, Page 8

BOROUGH BORROWING.

FOR ML'SKUM AND MUNICIPAL OFFICES. ■ LOAN OF .£"390. At the New Plymouth Borough Council mooting last evening, Councillor Collis presented the rough plan of the suggested building at the back of the Library fur housing the Skinner collection and a portion of tlie council's staff. The Mayor said after looking at the plan it appeared that it did not provide anything like adequate accommodation, and ho had decided to move that the proposal for a museum bo left out of the present loan proposals.

Councillor Smith seconded. Councillor Collis moved an amendment that the original proposal for a single-storey building at a cost of £2OOO be embodied in the loan proposals. Otherwise they would logo the Skinner collection, and also other collections. Councillor Ambury seconded. Some discussion took place on a suggestion to house the Skinner collection at the electric sub-station, but it was agreed that this would not be satisfas* tory. 1 • tfflWl Councillor -Johnstone said he would be no party to any suggestion which would lose the town the Skinner collection. If that happened, the town would live to curse that council. They had practically promised to take over the collection two years ago, and lie would light tooth and nail to have the collection housed. Councillor Smith said the whole council were unanimous in the matter, but the means of presiding the building was the difficulty.

The Mayor pointed out that the whole matter of the loan proposal would have to be settled that night.' Councillor Kibby did not consider that a dying council should attempt to put through such a proposal. Councillor Clarke said it was imperative that they should put it through. The tramways would be commenced in a fortnight, and they must hare tie loan money to follow up that work. With regard to the housing of tha Skinner collection, he would support tU erection of a building of some sort on the site secured by the council for the purpose. The building might be a temporary one if they could not secure a permanent one. Councillor Ambury suggested a loan of £4OOO for the purpose of erecting a proper building.

Councillor Burgess objected to any temporary proposal. It was of no use spending money on a temporary Building. They would certainly be blamed if they lost the Skinner collection. Councillor Collis said the plan had been brought forward on a previous suggestion, but he was not advocating it. They should secure the collection. The housing of the staff was not satisfactory at present, and some action was necessary.

Councillor Burgess suggested that a sufficient sum be horrowed, say, £3OOO, or any suitable sum.

Councillor Johnstone said he would propose that a meeting of citizens be called rather than lose the collection. Councillor Collis altered his amendment to the effect that the council raise a loan of £SOOO to provide the necessary municipal offices and museum accommodation on the council's own property. Councillor Johnstone was of opinion such a nebulous proposal would wreck the scheme.

The Mayor said the proposal wou'd. of course, go to the ratepayers a3 a separate issue.

The amendment was then put, and carried.

On the suggestion of Councillor Clarke, it was decided to hold a public meeting in order to place the matter before the ratepayers on Monday, April 20.