RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 May 1919, Page 6

RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION.

LACK OF INTEREST. Mr. C. Carter presided at a meeting of those interested in the formation of the Ratepayers' Association, held in the Soldiers' Clubrooms, New Plymouth, last evening. The chairman apologised for the unavoidable absence of Messrs King and Nolan. He resetted thai the attendance was so meagre, Fitzroy Vogeltown, Westowu, and Fiankley Road had formed their associations, with, the object of developing their particular parts of the borough. With these representatives meeting together they could keep in touch with the requirements of the town, and with the combined forces they might be able to accomplish a great deal. It was by organisation only that they could have any weight in municipal matters. The Ratepayers' Association would be able to watch the interests of the burgesses. They must take a live interest in the town. The Harbor Board's loan proposals had been carried, and this must have a great effect on the prosperity of the town and province. By banding together they could make the town one of the most important in the Dominion.

I Mr. R. C. Hughes wanted to know if the committee appointed at the last meeting had submitted any report. He had recently been visiting Auckland and , was much struck at the manner in which the public there were taking an interest in their surroundings. Fine wide streets, well-fcept corners that were previously unsightly rubbish spots, denoted a keen interest in the welfare of the inhabitants. If they could get the New, Plymouth people interested the proposed association might do something towards further beautifying the town. They required a live committee, and with 200 members bringing in £SO they could get a secretary to look after their interests at £25. Mr. V. Wilson said ho was one of the committee set up to submit a report to the present meeting, but unfortunately Mr. Hughes' office, the place .for, the sub-committee to meet, was not available owing to Mr. Hughes, being, in Auckland. He regretted to, see so little interest taken in the question, and moved that no further steps be taken to form a Ratepayers' Association. • Mr. Hayden seconded. It was evident that very few -of those who could assist would take the trouble to attend. There* were three councillors present, when there might have been more. The association, he felt sure, would have proved of great assistance to the borough council in any work the latter undertook. Mr. P. H. J. White expressed his regret that the people most interested in the progress of New Plymouth could not attend. Visitors coming from all parts of the Dominion spoke highly of the prosperity of Taranaki, but also pointed the finger of scorn at the lack of interest of those who should have the welfare of New Plymouth in'their hands. Regarding the council, membere burnt the mid- j night oil and many valuable hours without any remuneration, and were to be commended for their -work; He "believed a Ratepayers' Association could propound proposals that would be of value to the borough. However he was.hardJy favorable to forming an association with such a small attendance. ' If an' adverse motion was carried it might make others wake up. : » The chairman stated that if the motion was carried it would he a shocking advertisement for New Plymouth.,. It was unfortunate that the meeting clashed with another gathering, but it would 'be a mistake and a decided weakness to admit that they could- not form an association.- There were probably' 1700 ratepayers in the borough,' and it should be possible to get the association established.

Mr; Mason agreed -with the chairman. Ho thought they might meet again, and in the meantime the committee (Messrs Wilson, McLeod, Nicholla, Hughes, and Ambury) should meet.and submit a report. He . moved an , amendment that the meeting be adjourned till Friday next, the committee to Bubmita report then. Mr. Wilson said he felt diffident about going into details and collecting information and then find it of no use. The chairman appreciated the position. However, he did not care to see the association dropped. Mr. S. W. Shnw was in favor of the association, which he firmly believed could be of great benefit to the town and of assistance to the borough council. It was unfortunate the attendance was poor, hut, as !n everything else, it was difficult to break down the apathy of the public. Tlie amendment was then put and carried, «nd tlie meeting adjourned.