RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 May 1919, Page 4

RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION.

INCREASED INTEREST &HOWX A further meeting of those interested in the formation of a Ratepayers' Association for New Plymouth was held at, the Soldiers' Club last night, there being about thirty present. Mr. C. Carter was voted to the chair, and expressed satisfaction at the increased attendance, which indicated a keener interest in municipal affairs on the part of t&o ratepayers. He stressed the importance of all taking a live interest in such matters. He poiatid to the expression of opinions frequently heard in regard to the imminent develop l ment of important interests in the district, and referred to the carrying of the Harbor Board'* loan as one of these prospective developments. He alto stated that it was the duty of citizen* to back up the mayor and councillors recently elected. If there lhad been a Ratepayers' Association in New Plymouth 12 months ago he thought many matters which were of the utmost interest to the borough would have been more fully discussed and ventilated than had been the case. He also referred to the housing problem as calling for immediate and serious attention, and a matter in which the Ratepayers' Association, should be vitally concerned. Mention was also made of the change in the rating system, which would come into force in the borough at the beginning of the next municipal year, as a matter in which members of such an association would be interested. Other matters touched upon were the exchanges effected between the Borough Conncii and the Harbor Board, and the Council and the Education Board, and alos the question of the improvement of borough reserves, Mr, R. C. Hughes then reported on the work of the provisional committee M-t up, and submitted draft rules of such an association.

Mr. Carter raised tlie question of calling the association the New Plymouth "Ratepayers' and Citizens' Association, and admitting any citizen interested to membership. i

Some little discussion took place,, and it was decided to limit membership to ratepayers, and that the name of the association be the New Plymouth Baler payers' Association. Another matter on which then WM some discussion waß the question of reg%» lar meetings of the assooiation. Mr. ■Harden suggested that at least quarterly general meetings should be held. Mr. J. 0. Sole pointed out that the suburban associations had already move 4 in that direction, and there was hope that tiie organisations might work in together in that respect. Mr. Carter said it was hoped to link up nil the associations now in existence, and the holding of regular meeting* might be the means of effecting such a result.

The membership fee waa fixed at <1« per annum, members of kindred associations to he admitted on payment of an ■ nnmial subscription of 2s Qd, The rules as submitted were then read jmi adopted. The election of officers and executive rammittee resulted as follows: President,, Mr. C. Carter; eemmitteo, Messrs R. C. ')" Hushes, A. Amhury, J. McLeod, W. P.' Webster, F. E Whitcouibe, R. Large, and W. H. Skinner. The appointment of a secretary and treasurer was left to the executive. Mr. E. Tribe was appointed auditor.

It was decided to ask the suburban associations to appoint delegates to the executive, to meet at the first meeting of that committee.

A suggestion was made for the consideration of the executive that joint meetings of the outside and central associations should be held for educational pm'THUes. .

Mr. \V. Ambury suggested that the association should get into touch with' the Peace Celebration Committee with regard to bonfirea on the night of the celebration. He understood a lot of tar was to l>e burned to make bonfires, but he Jhousht if readouts and the council could he persuaded to clear the rublii-di Ptr their' vacant sections and top the branches of trees and shrubs which at present overhung the footpaths a piece e good work weuld be done for the borough and there would he enoush ma-

terial to make bonfires for the whole of Taranaki,

\ vote of thanks was passed to the chairman and those who had been instrumental in getting the association formal. A meeting of the executive was hold «t (he close of the first meeting, when it vas decided that for the benefit -if rntepavpv® not present at the meeting the_ list for signatures of tho-e willing to join the association should be available ,"t, Mr. C Carter's shop. It W''s also decided that the executive should meet on the third Tuesday of ra-.-h month.