MASTERTON MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8407, 23 April 1907, Page 5

MASTERTON MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

ADDRESSES BY THE CANDIDATES. MR J. M. CORADINE AT THE FORESTERS' HALL. In the Foresters' Hall, last evening, Mr J. M. Coradine, a candidate for the Mayoralty, and Messrs A. Haughey, J. Yarr and W. Pragnell, candidates for seats on the Council, delivered addresses. There was a large attendance, and the meeting was a very enthusiastic one. Mr E. E. Chamberlain occupied the chair. Each speaker was given a patient hearing, and the proceedings were of a most orderly character. Mr Coradine, who was received with warm applause, said that most of them were aware he had had the pleasure of occupying the position of Mayor before. He had, also, Occupied a seat on the Borough Council and other public bodies. He had never waived his views by promising a lamp at somebody's corner or a bridge over somebody's creek. He wished to be brief in his remarks, as other candidates for Municipal honors would like to address them. He was pleased to see such a large attendance, and he would like to speak to those present personally. He had his peculiarities as well as other people, and men who aspired to Municipal honours should not be judged personally but by their works. He claimed that he had carried out works during his former term of office that were still lasting. They should elect the best men to the Mayoralty and Council, because the people themselves were reflected in the Borough Council. He then went on to say that Municipal matters should be run strictly on business lines. All the works in the borough were done out of the General Account. The General Account covered all the borough except where a loan was being spent. Last year the Masterton Borough Council received £5,000 or £2OO more than was estimated. The expenditure wa& £2,000 more than the revenue. That position of affairs should not be so. Some would say that it was hard to estimate the revenue and expenditure of a borough, but he held it was not. They would, no doubt, have read the congratulatory remarks made by the Council at the last meeting concerning the state of the overdraft. v He described the Borough Council as a "mutual admiration society." "They dressed the overdraft up like a tin gee-gee and were proud of it," said Mr Coradine. He thought they were trying to throw dust in the ratepayers' eyes. The Council had said that they got value for their money, but how would that excuse do with a banker in connection with a private man's affairs? asked the speaker. They had also said that he making of new roads accounted for a great deal of the money expended, bat he would say that most of the roads that were made in the borough during the past two years had not yet been taken over. If they could not take over the roads why had they made them? Another excuse was that the expenditure was unexpected. The speaker said it would be hard for the unexpected to happen in Masterton to the extent of £2,000. A 3trong point that he had made while he was Mayor, and one he would make again if elected, was that he would only spend the money the ratepayers gave him. If they wanted more works they would have to give him more money, and he would spend it judiciously. He would like to say that during the year that he was Mayor the General Account showed a credit balance of £126. Turning to the question of gasworks the candidate said that the gasworks during the last year had made a profit of about £2,000. That was a splendid turnover for an investment of £16,000. He did not think that that profit should be used in extension, but after paying for interest, sinking fund and maintenance, the price of gas should be reduced. He had it on the authority of the gas manager that the present works were worth about £30,000. He claimed to have had something to do with that favourable result, for he strongly opposed the selling "of the works when the question was being considered. Speaking with i*egard to the recent £25,000 loan, he said it had had his support, and was a good thing. He, however, onposed the method of carrying out the loan. A little bit of work had been done . here and there and finished nowhere. Further, he did not agree with the spreading of the loan over three years. The money should have been taken up at once, and the ratepayers would be getting the benefit of money on which they were now paying interest. The speaker made reference to the proposed swimming baths in the Park, and said that it was perhaps too late tp stop the work now, and if elected he would go thoroughly into tbe subject, and see what could be done with a bad job. In conclusion, Mr Coradine stated that he had more time at his disposal now than he had previously to devote to the duties of Mayor, and if elected he would do his best to serve the interests of the ratepayers. (Applause). Mr J. Mackay asked the candidate if he were in favour of a State coal depot being established in Masterton. Mr Coradine said that if elected he would go thoroughly into the matter, and if he found it would be good business to have a State coal depot here it would have his support. From what he knew of the project at present he was certainty in favour of it. Mr Mackay also asked the candidate his views on the establishment of workmen's homes in Masterton. Mr Coradine replied that he had not yet obtained sufficient information on the subject. There were no large industries in Masterton, and there did not appear to be enough suitable men in Masterton to take up the homes. If elected, and he found there was a sufficient demand for the homes, the matter would have his support. The candidate was asked what he meant by "suitable men." Mr Coradine: "Those who come under the provisions laid down in the -Act '' Mr F. P. Welch asked if Mr Coradine could give any information with regard to the cost of the arc lamps in the centre of Queen Street. The candidate stated that he had

been informed by the gas manager that each lamp cost £3 per annum. He had no means of finding out their actual cost, but he would probably be able to do so in the future. Continuing, Mr Coradine sai d that the following questions had been handed to him: — (1) "Do you believe in promoting settlement within the four corners of the borough"; (2) "If the owners of vacant land within the borough are willing to cut up and offer the same to the public, provided they are allowed to rate their own lands by special rate to pay for the roading, would you favour the Council's agreeing to the rating of such lands." To the first question he would answer "yes" without hesitation. With regard to the second question he would answer "no," if the property was being cut up for private speculation. If the public demanded the roads he would say "yes." He was not in favour of departing from the present system of allowing the owners to cut up their property, and make their own roads before selling.

MR HAUGHEY. Mr A. Haughey, a candidate for a seat on the Council, touched on the borough water supply at the outset of his remarks. He said it was sufficient for present requirements, but totally inadequate for future requirements. The drainage was in a similar position, and if returned he would give those subjects his favourable consideration. Another thing he would bear in mind, if elected, was the yard accommodation at the railway station. The railway buildings were all right, but the yard accommodation was totally inadequate and wanted l'e-modelling. With regard to the gasworks he said that the profit made last year at the works showed that the price of gas ought to be reduced. At present there were a number of people burning kerosene whereas they would use gas if it were a little cheaper. The streets and footpaths of the borough now were not much better than they were seven years ago, and required the attention of the new Council. To keep up the name of the town, the streets Would have to be attended to j the Council could not "rest on their oafs." He went on to say that this was the first occasion on which he had contested a public position, and if he were not returned he would, at least, have gained experience. There were at present a great many works being carried on in the borough, and a good many of them were "hang&ig." and causing a great deal inconvenience to the public. This would not happen in the case of a private contractor. He contended there was room to carry out the works of the borough in a more systematic manner. With regard to the overdraft he thought the town was living too high. Every department in the Council should be run on its own merits, and the ratepayers should be able to tell at the end of each year how each account stood. The candidate stated that he had received the same questions as Mr Coradine with regard to promoting settlement in the borough, and the roading of estates that had been cut up. He would answer "yes" to the first question and with regard to the second he would say "let the people who are going to cut up estates do what had been done in tha past."

MR YARR. Mr J. Yarr, another candidate for the Council, said he was sorry to see that the members of the old Council had not, so far, addressed the electors. Briefly, his views were that he was in favour of raising the number of Councillors to twelve and dividing the Borough , into wards. Touching on loan matters, he said that he had noticed during the past year that £9,000 of the £25,000 loan had been spent, and he asked what value the ratepayers had got for that mpney? He cited two or three instances of footpaths being put down in parts of the Borough where there were very few houses, while thickly-populated parts of tha Borough were without a proper footpath. He contended that the loan works were not fairly distributed over the Borough. He also spoke of the proposed baths in the Park, which he termed a "gravel pit." He said baths wore necessary, but with regard to ornamental waters, it was time enough for the Borough to think of ornamental works when the more useful works were finished. In conclusion, he expressed himself in favour of reducing the price of gas, and was strongly opposed to any of the Council business being conducted in committee. (Applause.) Mr Yarr stated that he had also been asked the same questions as Mr Coradine and the previous speaker on the question of settlement in the Borough and the making of roads in newly subdivided estates. He answered, "Yes" to the first question, and to the second he would say that if the ratepayers agreed to their part of the Borough being a special rating area, he would be in favour of it. If the ratepayers were not favourable, he would oppose it. MR PRAGNELL.

Mr W. Pragnell, who is also a candidate, for a seat on the Council, said he had no apology to make to the ratepayersjjfor seeking their suffrage. He was well-known to them, and, if returned, he would not be a follower of any man. The. speaker first dwelt on the question of the gasworks and advocated a reduction in the price of gas. He also considered that a Gas Committee should be appointed to examine careftflly the accounts of the works. With regard to the roads and footpaths, he said that he did not remember seeing the roads and footpaths in the Borough in a worse state after a fine summer than they were now. What was to be done? He would favour the appointment of a Works Committee of three or four Councillors. Discussing the State coal question, he said that to bring the coal to Masterton cheaper than the coal-dealers, the Government should provide a depot for the coal, and not allow the ratepayers to pay principle and interest on such an expenditure. He added that a certain class of Westport coal could be brought to Masterton, and sold at a cheaper rate than State coal. In instructing the Gas Manager to obtain samples of State coal he thought the Council had done right. In conclusion, he said that if returned he would give his best services for the people. In answering the same questions as the previousjspeakers, Mr Pragnell

answered [in the affirmative to the first, and with regard to the second he favoured adhering to the old system. Mr Coradine announced that he would address the electors of Kuripuni at the Wesleyan School-room, Kuripuui, this evening, at 8 o'clock. A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the meeting.

MR McEWEN AT THE EXCHANGE BUILDINGS.

. Mr E..McEwen, a candidate for the Mayoralty, addressed a fair audience at the Exchange Buildings, last evening, on municipal matters. Short addresses on the work of the Council during the past two years were also delivered by Messrs W. Morris, F. W. Temple, and J. C. Ewington. Mr J. A. Renall occupied the chair, and briefly ;introduced Mr McEwen. ( The speaker had found Mr McEwen a straightforward and capable Councillor. He had a thorough grasp of the whole business of the borough, and was possessed of better knowledge with regard thereto than a new candidate. It was their duty to vote for Mr McEwen on the grounds that he had referred to. He would not say anything against the opposition candidate; it was for the electors say whether they would return him. The present Council had done good work, and the Councillors who were standing for re-election should have the support of the ratepayers. Mr McEwen, who was,, warmly applauded on rising, said he did not take any credit upon himself. He had always endeavoured to do his duty to the ratepayers. He had acted as Deputy-Mayor to the bestjof his ability. He understood the work in connnection with the Borough, and knew how each loan had to be spent. Mr McEwen dealt fully with the works that had been carried out by the Borough Council during the past two years. The money that had been spent on the Park was money well spent. The Park was a credit to the town. It had been stated that the overdraft had been increased. He would explain maxtersjn this connection, which would, no doubt, enlighten the ratepayers. A grant had been made by the Council to the Technical School, there had been extra street lighting, drainage, removal of rubbish, river protection, purchase of Druids' Hall, horses and drays, new water cart, mower for the Park, erection of new tea kiosk, and cost of a new set of by-laws. All this was unforeseen expenditure, and went to swell the overdraft. The principal items ih the extraordinary expenditure, which amounted to £962, were as follow:—Grant to Technical School, £34; purchase of Druids' Hall, £158; river protection, £65; horses and plant, £297; tea kiosk, £200; new by-laws, £3O; water cart, £100; drainage and sanitation, £197; horse mower, £35; culverts, £80; surveys, £IOO. The Council had always managed to get along with a 2£d rate. After referring to the nineteen acres that had been added to the Park, Mr McEwen paid a tribute to the excellent work that had been done by the Park Committee. He favoured separate committees being appointed to deal'with the more important works of the Burough. For instance, there should be a Finance Couitfiiitee, Gas permittee, Fire Brigade Committee, and Library Committee. With separate committees the business of the Council could be carried on moi*e expeditiously. He had been ten years a Borough Councillor, and had done nothing that he was ashamed of. He had always done has best for the Borough and the ratepayers. (Hear, hear) He did not favour an increased rate. The value of the property in the Borough increased at each valuation, and this gave the Council an additional amount of money to carry out work with, instead of increasing the rates. He considered it better to have a small overdraft than none at all. It was a healthy sign. He was on the side of progress, and was not in favour of works being kept at a standstill. He hoped the ratepayers would find the Council the money to progress with. The gasworks was the Borough's best asset. During the past year the gas manufactured had been 16,680,000 cubic feet, and in the previous year over 14,000,000 cubic feet had been manufactured; this was an increase of 2,671,800 cubic feet. The . gross" profit was £2,000. The interest and sinking fund had amounted to £Bl6 14s lOd. The Council had always favoured extending the gas mains where it would pay to do so. Out of the prn'at of the gasworks the Council were in favour of £SOO being put aside for the reduction of rates, and £SOO for the extension of gas mains. In Mr J. W. Blackman the Council had one of the best gas managers in the colony. A profit of £260 had been made on the water, and they had expended the money in extending the water mains. In conclusion, Mr McEwen said that if he was returned as Mayor he would do his best for the ratepayers and carry out his duties in a conscientious manner. He thanked those present for the patient hearing they had given him, and invited any of the Councillors present who desired to speak to do so. Mr McEwen was warmly applauded on resuming his seat. MR W. MORRIS.

Mr Morris was the next speaker, and said that Mr McEwen had gone fully into the matter of the overdraft. The money had been- well spent. "Wc have heard a lot in the newspapers about candidates coming forward and expressing their views," said Mr Morris, "but this is 501 necessary in Mr McEwen's case. You can see his actions in the town every day. His policy has always been progress combined with economy. The Council had every confidence in Mr McEwen. We have asked him to stand for the Mayoralty as we considered that he would have the confidence of the ratepayers." The present Council had been one of the best that had represented the Boi'ough. One could see everywhere the improvements that were being carried out in the Borough. The sum of £4,000 had been borrowed for the abattoir, but to such an extent had the business increased that additional money had to be spent on carryingout work required there. Th« abattoir had been responsible [for <£lso of the overdraft. Mr Morris referred to the Park swimming baths and other matters which had en-

gaged the Council's attention during I the past two years. He had no great promises to make, but he would try to "run straight" if returned. MR. TEMPLE. Mr F. W. Temple, who spoke next, said he Was not in favour of increasing the number of Councillors. One of the aspirants for a seat on the Borough Council had stated that he was in favour uf increasing the number of Councillors to twelve. Well, he would put the matter in a nutshell. There was just room in the municipal meeting-room for nine Councillors, and if the number was increased new buildings would have to be provided. This would mean an expenditure of £5,000. Were the ratepayers prepared to find this amount for new buildings? (A voice: No.) He spoke strongly in regard to the size of building sections in the town, and was of opinion that when property was cut up no section should be of a less area than a quarter of an acre. The gross profit from the gasworks was £2,000. After making provision for depreciation and sinking fund, they had £1,200 left. Bet-veen £7OO and £BOO had been spent in laying down new mains The gasworks should be the means of reducing the rates of the Borough. It was proposed by the present Councillors, if they were returned, to spend money for laying down mains out of loan money. MR EWINGTON. Mr J. C. Ewington said that 'the overdraft was not a big one, and was warranted. He quoted figures relative to the overdraft. There was, at the present time, a great demand for gas in the town. There was not the slightest doubt but that the Council would have to approach the ratepayers in the course of a few months for a loan to extend the gas mains. A loan for this purpose would fee good investment. "We've got the customers," said Mr Ewington, "and we must have money so as to lay down gas mains to reach them." In asking for the support of the ratepayers he did so with every confidence. He had, in the past, given Borough Council matters his careful attention, and he would continue, if returned, to study the interests of the ratepayers. CONCLUSION. " V Mr S. Kingdon, senr., asked Mr McEwen for an explanation of the Fire Brigades Bill. Mr McEwen said that Mr Robbins, of Hawera, had delivered an address on the Fire Brigades' Bill in Masterton last week. The speaker gave a brief resume of Mr Robbins' remarks. Mr Kingdon moved a vote of confidence and thanks to Mr McEwen. IThe motion was seconded by Mr W. Rooks and carried. A motion, moved by the Chairman, expressing confidence in the Councillors, who were seeking re-election, was carried.