BOROUGH LOANS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8529, 7 September 1907, Page 4

BOROUGH LOANS.

Borrowing is the inevitable*and de-; sirable policy of progressive boroughs. Masterton has borrowed considerable sums in the past, and the ratepayers have at the present time to consider the raising of several large sums, the expending of which, i*-, in urged, will promote the general welfare of the town. The borrowing part of the business is comparatively easy; it is expending the money to the best advantage that is difficult, and in this connection the ratepayers have to trust their representatives in the Borough Council. It must be generally admitted that improvements in several directions are urgently needed, and that they cannot be effected until large sums of borrowed money have been expended. There is no doubt that, owing to the rapid growth of the borough during recent years, the Council have had their responsibilities increased, jmd the work of administration rendered more difficult, £s.t the same time, the ratepayers before sanctioning any further loans should satisfy themselves as to whether pa«t administration has been of an efficient character. For our own part we believe that if the Borough were divided into wards more efficient administration would result. Three loans will probably be advocated at an early date, namely, (1) to extend the gasworks and mains, (2) for drainage purposes, and (3) for general wrks. The gasworks loan is now, practically, before the ratepayers, and a meeting to consider the proposal will be held in the Town Hall on Monday evening next. We believe that the Mayor and Council will experience very little trouble in obt lining the consent of the ratepayers to the proposal. The gasworks are well managed, are a paying concern, and should be further developed. The sum, £12,000, which is asked for seems to he a reasonable amount, and, as we have remarked, we expect to see the proposal carried.