MASTERTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9583, 1 September 1909, Page 5

MASTERTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

FORTNIGHTLY MEETING. The fortnightly meeting of the Masterton Borough Council was held last evening. The chair was taken by Cr J. Eltiott, in the unavoidable absence of the Mayor (Mr P. L. Rollings), and there were also present Crs W. Morris, J. Prentice, W. Pragnell, R. Rigg, T. G. Hoar and F. W. Temple. The report of the Gas, Park and Library Committee (wnich is published elsewhere) were read. The Chairman ■ moved the adoption of the report. Cr Pragnell very strongly objected to the cost of the proposed work at the new gasworks being provided for out of revenue. A considerable amount had already been spent, and now it was proposed, he understood, to spend a further sum on a manager's residence at the works. The gas money should be expended according to the way it had been allocated, and taken up at once or as soon as it could be procured. They would find that the works would, instead of costing £12,000 as intended, involve an expenditure of £IB,OOO by the time the works were complete. Cr Morris also expressed the opinion that the work referred to should not be paid for out of revenue. Cr Ewington favoured taking up the £3,000 straight away. The Ga« Manager had suggested a reduction in gas, and the speaker stated that before anything was decided in regard to the report he would like a definite expression regarding a reduction. It was a duty they owed to the ratepayers, and as he had stated before -he intended to move in the matter. Further, he was against the setting of the retorts being done by day labour. As a mateer of fact the work could be done cheaper by tender, and there were plenty of experienced contractors in the town. Cr Temple was of opinion that it was plainly understood at the last meeting of the Gas Committee that the £3,000 was to be.taken up on the maturity of the loan, and oo this account he was at a loss to understand Cr Pragnell's objection. Cr Morris thought no work should he done in oonnection with the gasworks out of revenue. Cr Ewington moved an amendment to the portion of the report dealing with "day labor" be instituted so that the work be done by tender. This was seconded by Cr Morris, and on being put to the meeting was declared lost. The Chairman explained that together with the Gas Manager he had given the whole question his 1 most careful consideration, and they had come to the conclusion that it would be better to allow a small portion of the £3,000 to stand over. Alluding to the proposal to reduce the price of gas he understood that it was to be reduced as soon as the new works were in use. Cr Ewington asked what was proposed to be done with the £3.000 when it was taken up. The Chairman replied that the plant and other important matters would receive attention. The matter of placing back the monies from the revenue he would like held over till a later date. Cr Pragnell, at this stage, commenced to make further remarks, and on Cr Temple objecting, the Cnahman asked kim to desist. , After considerable discussioif, Cr Ewington, on the suggestion of the Chairman, withdrew his amendment in favour of one to the effect tdiat the reports be referred back to the Gas Committee. Cr Rigg seconded the amendment. Cr Hoar objected to the report going back. The matter was perfectly plain, and k was no use behaving like a lot of schoolboys over the subject. The Chairman said it was a peculiar circumstance that those who advocated reduced price of gas were always wanting new street lamps erected. The motion, that the reports be referred back to tho Gas Committee, was put to the meeting and carried. Cr Ewington asked for the statement with regard to the transfer of an account from the General Account to the Gas Account in the balance sheet, authorised by the auditor, which, he said, had been promised him for this meeting. The Treasurer said that as the' balance sheet was still in the hands of the printer he was not in a position to' supply the information asked for. Cr Ewington held that he was entitled to the information, as it. had been promised that it would be laid on the table for this maeting. The Treasurer stated he could not have the information then. but. would get it as soon as the balance sheet came to hand. Cr Temple stated that in May last he had asked for a detailed statement of the £20.000 loan to be laid on the table, and he wanted to know why he had not as yet re ceivad it. The Engineer stated that if he had preunrtid a statement when it was a.sised for, ho would have had to prepare another one, which would have entailed a very considerable amount of work. He was now, however, in a position to draw up a statement containing the necessary information, and would do 60 aa s..on as the balance sheet came to. hand.