THE ALFREDTON RIDING.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10117, 12 October 1910, Page 6

THE ALFREDTON RIDING.

PROPOSED AMALGAMATION WITH ILKETAHUNA.

THE PROPOSAL LOST,

The final result of the plebiscite taken of the ratepayers in the Alfredton Riding of the Mastertbn County on the proposal to amalgamate with the Eketahuna County was announced- at the meeting of the Masterton Council yesterday.: The figures were as follows: For the proposal 57, representing 126 votes, and a valuation of £157,180. Against the proposal, 61, representing 133 votes ,an\l a valuation of £328,850. Councillor Murray said it had been the wish of himself and Councillor Kebbell to obtain an unbiased opiEj ion on this subject. They wanted the ratepayers to vote without being influenced. He pointed out that if nine-tenths of the ratepayers had voted for amalgamation it would have required a special Act of Parliament to give" effect to the resolution. The movement in favour of amalgamation was, in his opinion, ill-advis-ed, as the whole question of local government was in an uncertain position. If the amalgamation were brought about, the size of the Masterton County would be made much smaller, and the cost of administration would remain as at present. The figures supplied by himself and Councillor Kebbell at Alfredton had not been controverted. Had the Eketahuna people endeavoured to secure the amalgamation of the Mauriceville County and portions of the Pahiatua and Akiteo Counties, and the Alfredton Riding with Eketahuna, the proposal would have had his support. The present proposal was only tinkering with the subject. He moved that the ratepayers be thanked for recording their votes, and that no further action be'taken. The Chairman seconded. He was pleased at the result of the plebiscite. They would all agree that the larger the local body the cheaper the cost of administration. They had always had good representatives from the Alfredton Riding.

The .motion was carried on the voices.

On the motion of Councillor Murray, it was decided that the result of the plebiscite be forwarded to the ratepayers of the Alfredton Riding. Councillors Cameron and Toogood dissented, stating that the newspapers supplied all the information renuired.