The Lighting

Waipukurau Press, Volume I, 13 July 1906, Page 2

The Lighting

—* —• MEETING OF RATEPAYERS. LOAN PROPOSAL CARRIED. About sixty persons attended the meeting convened for last night to consider the lighting proposal formulated by the Town Board. AU the members of the Board occupied seats on the platform. A number of ladies attended. Air W. A. Chambers, chairman of the Board, detailed the facts that led up to the proclamation of the Waipukurau Town Board, about ten months ago. He also gave the meeting an interesting account of the work done by the Board since its inception. He stated t hat prior to the formation of the Board only a small proportion of the rates were spent in Waipukurau, and with the creation of the Board there was a proper expenditure on progressive works. The initiation of the Board had created an expenditure which would not occur again. He thought it would be admitted that the Town Board had done a good deal of useful work since it commenced operations. He enumerated the work done, and thought the township was looking better now than ever before. The rate had been freely criticised ; the chairman of the Road Board had strongly advised the striking of a 6d rate, to be of any utility, but in spite of this had objected to a 2d rate. Once everything had been placed in order, the upkeep would be light. A2d rate, he contended,, was very moderate for a town district. This was the only local body in Hawke’s Bay that put in culverts free of cost. He enumerated cost of new works [particulars of which have been published from time to time.] The chairman then explicitly detailed lighting matters. The Board had had considerable data before it, but did not feel justified at the present juncture in committing the ratepayers to any elaborate or expensive scheme. Electricity, acetylene, and coal gas had been considered, but the proposal now submitted—viz., six Kitson lights — was the only one it felt justified in recommending the ratepayers to adopt. It was necessary to raise a loan i.-r ihe purpose, but the cost might possiblv be met out of ordinary revenue. He thought the right to establish a comprehensive lighting system, might be reserved to the town for a time ; after a few years it might become a very valuable asset, but at the present time he thought theproposal now before the meeting the only practical one to adopt,, and he hoped the ratepayers would give it their support. Mr Chambers concluded Ins address amid, lobid applause. Mr P. Barrie expressed pleasureat the remarks made by the chairman • the positi- n was made clear : and he thought the Board worthy the full confidence of the ratepayers. Perhaps it would be advisable to erect only there lamps for a start out of general revenue, and not raise the loan ; other lamps, could be added in time. The chairman said the loan would have to be gone on with otherwise expenditure on necessary ordinary works would have to be considerably curtailedAir 8. K. Tipping moved, that a poll of ratepayers be taken, in accordance with the propoaal submitted by the Town BoardMr J. Winlave seconded. The motion was put and- carried unanimously, with

other matters. The Chairman made a statement in reference to other works proposed and public improvements to be effected. A vote of £lOO had' been made for improvements to the local post office, but this amount would be quite inadequate; and Mr Hall, on being approached, had promised to endeavour to get £4OO placed upon the estimates for the work. He (the chairman) had just received word that the erection of the town telephone exchange would be proceeded with immediately, so that work will soon be an accomplished fact. The Board intended to steadily prosecute necessaryworks, having regard to funds at their disposal, and they had no intention of the present rate. There might not be room for • two|large towns so close together ; —ohe might become a city while -the other remained a village—Rut they should all endeavour to make their town as attractive as possible. He thanked the meeting for the good hearing afforded. The chairman was frequently applauded during his address. The meeting terminated at nine; o’clock, having lasted one hour.