Council Censured

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20253, 23 July 1937, Page 9

Council Censured

GARDEN PLACE SCHEME. PRESERVATION SOCIETY’S STAND. VERDICT OP RATEPAYERS. Strong censure of the aotion of the Hamilton Borough Council in granting the petition of certain ratepayers for a modified Garden Place Hill removal scheme, and In proposing to apply to the Local Government Loans Board for authority to raise a loan of £77,500 to Implement that scheme, was voiced at a meeting held In Hamilton last 'evening under the auspices of the Garden Place Preservation Society. A petition opposing the demolition of the hill and requesting that it be retained for citizens as a public domain was circulated, during the meeting and formally endorsed by resolution. “We thought that the question of Garden Place Hill had been Anally decided,” said Mr J. Treloar, who presided, in opening the discussion, ‘‘but we And ourselves confronted with the extraordinary situation of a borough council openly flouting the verdict of ratepayers, as delivered at the recent poll.” It was interesting, he said, to note some of the reasons which had been advanced by the council for digging away the hill. It had been said that it would provide work for the unemployed, that the trafflo In Victoria Street would be relieved, that the scheme would, prove profitable financially, that it would provide a site for a town hall, that it was the first step toward lowering the railway, that the spoil would be useful. ‘‘What the next reason will be, if the modified scheme does not go through, I do not know,” he added, ‘‘but I have no doubt that another will be provided by Imaginations more fertile than mine.”

The chairman drew the attention of the meeting to copies of the petition which had been circulated among those present, and on the motion of Mr D. Seymour the petition was voted a desirable one. to be commended to the attention of citizens, those present ptedging themselves to secure for it the fullest support possible. "A Gratuitous Insult.” Mr C. J. Parlane said that as far n s he knew, this was the first oocasion In New’ Zealand on which a borough council had moved so directly against the expressed mandate of the ratepayers. It was apparent that the council was intent on forcing the removal of the hill upon ratepayers, whether they wished it or not. "It seems to oome very oiose to a gratuitous Insult to the ratepayers of Hamilton,” he said, “and I do think that citizens should most strenuously oppose the actions of the council.” He also suggested that even If the scheme were carried by a poll on a special rating area, ratepayers outside that area might in the end find themselves bearing the financial burden of the hill’s removal. The speaker also stressed the Importance of preserving open spaces in the town area for health reasons. "A New Situation/* The opinion that both the chairman and Mr Parlane had. entirely misconceived the situation was expressed by Mr F. A. de la Mare. "The real issue,” he said, “is not the advisability of removing the hill, nor the reasons the council have given for its removal. Nor has there been any flouting of the ratepayers’ verdict. A new situation has arisen.” He explained that this new situation had become manifest after the holding of the poll in the desire of a syndicate to carry the work through privately. Those owming property on the sides of the hill had a perfect, right to excavate It if they wished and the question which arose was whether the hill should be removed piecemeal or not. From Information he had received, the removal of the .bill was a perfectly sound financial proposition. “If such a new’ situation has arisen,” he added, ‘‘and. I believe it has, then it Is the duty of tho borough council to pay attention to it, and you. too, must face it and face It honestly.” Opposition to tho views of Mr de la Mare was expressed by Mr \V. Y. Kirkman who contended, that no new situation had arisen. “There has been only one situation, as plain as a pikestaff,” he said, “since they cut through the back of the hill. i think the council Is showing a poor spirit in trying to put the removal scheme through against the vote of the ratepayers.” Government Bubsldy? Mr Klrkman’s opinion was endorsed by Mr G. Lafferty, who said he was satisfied, that the syndicate proposal was a blind. Referring to the recent conference of local bodies called in Hamilton by the Hon. P. 0. Webb, Mr T.afferty stated that he had Interviewed the Minister the morning after the conference, and. understood from bis remarks that the modified scheme had been suggested by the council representatives at tho conference ns suitable work for the Government wages subsidy. Tills form of assistance would ho equally available for the urgent work of kerblng and channelling and. the speaker contended, such work should receive first attention. Opposition to Mr de la Mare’s opinion was also voiced bv Dr E. T. Rogers. “The new’ Issue is not new to me,” he said. “What surprised me was tlie celerity with which the council stampeded—obviously along the road of their choice.” The Empowering Act. he said, would prevent any action bv private enterprise for a few’ months and the council had time lo offer the citizens tiie hill for the purposes of a domain. Mr Seymour also contended that the council was not. relieved of carrying .out the wishes of the ratepayers as expressed at the lasi poll. Certain members of Die council had find Ihe removal of Die hill In view for many years. They had had Ihe opportunity of securing Ihe views of Ihe ratepayers before making any plans at all. but they bad chosen to present them with a fait accompli. Now they were trying to force a policy on ratepayers against their wish. “I, ns a citizen and a. ratepayer, object to such action by the council.” he said., "It is a negation of democratic principles.” Resolutions Passed. Three resolutions were passed during the course of Ihe evening. The first, which endorsed the petition, was passed with one dissentient voice—

that of Mr de la Mare, who left the meeting before the other two were put. These, which were carried unanimously, were ns follows:

“That In the opinion of this meeting the unprecedented action of the Hamilton Borough Council, in ignoring the poll of ratepayers, constitutes a gross abuse of Its powers and calls for the censure of all citizens,” moved by Mr Parlane.

“That m the opinion of this meeting the detailed costs of the last poll should be furnished to ratepayers before any further expense is Incurred, suoh schedule of costs to include those involved in the preparation of The Empowering Act and delegates’ expenses to Wellington,” moved by Mr Lafferty.

THE PETITION

SUGGESTION FOR DOMAIN. The following Is the petition which was formally approved at the public meeting called last evening by the Garden Place Preservation Society:— “To the Mayor and Councillors of the Borough of Hamilton:—The humble petition of the undersigned showeth: “(1) That your petitioners are citizens of the Borough of Hamilton, including electors and ratepayers. “(2) That In the opinion of your petitioners the actions of the council evidence an Intention to remove Garden Place Hill In defiance of the wishes of the majority of the citizens of Hamilton. “(3) That your petitioners object to tho proposed application by the Hamilton Borough Council to the Loans Board to authorise a loan of £77,500 for this and Incidental purposes. “(4) That the poll conducted by your council on April 28, 1937, was represented by member's of your council prior to I lie poll as for the purpose of reaching a final decision as to the future of Garden Place Hill. “(5) That although the number of voters at the poll was by a wide margin a record for Hamilton, and although much expense had been occasioned to the ratepayers in preparing plans, obtaining legislation, and conducting Ihe poll, the council has repudiated the verdict of a majority of ral epayers, and apparently intends to incur further _ expense relating to an which in the opinion of your That in Ihe opinion 'vour ■r* l he vote of the ratepayers \pril 28, 1 937 was i definite vote for Ihe retention of Carden Place Hill. • \.mr petitioners therefore humbly pray that the council will abandon further attempts directed toward the r.emoMil of Carden Place Hill and will cause the same to be made a public domain and entrusted to the Hamilton Beautifying Society for beautification.” The petition, stated Mr D. Seymour, must be in tho hands of the council' l*y Tuesday of next week.