LOOKING BACK

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 80, 14 January 1928, Page 6

LOOKING BACK

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO. (From "Guardian," January 14, 1903. Unimproved Values Poll—The polling yesterday on the question of adopting the system of rating on unimproved values in the Borough of Ashburton created rather more interest than was anticipated. It is true that not quite half the ratepayers voted, but seeing how imperfectly the matter is understood, the polling may be considered fairly good. There can be no doubt that the ballot paper for this kind of voting is confusing to a large section of the ratepayers and it is certain that voters with indifferent sight must find a difficulty in reading the instructions on the ballot paper. We have heard of at least half a dozen ratepayers finding on comparing votes, that they had not Voted as they intended. As the papers are printed according to the official form, it would be well to bring the matter under the notice of the Government with a view to alteration. Shortly after 7.30 Mr H. H. Fooks (returning officer) announced the result of the poll. For the proposal, 102; against 199; informal 14. Some applause' greeted the result by about 70 people who were gathered outside the Borough Council Chambers. Fairton Post Office.—A petition is being circulated in the Fairton and Dromore districts to ask the Government to appoint a stationmaster, and open a post and electric telegraph office for the convenience of residents. The Guards.—Lieutenant Schwartz has been gazetted to the lieutenancy left vacant in the Guards after the promotion of Lieutenant Wm. Tucker to Captain.