MEETING OF NEWMARKET RATEPAYERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 4536, 13 December 1884, Page 8

MEETING OF NEWMARKET RATEPAYERS.

A meeting of tho ratepayors of tho Newmarket Highway District was hold at tho Newmarket Hall last evening, W. J. Suiter presiding. The meeting was convened by a resolution of the Board, the business being tho consideration of means for providing a drainage system and water supply for the district. There was but a moderate attendance. The Secretary read tho minute of the meeting of the Board authorising the Chairman to call the meeting.—The Chairman then referred to the hitherto unsuccessful attempt mn.de to secure drainage and water, and proceeded .to refer to the desirability of draining tha district and providing a water supply. He had on three occasions publicly stated his views on this all - important matter. There are three courses open to them, (1) to-form a small borough, (2) to form a town board, and (3) to join the city. There appears to bo a strong feeling against joining the city (hear, hear), and the great objection to the forming of a town board was, they were liable to a country rate. Tho only course "open seemed to be to form the district into a borough, when they would have control over all their local revenue, and be able to raise money for drainage and water by borrowing. Money was now cheap and easily obtained. He referred to tho growing importance of the district, which had now a population of 1,400, and was tho centre of the railway system, both North and South. He mentioned that Mr Clayton, who hitherto had been a strong opponent to the advancement of the district, had. moved the motion at tho Board convening this meeting.—Mr Clayton, in a lengthly speech, denied that his views had changed. Tho Chairman's private views were that they should join the city, but the speaker strongly advised them not to do so. Tho people of Ponsonby now regretted the step they had taken. He moved "That tho district do not join the city, but remain a highway district."— Mr La Roche seconded.—The Chairman said that this was not a resolution at all. His sontiment was that as the people were averse to joining the city, tho next best course should be udopted.—Mr La Kocho urged that tho resolution should be received, and after some discussion, the Chairman accepted it.—Mr McColl moved as an amendment: " That tho time has now arrived when it is necessary to provide drainage and water for Newmarket."—Mr Taito socondod.—The Chairman ruled that this was not an amondmont.—The motion was then put, and carried by 22 to 11. —Mr McColl's amendment was then put as a motion, and was carried.— The Chairman repeated what he had before said against tho formation of a town board. Ho was of opinion that if a small borough was formed, it could be worked almost as economically as a highway district £5,000 or £6,000 borrowed money would bo sufficient at present. The intorest, at C por cent., would bo equal to one year's rate, but ho thought they all agreed with him that tho district would bo undor-ratod, and he thought that a rato of 2s in tho £ was all that would be roquired. He had tho assurance from some meinbors of the Government, that if a small borough were formed, thoy would afford every facility for raising the money.—Mr G. T. Kootley moved, " That tho Road Board bo instructed to take the necessary steps to have Newmarket formed into n borough under the Municipal Corporations Act."—Mr Ewards seconded. —Mr Morris moved, as an amendment, which was understood to mean that the district remain as a highway district.— Mr Clayton said if that is what is meant ho would second the amendment.— Mr Ball strongly supported tho motion. Ho said all tho districts round about were going ahead, and why should Newmarket remain stationary ? Newmarket is now unhealthy, and people would not come to live in tho district.—Mr Bishop advocated progress, and said Mr Clayton had always been an obstruction to the progress of the place.— Mr McColl said ho was not wedded either to join the city or form a borough, but ho wanted drainage and water. Under the present system it took all their revenue to get scoria for the footpath and the roads. If an epidemic arose, the very pecple who were now opposing progress would be the first to feel it, as the rents would soon come down. He strongly supported the motion.—The Chairman having spoken in favour of the motion, Mr Morris withdrew his amendment, and the resolution was put and carried unanimously, The proceedings terminated with th e cus . ternary compliment to the Chairman.