BIRKENHEAD LOAN PROPOSALS

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 219, 13 September 1923, Page 7

BIRKENHEAD LOAN PROPOSALS

COUNCIL'S UNANIMOUS DECISION. The Rirkcnhead Borough Council last night decided by a unanimous vote to consider loan proposal's forthwith, with the view to taking a poll of ratepayers early next year. The question was introduced by a notice of motion by -Mr. A. lladiield, who stated that the council would be enabled next year to reduce the amount, of the total rates charged this year. Mr. K. G. skeatcs considered * there would be a fair chance of success of carrying the Joan if a reduction in rates were made. Mr. C. K. Campbell thought it would be wise to prepare proposals as early as possible, and then submit them to" the ratepayers early in the year The Mayor, Mr. K. C. Walton, emphasised that it was desirable that the council should be unanimous if success was to he achieved. There was evidence of a forward movement in the borough, and this should be encouraged and fostered. Tt was no longer economical to do patchwork on the "roads. The footpaths were in a deplorable state, and a large amount from maintenance account would be required to put them in passably good order. The council should not consider the- possible fate of any proposal if convinced of its urgency. Early consideration slioukl be given 'to tlio nature of the proposals to place before the ratepayers. Having considered fully the urgency of the works and the cost, the council could then submit the issues I when the time was considered opportune. Immediate steps could be taken to ascertain the urgent needs of the district, prepare estimates for the work. ami ascertain the increased amount of rates [ necessary to provide the money. The motion was then put and carried J j