HAURAKI PLAINS.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 248, 18 October 1924, Page 51 (Supplement)

HAURAKI PLAINS.

coTTircn/s bill ktlled. A QUESTION OF POLLS. (Bγ Telegraph.-Special to "Star. , ") WELLINGTON, Friday, j The Hauraki Plains County Council Empowering Bill was the subject of a dispute in the committee stage in the House of Representatives to-night. Mr.: T. W. Rhodes (Thames) moved the re-1 insertion of words deleted by the Local Bills Committee enabling the county council to convert into county loans two loans at present secured over two special rating areas. He also moved the reinsertion of a clause giving the county council power to raise loans for the construction of bridges without taking poll 3. Mr. Rhodes said that not more than 15 per cent of the people in the district opposed the proposition, and the Public Works Department would contribute towards the work more than any individual local body. The bill was the only solution of a vexed problem. Its aim was to enable all bridge problems to be dealt with as county matters. Bridges on main highways would be constructed without the necessity of a poll. t Mr. H. Poland asked why, if only 15 per cent of the ratepayers objected to the proposals in the bill, it was proposed now to avoid a poll on the question of spreading over the whole county the rate payable at present by two arae-., | and also to raise loans for bridge build-. ing without taking a poll. ! Mr. W. D. Lysnar said a poll had been taken regarding bridges already constructed, and the proposal was to spread the cost. If there was an objection to the county raising a further loan objections would be heard even though no poll was taken. I Mr. H. T. Armstrong said there was strong objection to the proposals, but if only 15 per cent of the ratepayers were objecting it would be a simple matter to have a poll and then carry out the proposals. The Hon. J. G. Coates said the area was all of the same quality land, all beincr reclaimed swamp. That simplified matters, for the requirements were much the same. There were certain bridges already constructed. The bill provided for four' bridges. Mr. Poland: They can erect twenty bridges. Mr. Coates: There is only one bridge that cannot be erected under the Public Works Art. The Minister added that all the bridges were access bridges. He thought no grave injustice was being done. The objectors would be satisfied when they learnt that there would be no extra rate. Mr. Poland: What is the objection to a Doll? j Mr. Coates: Some of these people have got the bridges they want, and would vote against more. A poll is expensive and would not get them anywhere at all. Mr. Poland pointed out that the committee had heard the whole of the evidence, and had cut out of the bill powers which Mr. Rhodes sought to reintroduce. Under the circumstances he felt justified in moving to report progress. On a vote the motion to report progress was carried by 32 votes against 30. This virtually killed the bill. ,