NORTHCOTE SPORTS GROUND.

Auckland Star, Issue 291, 9 December 1925, Page 13

NORTHCOTE SPORTS GROUND.

■ • , ' * —: —: LOAN TO BE EXPENDED. Recently a petition from 440 ratepayers requested the Northcote Borough Council to take immediate steps to lay out a children's playing area and sports grounds in the reserve of five acres in Stafford Road. After discussion, provoked by an amendment by Mr. E. W. B. Herrick, the recommendation of the Finance Committee was adopted, on the motion of Mr. J. B. Tonar, seconded by Mr. A. W. Smith. This read:— "That the necessary steps be now taken to raise the loan of £2100 authorised by the ratepayers for this purpose. The rate of interest is 5| per cent per annum, and the extra rate will be .15d in the £1 on the unimproved value." Mr. Herrick sought to amend this by restricting the amount to be raised to that necessary to reimburse the drainage loan account for, its investment (about £1500), leaving the improvement of the reserve an open question. Mr. F. J. Maxwell seconded. Mr. Herrick asserted that if the ratepayers knew they were signing for higher rates there would not have been so many signatures. The matter should be reconsidered at a public meeting of ratepayers.. Mr. J. F. Jackson: The balance of £600 to lay out the reserve would only cost £30 a year interest. Each of the 440 signatories was on the roll. . Mr. C. A. Clark said the ratepayers took the onus when they authorised, the loan. It was desirable- to make the place attractive, and the time was opportune to place the reserve in order. They would not do justice to the borough to allow the opportunity to slip. The amendment was lost, three voting for it. .