ODD MEETING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 140, 15 June 1935, Page 11

ODD MEETING.

MOUNT EDEN COUNCIL

m BACK ROOM OF SHOP.

ESTIMATES ADOPTED.

The Mount Eden Borough Council this morning held a special meeting in an empty room at the back of a jeweller's shop in Symonds Street. The rate for the ensuing year was struck at 4/1 and the estimates were adopted. It was probably the first time in the history of municipal bodies that such important business has been decided outside the boundaries of the local body concerned. The "council chamber" was empty, •there not being even a chair or table, and the councillors stood with top coats and hate on while one member, Mr. S. E. Chappell, strongly protested against the manner in which the business of the striking of the rate and the adopting of <tho estimates was carried through. Those present were the Mayor, Mr. T. MeNab, and Messrs. A. P. Hartnoll, K. N. Buttle, E. W. Turner, A. J. Hooton, A. C. Johns, E. R.' Greenfield, W. J. Gatenby and S. E. Chappell. Error in Notices.

The Mayor explained that the meeting was called to consider, and if thought fit, to declare null and void the resolution approving and adopting the estimates passed by the council at the special meeting held on June 11; to consider, and if thought fit, to declare null and void the resolution , providing for the allowance of 2J per cent discount on the 1935-36 rates paid within the statutory period; to approve and adopt the estimates of receipts and expenditure for the year 1935-36; and to resolve that 2J per cent discount be allowed ratepayers paying the 1935-36 consolidated rates within the statutory period of 30 days. The reason for the special meeting this morning was that there had been an error in the notices sent out io councillors calling the meeting on Tuesday last. Although the council had then considered the estimates , and decided on their adoption, also that the rate for the ensuing year be 4/1 instead of 4/3 last year, it was necessary to put everything in order, and the meeting was to confirm what •had been decided on Tuesday evening.

Mr. Chappell's Objection. Mr. S. E. Chappell said he would like to point out that there were some points in the estimates that required elucidation. On the books of the council there was a resolution requiring the estimates to be distributed among councillors three days before the meeting called for their adoption. That resolution had not been carried out, and as there were seven new members on the council he thought they should have had the estimates in their hands three days before the meeting, so that they could have given the items consideration. He pointed out that the estimate to cover works to be done in the borough had increased considerably. Two years ago the amount was- £3010, last year it worked but at £4300, and for the ensuing year it was £5235. 'T suggest these figures call for some explanation," said Mr. Chappell. "The chairman of the works committee is not present this morning, and he should be here to give some explanation. I also notice that the estimates include a certain amount to ,be expended upon the filtration of tho baths, and there is also the striking of the rate for the borough at 4/1. If the figures in the estimates

are correct, there is no- justification of the .rate at 4/1. In any case, L.protest at such important business being carried out in the back room of a shop outside the borough. I consider that consideration of the estimates should be deferred to a properly-constituted meeting to be held in the borough council chambers, and I move an amendment to that effect. Rate Reduction Essential. Mr. W. J. Gatenby said he would formally second the amendment, although he did not entirely agree with all that Mr. Chappell said. "I feel," he said, "that the ratepayers would be satisfied with any reduction in the rate at all, and if it were.struck at 4/2 that would give us about £1300 to do work •which would be in the interests of the ratepayers. I quite agree that the estimates are the most important business we have to determine during the year, and we should have a little longer time to consider them. Rather than reduce the rate from 4/3 to 4/1, I think •we should reduce it to 4/2 and then have a little money up our sleeves to do urgent works."

Mr. McNab: We went fully into this matter the other night. We are fully determined that the ratepayers shall benefit to the extent of every penny we can give them. When we took over the council's affairs four years ago the rate was 5/, and we have gradually got it down. It was the unanimous wish of the council the other night that the rate should be 4/1.

Mr. A. C. Johns: I consider it was most unbusinesslike to be at the meeting the other night to consider the estimates without having them in advance. At the same time I do not think we should be humbugged about because Mr. Chappell was absent from the meeting.

Mr. A. P. Hartnoll said the lower the rate was struck the more building was created; .a high rate did not encourage people to build. He thought striking the rat at 4/1 was a wise move.

Mr. A. J. Hooton aaid that on the 4/1 rate the council woud be able-to see through the year. .

Mr. E. R, Greenfield: We spent two hours at the meeting the other night, and now Mr. Chappell wants to hold up the business because he was not there. A rate of 4/1 means a saving of about 4/6 to the average ratepayer. I not only support the 4/1 rate, but I protest against the business being hold up. " Most Undignified." Mr. Chappell: I am not asking for a rate of 4/, but if these figures are right, then the matter should be fully considered. I am quite prepared to all matters withy the council and abide by the decisions reached. But, going back to a previous meeting, we were asked what night would suit us to con-

sider the estimates. There should be no indecent haste. I pointed out that Tuesday would not suit me, as I had another appointment. I attended on Tuesday night and the Mayor said that a hitch had occurred and that anything we did that night would be. out of order. I then said "Well, if that is the case, I think I am. justified in keeping my other appointment." I then left, but had I known the council was going to consider the estimates I~should have remained.

?cu nil heard the Mayor say that anything we did that night would not be in orner.

Several councillors and the Mayor agreed that what Mr. Chappell said was correct.- j "Mr.'Chappell: I do think this is the most undignified meeting I have ever attended. Held outside the borough and in a room at the back of a shop! The Mayor put Mr. Chappell's amendment, which was defeated, only the mover and Mr. Gatonby supporting it. The Mayor's motion adopting the estimates, and that the rate for the ensuing year be 4/1 instead of 4/2 was adopted! The Mayor: I would just like to tell you I was rung up last night and told that we were holding a secret meeting this morning. The person who rang up the newspapers and told them that should be ashamed of himself. This meeting was called to suit councillors who were going to work. The Estimates. The estimated revenue for the year ending Maick 31, 1036, is ±50,469, and the estimated expenditure £105,076. Tiio principal items included in the estimated receipts are:— Kate collection, £71,275; licenses, £1001; rents from j-eserves, £074; penalty on rates, £1000; Government subsidy on rates, £364; heavy' traffic licenses, £1200; petrol tax allocation, £3000. The. principal items in the estimated expenditure are:—lnterest and sinking fund payments, £48,306; Auckland Hospital Board, £6082; Auckland Drainage Board, £3617; Auckland Metropolitan Fire Board, £119!>; Auckland Museum, £476; overdraft for temporary loans, £1200; refuse collection, £1080; upkeep of parks, £1075; Mayor's honorarium, £200. Receipts for water are estimated to produce £14,840, while the charge for water, payable to the Auckland City Council, is estimated at £11,000.