LOAN PROPOSAL APPROVED

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22795, 22 August 1939, Page 10

LOAN PROPOSAL APPROVED

WORKS IN BOROUGH OF NEW BRIGHTON DETAILS TO BE PLACED BEFORE RATEPAYERS The report of the sub-committee appointed to prepare the schedule of new works amounting to £9OOO was approved at a meeting of the New Brighton Borough Council last evening and authority was given to have the whole schedule published to enable the ratepayers to understand the whole scheme proposed to be carried out. The whole scheme, said the Mayor (Mr E. L. Smith), had bean thoroughly examined, and as many new works as possible had been included. The whole question hinged on whether the Government was to provide the whole of the labour cost, including insurance, and on whether too many objections came in from the ratepayers. “This schedule has taken a lot of time and consideration by members of the sub-committee,” said- Cr. J. S. Ainsworth.. “Of the £9OOO the labour costs will be £4144 and the council will have to find . £4856. For years the works department has been handicapped for lack of money. This scheme is one of construction and provides for new works which cannot be done out of revenue. A number of new and substantial houses have been erected in the borough and each year is a record one for New Brighton. Many have built in sections and have no footpaths or side • channels. ;It is the duty of the council to provide them with these facilities. Why should we wait for progress until amalgamation takes place? Now is the time to adopt a progressive policy.” Doubts About Scheme “Some have doubts about the scheme and they are entitled to have the full facts placed before them,” said Cr. C, V. Lester. “With increased lighting rate, increased general rate, and the additional 9-20 of a penny for this loan, the rate next year will be 7Jd in the £. Ratepayers are entitled to a vote on this proposal. I think we should put before the public in plain terms the whole facts and let them think for themselves.” Mr J. N. Clarke: If this scheme is put through it will mean increased buildings and more rates. Let us look to the progress of the borough. It would be foolish to lose the opportunity of the Government finding £4OOO for labour costs. Cr. Lester has painted a gruesome picture. Cr. Lester: I have not painted a gruesome picture. I have only said in fairness to the ratepayers that we should place the whole facts before them. .

Cr. H. R. Macdonald: There hasbeen no intention of the council not to make the position known to the ratepayers. The Mayor: The proposals are only tentative. The report' will lie published. If we join the city and borrow money it means the consolidation of loans, which ■will be spread all over the city. If.it were not for the fact that we are to receive the Government subsidy \ wouVi s*y by' a\V xcietms take a poll, "Chance of a Lifetime’’ Cr. Wilkins: If we go ahead with this scheme we are getting £9OOO worth of work done for £4OOO, and that is a chance of a lifetime. “I claim that •we should unite for amalgamation and have the full benefit of the city plant,” said W. E, S. Furby, “I dissociate myself entirely with raising the loan without the ratepayers having a vote." Cr. W. T. Glasgow in supporting the scheme said as much publicity as possible should be given the ratepayers to enable them to understand the position.

Cr. Furby asked that his vote be recorded against the resolution. A letter was received from Mr W. J. Gibson, Estuary road, protesting against the loan being raised unless by a poll of the ratepayers. The letter was received and referred to the subcommittee dealing with the loan