HUTT AND PETONE NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 303, 16 September 1908, Page 8

HUTT AND PETONE NEWS.

COUNCILLORS AND THE GAS QUESTION. An interesting discussion' arose at the meeting of the Lower Hutt Borough Council on Monday night on a motion by Councillor Ross, v,'to proposed:—"That, in view of the fact that the action of this council in deciding to erect gas works in tho Borough of Lower Rutt without taking a poll of tho ratepayers has aroused so much antagonism, this' council, as a body, resign from oifice in order to test t-lio feeling of tho ratepayers." The mover spoko at some length in support of the motion, and contended that tho opinion of tlio burgesses was strongly against tho proposal. Ho favoured a reference to the ratepayers, aiid objected to the j council using their overdraft to subsidise tho | aniount necessary for tho erection of proposed works. After some delay, as there appeared to be no ono to second tho motion, Councillor Ward came to tho rescue with a "pro forma" support. Ho considered that' Councillor Ross, in bringing forward the motion, was merely- playing to the gallery. For tho council, as a body,, to resign over this question would bo the act of a lot of schoolboys. Ho would resign as soon as Councillor Ross if he considered it necessary.; Councillor Baldwin renewed his argument regarding the informality of tlio ballot papers used in connection with the poll taken wlron the loan was before tho ratepayers. , Councillor Russell said that as far as he was concerned ho would not resign, but would continuo to oppose the proposal to erefct works in the borough. Councillor Ward said he could not allow Councillor Russell's remarks to pass. He (Mr. Russell) had said ho was opposed to the proposal to ercct works from tho start when ho was one of tho party to select tho site. A long discussion took place on tho -matter, when Councillor Russell gave an explanation. Ho was not a member of the committee, but simply gavo his opinion as -a member of tho .council. Councillor Hodgins was still of the opinion that the proposal should be submitted to tho ratepayers.

Councillor Baldwin moved that tho council call a public meeting on Friday next, and that the Mayor, tho mover, Councillors

Hodgins and Ward bo a committee to draw up a report for presentation to tho public meeting.

Councillor Baldwin's amendment in favour of calling a meeting of ratepayers was put and carried.

The usual monthly l meeting of the ,Hutt School Committee was held last night, Mr. T. H. Wilson, chairman presiding. ' The headmaster reported that tho attendance at tho primary school was 431 oii a roll of 490. and at the secondary classes 24 on a'roll of 26. , ■

Tho Phoenix Lodgo of Good Templars held their weekly session in tho Town Hall, Lower Hutt, 011 Monday evening. Tho lodge was onened at 7.45 bv Bro. M. Bronnan, acting Chief Templar. . TIIO lodge was honoured by a visit from District C.T. and District S..T.T. It was resolved to remove the lodge to Flllham House, Alicctown, Lower Hutt, until further notice.