WESTERN ACCESS

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 266, 6 August 1931, Page 8

WESTERN ACCESS

Mayor’s Proposal Declined SUPREME COURT TO DECIDE For some little time past the Mayor, ' Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, has been endeavouring to overcome the difficulties In connection with the continuation of the Sydney-Bowen Streets highway, western access project, so avoiding a reference to the Supreme Court and enabling work to be provided there for the unemployed.' Mr. Hislop was hopeful that his overtures to the Government would lead to some ready solution of the difficulty, but yesterday a letter was received from the Prime Minister declining his proposal. This, Mr. Hislop informed a “Dominion” representative, meant that the City Council would have to get a ruling of the Supreme Court as to its powers to raise loans without consulting the ratepayers, an action which might delay the prosecution of the work for months. A petitlob signed by more than 5000 ratepayers was lodged with the last City Council objecting to the council raising any further loans for public works without the consent of the ratepayers. The council, on the advice of the city solicitor, at first ruled that the petition was invalid, but this was found not to be the case. The council had then no option but to forward the petition to the Governor-ln-Coun-cil, which decided that the council would have to get a ruling of the Supreme Court as to its powers to raise loans without the ratepayers’ consent. The Mayor will make a statement about the matter at the City Council meeting this evening.