CIVIC THOUGHT

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 141, 11 December 1925, Page 9

CIVIC THOUGHT

FOR CITY COUNCIL DIGESTION

ANNUAL MEETING OF LEAGUE

SOME PERTINENT QUERIES,

The fourth annual meeting of the Civic League was held last night at the Town Hall, Mr. Thomas Gray, vice-president, taking the chair in the indisposition of the president, Mr. Lan Duncan, though the latter was present. There, was an attendance of some 80 persons. The Mayor (Mr. C. J. B. Norwood^ apologised for nonattendance, being absent to open the Wellington Court at the Exhibition. The chairman heartily welcomed representatives of the Wellington North citizens, though they had not yet officially linked up with the league. The report (already published), showing assets of £325 with no liabilities, was read, and upon the motion of the chairman was adopted. . ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers resulted:— President, Mr. J. H. Whittaker; vicepresidents, Messrs. J. H. Burgoyne Thomas, Aler. M'ln tosh, D. J. M'Gowan, and F. W. Downs; members of executive, Mesdames K. Preston and E. J. Moore, and Messrs. IV Gray, P. D. Barcham, P. Myers, and W. Appleton. , Votes of appreciation were given to officers during the last year, including the secretary (Mr. D. M'Laren) and the .assistant-secretary (Mr. B. C. Cull). •....' MATTERS NEEDING ELUCIDA- ' TION. ■ The chairman referred to the occasional criticisms of the league, mainly from a political party. It should be recollected that the main function of the league was independence for the welfare of citizens. It must be admitted' that the league had done something for the city, but it worked in the interests of no political j party. Nevertheless a certain partyhad .tried to secure control of civic affairs. The league should see that men representing the city on the numerous bodies represented all parties of the people, alid not one party only. The league was still seriously concerned with certain matters. It was not satisfied in regard to the changeover, that the people who had to pay had recourse to a proper appeal tribune. Again, although tho City Council had enumerated a permanent policyj with the supposed elimination of maintenance, the expenditure was £20,000 more on the latter head this year than last." Then, in housing, an urgent question, .a committee was set up by the council, and excellent investigations, were made, but, though it was shown that houses could be erected at reasonable cost the matter had been dropped. RAROA ROAD? Then, again, £47,000 had been voted some time ago for a tramway via Baroa road,, and on. the same schedule approved- ■'£ HjOOO.V ' * P* access to Northland. He .Wished to know what had actually happened.; (Laughter.) Then £500,000 had been spent on a great water scheme. Would the councillors .present assure them that in the event of a dry spelt there would be an adequate supply from the Orongorongost Let them be candid. There was room for improvement. They heard of the resignation of the City Engineer. The ladies, at any rate, were positive that a General Manager was required. -'«.*«. Mr. Leslie Jones suggested that the city councillors present should at once reply. The Chairman: "Councillors are not on the carpet. We want an open discussion' to help them.'' Mr. Jones: "I thought from the way you spoke they were."

THOROUGH INVESTIGATION NEEDED.

Mr. W. Sttiart Wilson said that the league was in favour of the appointment of » General Manager. The Mayor had announced his opposition to such an appointment. He hoped the Mayor was in a minority, but he did wish to ■ see a thorough investigation of affairs before the appointment of such an officer. Such an investigation had been promised by the Mayor and by his predecessor, but it had not eventuated. He" suggested that their new president saw •to it that the eigtt suggestions of Councillor Trbup, as published, be carried out. The speaker hoped to see some drastic changes in the methods ■ of administration from the good old British system of muddle which had characterised city affairs for twenty years. He trusted "Mr. Whittaker would carry out Mr. Troup 's policy, thus avoiding extravagances that would' make life in the city unbearable in a few years' time.

COUNCILLOR BENNETT LEADS

" DEFENCE."

Councillor W. H. Bennett said he had not come to discuss the appointment of a General Manager, but as a representative to give some indication of'the work done at the council table. Few realised the responsibilities of the City Council. It was all very well for Mr. Wilson to cavil, but Wellington city was peculiarly situated. It was not a level city like Christchurch, but every playing area had to' be hollowed out or filled*up. Christchurch had boards which managed all its separate problems. In Wellington city the council had to carry the whole burden. Ho found committee work take up all his own time, especially in connection with subdivision and the Bylaws Committee. A problem peculiar to Wellington was the nature of the circumstances affecting subdivisions. There were acres five chains deep and two chains wide. How could they avoid the house-behind-house problem T The configuration of the ground had to be taken into consideration.

He believed that rating on unimproved value was wrong. The sooner the permission of ratepayers to rating on annual value was secured, the better for the city.

NEED OF MANAGER ADMITTED.

Councillor J. Burns referred to the increased responsibilities accruing with the city's extension. He did not favour discussion of the points raised forthwith, as only councillors' individual 'opinions could bo given. He would like to see members of the league in the gallery at council meetings. Mr. W. S. Wilson: "You go into committee.'' Councillor Burns:• '"That's only when we want to do something we

don't want you to know." Councillors were entitled to express their opinion, but not to discuss policy matters through the Press. His experience on the council had shown him that there was a.lack of co-ordination, which showed that a system, good enough before, had . outworn itself. What was needed was a head to say, "This must be done; do it." Things had been done by the council that a business man would not tolerate, he knew, but the public were inclined to be as, ignorant of the work of the council as of the league. CONTRACT SYSTEM PRAISED. Councillor J. -Aston said nothing gave him greater pleasure than to see the advancement of the league, but he thought the league could seek outlying districts, and learn their needs, instead of waiting to be approached. .There was sometimes a clash between a city department and a Government Department, as on the matter of the jetty at Island Bay. Regarding expenditure, he favoured work on streets done by contract, such as had happened in the Carlton Gore road wall. In. the ease of .the Northland tunnel it would probably, have meant an improvement. He was of opinion that the idea to raise a loan to bring in all playing areas at once was better than endeavouring to establish playing areas out of revenue. Councillor F.. Meadowcrof t welcomed constructive criticism, but thought some of the questions asked rather out of place. The delay in water supply was caused by delay in pipes. • •, Mr. Gray: "What is the condition of the stream; that's what we want to know?" Mr. Meaddwcroft: "I am not prepared .to answer that question." There were people wanting.water and drainage, and he thought the matter of playing areas might wait. (Hear, , hear.) The Mayor has called a halt in that matter." A member:" Oh, no, he hasn 't." Mr. Meadowcroft: "But he's going to. _ We must cut our -cloth according to its measure." Unless income could be increased by raised rates, people must be ready to go without. The league 1 could do good work in improving the .rating system. ' . . j EEBERVES EXPEI DITTJEE. Councillor B. G. H. Burn, regarding the matter of reserves, said he was in direct opposition to Councillor Meadowcroft. Playing areas meant fewer doctors' bills.. Bowlers financed' their own sport, and if more of that spirit were observed in 6ther" sports, the City Council might feel inclined to do more. He challenged the statement attributed to the Mayor that Wellington spent more on recreation grounds than Auckland, .Christchurch, and Dunedin together. How- could those three centres work, on £7000? A member: "You spent £25,000 last year." j Councillor Burn: "We spent £18,-.' 000 on the Basin, that leaves us £ 7000. ■ We have also. 35 reserves to look after. The money is not enough to do .-justice to the reserves of a city like Wellington." Mr. D. M'Laren said that this year expenditure on reserves was £33,000 out of revenue. Councillor G. A. Troup said he j would have preferred to, listen to members of the !eag'u6 ttiari'to- broth-,; er councillors. It would make the matter, clear to state.that the.. City Council, which had been making reserves out of revenue, would now only make reserves out-of loan money, and tho ratepayers would have the opportunity of agreeing or otherwise to the work.

Mr: D. M'Laren said-the idea behind the annual Bystem of rating was more revenue, but was more revenue what was required?

A member: "Not it's notl.lt's better- administration."

RISING STREET ESTIMATES.

Mr. M'Laren asked to what the huge increase to £ 90,083 for 1925 estimates of streets works was duef The years from 1914 to 1922 averaged £42,000. The same query applied to reserves estimated expenditures. Should loan expenditure not relieve revenue t Whilst policy matters might rest in the hands of the Mayor and councillors, the business of the city was becoming more important, and therefore the league urged consideration of the appointment of a controller of the business side of affairs, apart from technical expert executives, and that the council would delegate to that controller the full necessary authority. Departments in private businesses had their -heads, but all were under the control of a business manager. In 1922 the expenditure on streets works went up to £83,000, and the plea that money could not be raised in war years. Expenditure dropped in 1923, but citizens now wanted to know why it had mounted to £90,000 this year.

MANAGERIAL APPOINTMENT

ENDORSED.

Mr. F.-Downs rioved "That this meeting endorses the suggestion of appointing a general manager to whom such authority and power would, be given to exercise, proper control and authority in co-ordinating the various departments subject to the policy being laid down .by the Mayor and councillors." . The idea had been many times before the league, which always favoured it. Councillor W. H. Bennett said there was so much to be said on both sides that no motion should: be passed at that meeting. The City Council had not yet come to a decision upon it. .

The Chairman: "Will this matter be settled by the council before the league can express its opinion f". "I think it will be settled next Thursday night," replied Councillor Bennett. '•■•

The Chairman: "I will take the motion then."

This resolution, said Mr. W. S. Wilson, if put into effect would result in a far better and more economical method of city affairs. He seconded it.

A CATCH-TEAM EXODUS.

Councillors who then withdrew (with many others) were thanked for their attendance by the chairman.

Mr. Whittaker thought the mature consideration of; a public meeting should be brought to bear upon this question. He recommended the resolution to the consideration of the incoming executive, to be dealt with as soon as possible.

Mr. P. Myers also thought the denuded meeting- inadequate to handle so important a matter, which was one for a public meeting. Mr. Wilson: "Let us put our foot down. We know that in progressive cities policy is determined by Mayor and councillors, and business is in the hands of a gqncral manager. We have talked of this for four years. Let's pass the resolution, and state our policy." Mi. Joaei tiuogb* tjM spadl

would take no notice of any motion passed. The chairman said the league had only one view, as indicated in its election ticket.

The motion was carried. DID COUNCILLORS STONE-

WALL?

Here a member of the Hataitai Eatepayers' Association protested that, though it was 10.30 p.m., outside associations had not had an opportunity of speech. Could they now have it? There was the question of subdivisions for instance.

He was advised to send his suggestions to the executive.

Mrs. Henderson, in calling attention .to some urgent matters, said councillors had not wished to say anything definite, and had wasted time. She was- informed by the chairman that all matters could be dealt with at general meetings.

Mrs. Henderson nevertheless moved that supporters be advised of subdivisions in time to lodge objections, which was seconded by Mr. Burgbyne Thomas, and carried, '

The meeting then ended.