WHICH WARD?

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 30, 5 February 1927, Page 7

WHICH WARD?

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Some time ago repr'esenatives of the Wellington Eacing' Club and' members of the Upper Hutt Borough Council met to discuss the proposed incorporation of the Eacing Club's property at Trenthain in the borough, and it was agreed .that the Mayor should supply information to the secretary of the Eacing Club regarding the rates in the two wards. The councillors of the West "Ward, however, took exception to the letter ultimately sent by the Mayor to the club; considering that it was liable to prejudice the club against joining with the West Ward, and they called upon the Mayor to convene a special meeting to consider his letter. The Mayor (Mr. A. J. M'Curdy) suggested that the meeting should be taken in committee. Councillor Johnson (West Ward): "The point is, you got one in. Your letter showed a decided disadvantage for the West Ward, and the desirability of joining with the East Ward. I say those figures are incorrect, and no officer of the council had any right to treat the matter in that way without the advice of an expert committee. I want the statement of the difference between the wards decided by a Select Committee. 'I don't care whether it's public or not." Councillor Jameson (West Ward): "My experience of this council is that most matters referred to committees have been pigeon-holed. I '■. consider it expedient that this letter be capcelled and a revised letter sent." Mr. M'Curdy then read the letter he had sent, and fully explained each item, stating that apart from one for £88 0s 6d the figures were quite correct. Cpuncillor Johnson: "No, not by a long way they're not." He mentioned other items, including the water proposals, which he would like to see explained. Councillor Howell: "Could each member of the council have a copy of that letter?" The Mayor: "Certainly." Councillor Jameson: "I consider your letter was more for propaganda purposes than an explanation." Ho then pointed out what he considered to be inaccuracies in the letter, and after discussion it was moved by Councillor Greig and carried: "That a letter, proposed to be forwarded to the Eacing Club, be drafted by the Mayor, Councillors Jameson, and Lodge, and presented to' the council on 21st February,".