STOKES VALLEY

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 143, 15 December 1930, Page 13

STOKES VALLEY

SECESSION FROM COUNTY

PROPOSAL DEFEATED

Tucked away in the fold of two ranges of hills, running parallel to the road through the Taita Gorge, lies the pleasant hamlet of Stokes Valley. Up till some ten. years ago its population was less than 20; to-day its residents number over 300. It has an area of some three square miles, and is included in the Hutt County. To watch its interests it has a Progressive Association and a Ratepayers' Association, whose relations with each other are seldom of a harmonious nature. Some time ago two members of the Ratepayers' Association suggested that the district might be better served if it severed from the county and formed a town board. The idea was placed before the Ratepayers' Association, which, after some investigation by a sub-committee, called a meeting of valley ratepayers to consider the- matter. The meeting was held in the school on Saturday evening, and was presided over by Mr. A. Dickson, chairman of tlie. Ratepayers' Association, of which Mr. 0. W. Pickles is secretary. The chairman stated that tho meeting was called to consider secession, as far as possible, from the Hutt County, and the formation of a, town board. Though the meeting was called by the Ratepayers' Association,, that body had not yet decided that it was in favour of the proposal. Tho originator of the idea, Mr. F. Wheater, then formally moved, "That we secede from the Epuni riding of the Hutt County and form, a town board." The motion was seconded by Mr. A. J. White, who explained that a town board district must contain at least 50 householders, and have an area of not more than two square miles. The board would.be only partially free from the county, as to be completely independent a population of 500 was necessary. The- limitation of the area to two square miles would leave a portion of the north (entrance) end still outside tho town board The formation of a board would be in the best interests of the whole community. Everyone knew that the condition of the roads was, "well, not nice." The total amount spent by the County Council on the road was.very little indeed, and without any addition to the rates better service could be obtained. A member of the audience: "Question." (Applause.) The amount deducted by tho county in other districts for administration purposes, said Mr. White, was 30 per cent., but by some- peculiar twist. 43 i per cent, was deducted from Stokes Valley rates. The rates collected from the valley amounted to S3lO, but of this £135 was "dead" loss, owing to that deduction. "NOTHING TO BE SAID POR IT." Mr. J. Combs opposed the proposal. Nothing had been said and there was nothing to be said in favour of a town board. There- was really nothing to discuss, as no figures had been quoted by the mover or seconder in support of their argument. As chairman of the Stokes Valley Progressive Association, he had not bee-n consulted, and his association was in no way behind the movement. The Chairman: "I wish to say this matter has not been dealt with by the Ratepayers' Association, which is not attempting to push the matter." Mr. A. J, White: "What figures are required? We pay our rates, and what do we get? The county gets £310 and spends in-the-valley allegedly £165." Mr. H. F. Muir: "I have some figures here which may possibly throw some light on the question. They are supplied by Mr. W. V. Dyer, our Epuni R-iding representative on the council. The general rate collected in 1929-30 was £310 6s 2d, from which was deducted £.134 16s 10d for administration and interest charges, leaving available for spending on roads £175 9s 4d. The amount actually expended by the council in the valley in 1929-30 was £439. The amount expended for the.. portion of tho present year, Ist April to 31st October, 1930, is £417. Thisis excluding money " spent for deviation formation work. If the amount for which the city is liable on account of this work is added, it will increase the total spent during the seven past months of the current year to £617. Mr. Dyer states that the cost of the deviation work is £521, of which the Government is finding £312 and the city £208. It will be seen that not one penny of the money being spent on tho deviation comes from Stokes Valley, but from other ridings and the Government. The city has £175 of the valley's rates to spend, and is spending, including the Government subsidy, over £900." Mr. Muir went on to say that in the face of the figures it would be bad policy to talk of separating from the county. The administration and other standing charges of a Town Board would be more than £135, and the cost of road maintenance would be very high, owing to the fact that plant would have to be hired. It appeared to him that rates would be more than doubled. Mrs. Chittock said that for the past fifty years the valley had got more than it had given to tho county, and it would be folly to break away. Mr. J. Payne was of the opinion that it was "utter rot" to talk of forming a little Town Board. In a few years Taita would merge with Lower Hutt, and Silverstream with Upper Hutt; and if Stokes Valley was foolish enough "to go on its own" and form a Town Board, "it ought to merge with Porirua." The scheme would not even include the whole valley. Mr. H. I"I..Muir: "Can you give us any figures in favour of tho Town Board idea? We do not want to make the mistake Upper Hutt did when it formed a board." Mr. White then gave some estimates of the cost of tar-sealing the main Stokes Valley road, and said ho was sure the clerical work of the board could bo done free of cost. Mr. Muir, in reply, said it was not necessary to form a board to get tarsealing done; what was wanted was for residents to get together in one body. He was sure they could influence the Cit.3' Council to do the required work. The chairman said he would like Mr. Dyer to attend a public meeting in the valley; there were some questions the speaker would like to put to him. Ho would like to investigate the figures Mr. Muir had received from Mr. Dyer. Mr. De Laney did not favour a Town Board. The council had spent in the district money which was not seen, and there was little doubt Mr. Muir's figures were correct. Mr. E. Wakelin opposed the proposal. Quoting from local body statistics, he showed that the cost of administration of Town Board districts, and especially dependent districts, was very high. Out of 3!) independent boards, only 21 showed credit balances, and the position of dependent boards was very much worse. If plant was purchased it could not be used economically, as it would lie idle so long. The average rate per head in board districts was much higher than was being paid in tho valley. He moved as an amendment "that the question be reconsidered in twelve months time." Mr. Ciossman seconded. Mr. Cecil Young said he considered the time would not be ripe for at least five years. Mr. Gibson Young favoured a Town

Board which would give closer attention to valley affairs. WHY NOT A REPUBLIC? Mr. Whitehead thought tho board idea a "little Englander" proposal. They were cutting themselves off from tho opportunity of joining Taita in amalgamating with Lower Hutt in a few years. They were not even including.the whole valley in tho proposal. They would form a select community at the head of the valley. The next best thing would be to sever from the Government and form a republic. (Laughter.) Tho mover and seconder of the motion "then agreed that, if the amendment was carried, tho proposal would really be considered in twelve months time, they would withdraw their motion. The motion was then withdrawn, but when the amendment was put it was overwhelmingly defeated, which meant that the proposal was effectually 'killed. Mr. Wakelin then moved, "That it bo a recommendation from this meeting to the executives of the Progressive Association and the Ratepayers' Association that the respective bodies disband, and in the event of the recommendation being favourably considered by both bodies, a committee of five from <saeh body consider the setting up of a united body to farther the needs of the district." This motion was carried unanimously. The meeting, which was the largest and most enthusiastic held in the district for many years, closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.