EASTBOURNE AFFAIRS

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 141, 16 June 1936, Page 11

EASTBOURNE AFFAIRS

RATEPAYER MEETING-

NO BIG WORKS THIS YEAR

The annual meeting of the Eastbourne Ratepayers' Association was held last evening. There was a large attendance, including the Mayor (Mr. E. W. Wise). Mr. K. J. Loe presided. A motion of sympathy was passed with the relatives of the late Mr. R. E. Manley, one of the prime movers in the formation of the association. The annual report stated tha.t two members of the committee had attended every ordinary meeting of the

council. The most interesting phase of the council meeting, that done in committee, had not been open to the association's deputies. Furthermore, as most of the business transacted at the council meetings was done by reference to numbered items on an agenda paper it had not been possible for the association's deputies to follow much of the work done in open council. All ratepayers had been circularised, pointing out the necessity of maintaining the association. This appeal brought a good response, more especially from _ those ratepayers who were not resident in Eastbourne and who apparently relied on the association to looki after their interests in the borough. Mr. Loe said that ratepayers should have an idea of the work to be done before it was undertaken. When the association had taken various matters up with the council it was found that the questions had already beeA decided. Since ratepayers' associations had been formed there had been an increased tendency by councils to go into committee. He understood that it was highly probable that an effort would be made to obtain more information for the general public. The ' association would continue to attend the meetings. Residents were fortunate in having a very capable council and Mayor and borough staff. "We do not want to hinder them, but only to bring before them matters that may not have reached their notice, and I may say that the council has met us in every way possible," concluded Mr. Loe.

The Mayor said he realised there might appear to be a measure of justification for the complaint, but if the ratepayers were on the inside they would see that, the council was justified in taking the work it did in committee. It was not policy to allow certain matters to be discussec} in the open before they were completed, but when they were completed they were made public. At the council meetings the whole of the clauses were read out and not only the number. This policy had been adopted since the association complained two years ago. Mr. Wise stated that he realised the footpaths were not in the best condition, and this year it had been hoped to tar-seal many of them, but on account of the cost to be incurred in repairing the sea walls the footpaths would have to wait a while longer. The Highways Board had taken over the main rodd as far as south Muritai. The council was engaged in clearing and grading the non-sealed, portion of the road, and if this was done satisfactorily the Highways Board would finish the sealing of the road at the sides. Work was commenced yesterday in repairing the sea walls.. Arrangements had been made for the opening of a quarry near the work, and it was hoped to obtain sufficient big rock from this to do the job, which should be quickly completed. If the rock supply was not adequate they would have to go outside the borough, in which case the work would take longer.

STABLE RATE POLICY. The Mayor and Councillor C. H. Andrews said that no extensive works were planned by the council for the coming year.

Councillor Andrews said the council did not propose any big capital expenditure on works, but had been in-

tent on keeping the rates as they were at present. Next year's programme would be one of bare maintenance.

"We have had to cut down considerably to keep the. rate where it is," said the Mayor, who stated that the council would have to pass on to the ratepayers the increase in the Hospital Board levy. The increase during the last two or three years had been borne by the borough. One reason for the cut in expenditure was the storm damage to the sea wall, which would cost the council something between £1700 and £2000 to repair.

In reply to a request from the association for improvements to the beach in the way of bathing sheds and sanijtary conveniences, it was said that the council had no money this year. Councillor Andrews suggested • that the association should think of ways of raising money, for this purpose. Mr. Wise said he had not obtained the feeling of the borough on the subject of amalgamation of Hutt local bodies, but as far as he could see the council was favourably disposed towards the proposal.

Councillor Andrews stated that as Eastbourne had so much in common with the city in the way of the transport services, weekend residents, etc., it should consider amalgamation with Wellington.

The Mayor and Councillor Andrews spoke most favourably on the jyork of the association.

[ Officers were elected as follows:— President, Mr. E. J. Loe; vice-president, Mr. C. M. Hill; hon. treasurer, Mr. A. N. Smith; hon. secretary, Mr. P. C. Ayson; committee, Messrs. J. Forrester, P. D. Sladden, W. J. Thomson, P. A. Graham, J. A. Baine, R. B. Gray, C. Houlton; hon. auditor, Mr. G. Y Berry.