PROPOSED TOWN HALL

Evening Star, Issue 17316, 1 April 1920, Page 9

PROPOSED TOWN HALL

THE FINANCIAL METHOD. AN ADJOXHINMENT. The Finance' Committee, reporting on the proposed Town Hall, briefly stated a method proposed by the Town Hall whereby its finance could be arranged internally by malting certain deductions over 1 a period of years from the annual contributions of the trading departments to the renewal fund account, and diverting such deductions to cover the cost of the Town Hall buildings The committee recommended that this method be approved, and that the calling o! tenders tor the work be delayed for nine months, when industrial conditions may bo improved. Cr Wilson moved the adoption of the clause in the committee’s report. If the Town Hall was to be put up and not be a burden on the ratepayers then this was the best possible arrangement that could be made. It was a pity the building had not been erected when the proposal was first made. Cr Walker seconded, and said that the erection of a Town Hall was urgent. It would also be a better arrangement for the staff. Cr Scott moved ns an amendment that the clause be struck out. They were go mg to rob their trading concerns of the money set aside for specific purposes. He urged that a Town Hall was wanted, but they should go about it in an honest, way. It was unwise to create a precedent in the way of robbing their trading concerns. Or Shaddock seconded the amendment, reiterating that the time was inopportune for the work. Did any councillor believe the architect could prepare specifications in nine months, or that conditions would bo easier. Industries were face to face with a famine. Again, as to methods, tins was a bad time to come on the trading departments for funds. , bad loans coming due in i 922. Cr Tai erner said there was a- certain amount of financial camouflage about the proposal. There was no justification at present for deflecting renewal fund contrioutions, and if there was, they should he deflected by way of extending the benefits to those the departments served or to relieve rates before being deflected to provide a Town Hall. lie supposed the amendment. Cr Hancock supported the amendment and said that if they had £70.000 to spend on a Town Hall they could spend a 1! that and more on workers’ dwellings. Cr Douglas moved the adjournment of the debate until the next meefin'T.—-'This was carried. B