SAWYERS BAY PETITION.

Evening Star, Issue 25674, 24 December 1945, Page 6

SAWYERS BAY PETITION.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —I congratulate “ Ratepayer ” on bringing to notice the irregularity of the published statement that. 96 per cent, of the local ratepayers favoured amalgamation with the Port Chalmers; Borough. Definitely this is riot fact; the petition as presented to the Port Chalmers Council bore the signatures of only some few supporters of the amalgamation movement, and it is difficult to understand -the action—as reported—of that council in deciding to proceed on such, meagre evidence of the people’s desire; it appeal's like an attempt at the last-minute legislation so popular in these days. As “Ratepaver” says, the opinion of the majority of the local residents is that Port Chalmers has nothing to offer except at a substantial increase of fates, and this fact is backed up by the remarks of Cr Knewstubb. when lie suggests to his own council improvement m the condition of Carey’s >Bay, before accepting ' additional responsibilities in another sphere. It, has.to be admitted that there is much roorm for improvements in the amenities of Sawyers (Ray, but -I suggest tnat quite a measure of these might be attained by the right approach to, and competent representation on, the Waikouaiti Council, which body. 1 take it. is just as able to raise the rating for improvements as is the Port Chalmers Council . What really is required of Waikouaiti is an acknowledgment of the fact that the Sawyers Bay district, which was originally farming to a large extent, - is now residential, and should be considered accordingly, and, that being so, we could expect the district to step nut in its improvement without having, by amalgamaion, to carry the burden of the neighbouring' borough.—l am, GtC. Watch Out. December 24.