Amalgamation with Borough.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 140, 24 June 1901, Page 3

Amalgamation with Borough.

To the Editor. Sir, —I am sorry that Mr Harris is disappointed at my attitude in this matter, but I am afraid hi 3 calibre is not equal to perceiving what that attitude is. A personal squabble with him on this subject, and as to what my duty ought to be, isn’t good enough. lam not opposing amalgation ; I am not even opposing Mr Lysnar’s efforts ; but I am opposing any attempt to force on an amalgamation scheme without giving the electors concerned full and reliable knowledge of the facts necessary for them to know. The conference of members of the two local bodies did not

make any independent enquiry, and did not report to the meeting of electors as to the results of any enquiry, nor make any recommendation. All that came before the meeting was an address by Mr Lysnar. Ido not complain of his address; from his point of view it was probably right enough, because ho had evidently made up his mind to an amalgamation. So had the Chairman, and apparently so has Mr Harris. I have not, and like many more, I desire to sec more clearly the end from the beginning before committing myself. The whole subject is one which, by law, must be determined on by the electors themselves; and my aim was to secure, if possible, tho appointment of a committee of the best men among themselves to investigate the subject in all its phases, and then to submit a report giving fully the facts and information needed to enable the electors

to resolve o i what should be done. The subject is not so simple as it may seem at first sight. What shall be the boundaries of tho extension proposed? Shall all Whataupoko No. 6 be included, or only a portion ? And ought the remnant of tho Road District to be left out ? The same as to Haiti. And is the Titirangi Road District to bo excluded ? Is the basis of assessment in the borough, and in the proposed extensions, equitably adjusted ? Mr Bridges pointed out tho position with great force, and showed that rating on the present basis would be quite unfair. Are the proposed extensions to form one or more wards of the borough, so that no burden may be placed on theln without their special consent ? If drainage and water supply schemes are resolved on, and amalgamation takes place, in what proportions will it be equitable to apportion the liability for cost? And how ought the rating for annual charges to bo imposed ? Graduated, or equal all over ? Shall tho rating for general purposes be equal all over, or be graduated? Then, as to finance, it appears to be assumed that a loan of—say, at least, ,£IOO,OOO can bo obtained under tho Government Loans to Local Bodies Acts; but theso Acts arc so nuniorous, and so mazy, that it is hard to know precisely what may be done under thorn ; and it is not clear that

they apply to boroughs, excepting for water-supply purposos. But it is pretty plain that tho Government have no such sum to advance under thoso Acts, and that is tho material point. If Gisborne may get such a loan, all tho boroughs in the colony may claim loans. What chance is thoro of getting such a loan ? Tho electors are entitled to have full information upon these, and porhaps other matters, before they can come to a decision upon tho question of amalgamation. As to harbor rates, I gave no opinion in public at all ; but I privately stated that I was disposed to agree with Mr Lysnar’s view, though it is not freo from doubt. —I am, otc., W. Sievwrigut.

P.S.—As tho annual meeting of tho Road District cleetors will shortly bo held, thoro will be opportunity for considering and discussing these and all other matters. —W.S. Gisborne, Juno 22nd, 1901.