The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, JULY 29, 1901. WHY WE SHOULD AMALGAMATE.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 169, 29 July 1901, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, JULY 29, 1901. WHY WE SHOULD AMALGAMATE.

i. meeting of the Whataupoko ratepayers will bo held this evening to discuss the question of amalgamation with the borough. The subject is a difficult one to present in all its bearings in a clear and conciso form, and at the same time it is unreasonable to expect people to enter into a contract without knowing what the effect of that contract will be upon them financially. It is to be much regretted that the matter has not yet been placed before the ratepayers in a businesslike manner —although it is true that Mr Lysnar has made some attempt in this direction. If the proposed amalgamation will not impose any heavy burden on the suburbs, the advantages are so manifest that it goes without saying that they would do : well to join hands with the borough, We feel sure that the ratepayers will recognise that the advantages to bo

gained by amalgamation wiu more than compensate thahi for any slight increase in rates. Thero seems to bo an idea with some people that Kaiti and Whataupoko are healthy suburbs, and do not require a water or drainage scheme. We would point out to ratepayers holding this opinion that their district is fast increasing in population, and building is going on at such a rate that householders must of necessity turn their attention to both questions of wator and drainage. It is in the early stages that precautions should be taken to prevent these places drifting into a dirty and unhealthy condition, and there can be little doubt that these conveniences can be obtained on far more reasonable terms by joining with the borough at the present time than by delaying the matter for another four or five years. Mr Lysnar contends that by adopting the Waimata water scheme and restricting the drainage scheme, that water and drainage, as well as the construction of bridges and liquidation of the debts of the three places—Gisborne, Whataupoko, and Kaiti —can bo obtained for £78,000. We are not so sanguine as Mr Lysnar, and we would like to see his calculations fortified by a capable expert. No doubt Mr Mestayer will be able to to see his way to keep . the cost of the proposed works for. the , three districts well within £IOO,OOO, ' and we feel sure the general body of i ratepayers would not object to the i

burden that such a loau would necessitate in the direction of increased rates. ' We are entitled to assume that a uniform system of valuation will bo adopted in the three places, and either that the Kaiti and Whataupoko valuations will be brought down to the same line as the borough valuations, or that the borough valuations will be brought up to the two districts mentioned. The capital value will apply to the three places most fairly, and has the advantage that it is easier understood by the general body of ratepayers. The capital value of the portion of Whataupoko proposed to be amalgamated with the Borough is stated to be £BO,OOO, aud that of Kaiti £50,000. The Borough capital value is at present an unknown quantity, but we are fairly safe in assuming that the valuation now being made will not fall far short of £500,000. It will therefore be seen that wo have a total capital value of £030,000 to rate upon, and a threopouny rate would realise £7875 per year, which with the other ordinary sources of revenue such as licensos, etc., would bo moro than sufficient to meet all outgoings. Kaiti ratepayers at present paj' a rato of 2jd and Whataupoko 2d, so it will be seen that the additional burden imposed upon them wouldj not bo great, considering the advantages they would be obtain. In fact, with the increased values in properties that must necessarily follow, we do not see why the Council should not bring the rato clown to 2fd or 2Ad. Whataupoko would contribute ouo-eighth of the rates for the combined area, Kaiti onotwolfth, and tho Borough the remainder. From a Whataupoko point of view, amalgamation with tho Borough should certainly bo favorably considered. This being such an extremely favorable opportunity, a conjunction of circumstancos oxisting which can never occur again, we feel sure that calm aud careful consideration of the pros aud cons, the advantages and tho disadvantages, wilhconvince the vast majority of tho ratepayers of Whataupoko of the advisability of amalgamation. They can rest assured that onco they decide to come in an equitable arrangement betwoon themselves and tho Borough will he arrived at. A similar favorable opportunity cannot arise again, and we should bo very sorry if this occasion were not taken advantage of to amalgamate. Wo should be sorry in the future to see the ratepayers of Whataupoko knocking at tho door of the Borough, and being met by tho reply “ too late.” Upon tho score of economy, as well as health, it is necessary that the amalgamation of tho three districts should bo brought about, and the interests of each ratepayer in any one district are so bound up in the three places that amalgamation is absolutely necessary. Furthermore, it is a sign that tho people have confidence in the district when such a union is sought. As far as we know in no other part of the colony is progress so sound, so rapid, and so assured as is the progress of this district. As pointed out by us on Friday last, Gisborne now exports over one-twelfth of the frozen meat sent away from the colony, and we believe before another ton years this district will be in tho proud position of supplying over one-sixth of the total output. With such possibilities iu view, why should we hesitate to join in a proposal which promises to do so much for the district? Investors from all parts of the colony are turning their attention towards this district, and it is as well that w T e should show them that wo have confidence in the district. No one for a moment will argue that separate water and drainage schemes can bo obtained for each district cheaper than a united scheme, and it is idle to suggest that either AVhataupoko or Kaiti can do without these conveniences. It is to be regretted that certain persons for the purpose of forcing their own individual ideas on the public eithor imperil the scheme they wish to forward or wreck the scheme with which they do not agree. It is a matter in regard to which every public man should discard all personal feeling, and endeavor to arrive at the truth by comparing ideas with calm impartiality. We counsel everyone attending the meeting to-night to go there with free minds ; let them dismiss all prejudice and 2)reconceived opinions, .and endeavor to thoroughly understand every argument that is brought forward, remembering at the same time that it is not only his own but the welfare of posterity that he has in charge. It is a case in which almost inevitably some slight concession or sacrifice will have to be made. Such sacrifice, however, will only be of a temporary nature, as we feel sure that tho advantages which will result in the near future to Gisborne and its people will more than compensate property holders for any slight increase in rates. AVe leave the matter with confidence in the* ratepayers’ hands,