COBDEN MEETING

Grey River Argus, 4 May 1935, Page 6

COBDEN MEETING

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Candidates’ Speeches A number of the candidates for the forthcoming Municipal elections last evening addressed twenty-two electors in McKane’s Hall, Cobden. The principal speaker was Mr F. A. Hitching ham (candidate for the Mayoralty), the other speakers being Messrs A. M. Carroll (Borough Council and Power Board), T. Barry (Borough Council), R. J. Williams (Borough Council), A McCarthy (Power Board and Borough Council), A. H. Paterson (Borough Council), F. Stent (Borough Council), C. Neville (Borough Council), and F. F. Boustridge (Borough Council). The chair was taken by Mr R. Marley, a retiring member of the Council, who introduced the speakers. MR. KIT CHING HAM. The first speaker was Mr Kitchingham. He said he had tried to conduct the Mayoral contest in tht fairest spirit. He had seen enough of Greymouth being torn by dissentions, and he hoped that in the contest there would be nothing said or done that would prevent all the Councillors pulling together. He had spent the whole of his life in Greymouth, except for six years in Christchurch, when he was taking his degrees, and practising with one of the largest firms there. For the past twenty-six years, he had been practising in Greymouth, and had a very intimate acquaintance with a great many people and their affairs. He thought that it could be said he had been a sympathetic participant, in the progress of the town and district. He had been on the Borough Council for the past twelve years, and during the whole of that period he had been Chairman of the Reserves and Town Planning Committee, as well as being on the general and other small committees of the Council. The Borough Council was a body with a revenue of £40,000 per annum. With such an amount of money to deal with it was a business, and it was essential that those in control must have business experience. Before he joined the Council in 1923, things were going in a pretty haphazard manner, and it was the way they were drifting that made him stand, and he had held his seat ever since.

Mr Kitehingham said he considered that every class should be represented on the Council, and with the choice of fered the electors this year, it should be possible. Another factor that he considered that should stand strongly to him was the fact that during the past twelve years, a certain policy had been laid down by the Council an.l carried into effect in regard to the enforcement of by-laws and the laying down of rules governing the development of the town, and also the carrying out of works. There had been a progressive extension of good footpaths, curbing and channelling from the heart of the town outwards, and he thought that, in fairness to the portions of the town which were still without those facilities there should be someone on the Council to see that the policy was carried into effect, and that no one part of the town was left without the facilities it should have. When he first joined the Council, he found that the holidays of the workmen depended on how they stood with thn Councillors. It was one of the first things that caused him perturbation, and he joined in very willingly to put it right. The next thing was that, when workmen were away ill they were not paid at all, or, as in the I other ease, it depended how they stood with the Councillors. That also had I been fixed up, and now the men got, he thought from memory, half pay I when they were ill. A lot of men I had grown old in the service of the Council, and through failing health some were on half pay. He thought that thev should be able to retire at a definite age, and know what they were going to receive. The Power Hoard, which had a large fund for unauthorised expenditure, had been able to institute an insurance policy for employees to retire at a definite age. but the Borough Council was not »n that position. However, the Council had already effected a policy in the case of one new employee, and it would always be done in the future. The retiring age would be fixed, and a policy taken out in such a manner that the Audit Department could not object. As far as water was concerned, he said, twelve years ago the Borough supply was poor and the water was dirty, but now there was an ample supply, and the water was superior to that in most towns of New Zealand As far as the reserves were concerned they had seen an improvement, but the lack of money had prevented more work being done. He could claim hav ing secured the reserve known as the Camp, and also the Kowhai Bush for Greymouth. In 1923 the Borough Council had no place to keep its supplies and materials, but since that time certain lands had been acquired, and the Council was gradually getting the yards and the sheds needed for its plant. Also, in 1923, there had been no paddock for the horses, and the Council had been put in the position of buying back leased reserves by writing off rates. As far as Cobden was concerned he had taken an active part in the negotiations that had been finalised with the taking place of the merger with the Borough. The negotiations were somewhat difficult, but they had ultimately reached an agreement satisfactory to all parties. Although an Act had to be put through, differential rating was provided for, and, actually, the ratepayers of Cobden were not paying any more than they did under the Town Board. Town planning, he remarked, was not a fad, but was an idea to plan the town instead of allowing it to grow haphazard, and to prevent the growth of slums. A by-law had been passed by the Council which provided that, in nearly every case, the frontage of a section must be at least fifty feet, and that motor garages could not be constructed right on the street, cutting off the view of other householders. There had been a lot of trouble over the latter law, but, as far as he was concerned, he would continue to enforce it. The Government had re-ap pointed a Town Planning expert ant' one of the duties of the new Counci 1 ; would be to appoint a Town Planning Committee, to plan for Greater Grey I mouth. The Town Planning Commit toe, during his term of office, had also set aside an area for oflensive trades, and also certain shopping areas, on a well defined principle and no doubt a similar scheme would be put into operation in Cobden. In regard to the streets and footpaths in Cobden, there was a large amount of formation work

hus route first, and he thought it was a wise policy. He was looking for ward to having Bright Street tar-seal-ed from end to end, but it could not be done until there was sufficient metal on the road to make it a success, and the grades had been altered. The Engineer had that work in hand, and the Cobden people could rest assured that before long the job would be done. Ho wanted to dispel the idea that certain areas had been favoured by the Council. The Council had considered which places needed the work most, and had laid out definite schedule of work, which had been adhered to. The work in Cobden needing attention first would be done first, and the other in sequence. Curbing and channelling would b« started when the footpaths were done. The water supply was in train and in a few months the Cobden people would be voting on it. He had no fear what their verdict would be. As far as the future was concerned his policy would be that the Borough must live well within its means. If improvements were wanted, they would have to pay for them. There was a very strong feeling in Greymouth that the rates had reached their limit at the present time, and, if returned, it would be his earnest endeavour to see that they were not increased. He did not think that the people of Greymouth would sanction any large loans. They had to remember that the local bodies in the district had a total indebtedness of over half a million, and interest and sinking fund on that amount had to be paid. Of course, a lot of it was owed by the Power Board. Alternative booms and slumps were experienced and he thought that at the present time, a minor boom was being experienced, but they should not be carried away by that. It would be wrong to burden posterity with any larger loans. When he had first joined the Council, the indebtedness of the Borough had been about £lOO,OOO, whereas now it was down to £BO,OOO, and would be reduced from year to year. The Council should decide on a policy as to which were the most urgent works. After the aerodrome, he considered that a loan should be considered for sewerage. They had to consider the future of the resources of the district, and for the next few years their policy would have to be one of caution. Tie haid faith in the town and felt that it would continue to be the centre of the Coast, as long as the air services were not shut out. They should progress with caution, and be sure that any expenditure undertaken was reasonable. His policy was to hold the rates at a level at least not any higher than they were at present. MR. WILLIAMS.

Mr Williams said that while he was not a native of Greymouth, it was 48 years since he first came to Cobden although he had not lived in Cobden all the time. He had joined the Borough Council fourteen years ago, and for that period he had been chairman of the Works Committee. When he joined the Council the works were in a bad state. The people looked for better service from the Council and they got it. They all knew that improvements had been made in the water supply, curbing and channelling, and he claimed that he had a good deal to do with them in a quiet way. He also claimed that he was the originator of the merger with Cobden. Ten years ago he drew the Council’s attention to the benefits which would accrue, and he was instrumental in getting a number of Cobden people interested Tie was also the originator of the aerodrome, as he used to see years ago in ( the Home papers how ail the small hamlets were setting aside areas for aerodromes. Many other ideas about

town he had also originated. The progress of Cobden had not kept pace with the population, but from now on, it would improve, although they could not have all the improvements quickly. The people were to have the opportunity of voting on the water supply, and he hoped to see the mains laid before next summer. The new Council should push it. He was in favour of Cobden going in for a -loan for a water supply and drainage as soon as possible, for, considering the advantages and the rates, they were no better off than the people of Greymouth who had them. Many improvements in Cobden could be done without a great deal of expense. Bright Street needed widening in parts, and traffic control was needed. One thing that the Council should go in for was the widening of the road on Cobden hill. He promised that if the electors saw fit to support him it would be his object to do as much as was good for Greymouth.

MR. NEVILLE. Mr Neville said that he was sure the Cobden all appreciated the advances which had been made in Greymouth, and as far as he was concerned he stood to give all parts of the town the same amenities that were enjoyed by others. With the improved methods and machines available, and unfortunately the unemployed, he felt sure that Cobden, along with the other parts of the town, would progress. As far as the aerodrome was concerned, he thought that the electors would appreciate that it was most essential. He stood with Mr Kitchingham as far as the future policy was concerned, to give all a fair go, and to treat all parts equally. When he had joined the Council, the Hospital -levy had been £4480, now it was over £6OOO, and out of a total rate collection of £17,000 the Council had to pay £6BOO, and' ratepayers would remember that that percentage of their rates was not available for the Council. If he was elected, he would do his best to take an intelligent interest in Greater Greymouth and do his best for all sections. mr. McCarthy.

Mr McCarthy said that although he had been on the Council for only seven months, having taken the seat render ed vacant by the death of Cr. G. Perotti, he had met with success in every quarter, as far as his dealings with the Councillors were concerned. He had secured lighting for his locality, and as the result of his motion the “frog pond” was being filled in. He had saved the Council money in the dismantling of the Band rotunda by suggesting that a competent man should be engaged to blast it. It seemed to him that everything he sought while on the Council he had secured, and there was quite a lot of work around Greymouth for which he took a deal of credit. He was also standing for the Power Board, so he could have a voice in supplying lights for the streets. He was asking no one for a vote, but was merely placing himself at the electors’ disposal, if they wanted him. MR. BOUSTRIDGE. Mr Boustridge said that there was something lacking on the Hospital Board, but he was not the judge. If

elected he would do his best to see that the Hospital was carried on as economically and as efficiently as possible, with his first consideration the welfare of the patients. He had just completed his first term on the Borough Council and during that time th? greatest work was the improvement in the water supply. If elected he intended to see the bigger main extended further south. The people of Cobden would shortly have an opportun ity of participating in the water sup ply. Greymouth had been taxed with the cost, and Cobden would be asked to do likewise. He urged the Cobden people to carry the water scheme. The greatest work contemplated was the aerodrome. He was strongly in favour of an aerodrome but wanted one that would take everything offering. If they could not supply that they were not going to attract larger aircraft, and for that reason he opposed the Blaketown site. If elected he would support every good proposal put forward for the town and in particular Cobden. Cobden would receive from him the same consideration as any other part. MR. BARRY.

Mr Barry said that, in standing he was not actuated by any other motive than a desire to see Greymouth thrive and prosper. Its progress could be made or retarded by the type of men elected. Greymouth had not made the civic advance it should have done. It had, of course, suffered from the unfortunate depression and consolidation of the misery of the workers of New Zealand. It was only through the unfortunate men on the dole, however, that Greymouth had been able to make the progress in curbing and channelling and other amenities that they had heard about that evening. If it had not been for them Greymouth might have remained Cinderella among the towns of New Zealand. There had been from 220 down to 90 men working on the dole for the Borough Council. These numbers would never have reached such totals if the local bodies had not taken advantage of the position. Greymouth was not immune from criticism in that direction, as the extra wage payment for essential works had been only wrested from the Council by holding a pistol at its head. The work in the Borough had been done at the rate of 5d per hour from the Council, the other ten shillings a day coming from the Unemployment Board. They wanted men of vision, who had the interests, not only of the town and district, but the Dominion at heart. Money was cheap and there was a surplus of labour. Now was the time to take advantage of it.

Greymouth, said Mr Barry, could well carry its own principal insurance, at a big saving, and there were many ways of raising money if those in charge had the vision and foresight. They should take advantage of the cheap money and surplus labour to provide all the facilities needed, and watch the rating. If elected, he would

watch carefully the interests of Cob den, and see that justice was done to it, and that it got all the conveniences which they had in Greymouth. He would uphold everything that went for the progress of the town. He was a native of the district and had lived his life in Greymouth, and his one interest was to see the town progress.

MR. CARROLL. Mr A. Carroll said that he had had thirteen years’ experience on local bodies, including eight years on the Inangahua County Council, of which body he was chairman for a period, and four years on the Greymouth Borough Council. During his period on the Council he had been a member of the Works Committee and he took a full share of the responsibility for the works carried out during that time. If elected again, he would do his very best to carry out all progressive works that he felt were for the good of Greater Greymouth. The streets in Cobden did not compare with those in Greymouth and when the time came he would advise the people of Cobden to go in for a loan for the footpaths, curbing and streets, as money was cheaper than it had ever been. He was also aspiring to fill the vacancy on the Grey Power Board left by the retirement of Mr Greenslade. The Power Board owed about a quarter of a million and in view of that important consideration, he claimed that when Mr Greenslade was replaced, he should be replaced with a business man. He (the speaker) claimed 35 years’ ex perience in business and that he was a fitting person to replace Mr Greenslade.

MR. STENT. Mr Stent said that he had lived in Greymouth for 18 years, and had worked on some minor bodies, although a new aspirant to Borough honours. If elected he would see that the scales were held level between the different parts of the Borough. He opposed the Blaketown aerodrome. That was one of his main reasons for standing. He was in favour of an aerodrome for Greymouth but in view of the limited area at Blaketown, and the fact that it contained a thoroughfare, he considered the access could not reasonably be closed. The money that went into the aerodrome would not be available for more necessary services. If elected he would support anything to improve Blaketown and Cobden, which were backward, as long as it was not going to penalise the other parts. When the Cobden people considered the water supply they wanted to consider the reduction in their insurances that water would bring about.

MR. PATERSON. Mr Paterson said he had not come out entirely of volition. It had been impressed upon him as a duty. When Cobden was in difficulties with the County Council, he appeared successfully before the Commissioner on its behalf. If elected and there was

any question Cobden wanted to bring before the Council he would do it, but would not promise to support it, as when he gave his vote it would have to be his honest conviction that it was in the best interests of the people. He would promise to conduct affairs as economically as possible, in harmony with progress. Cobden people should endeavour to bring their district up to the level of Greymouth and beyond it. If elected he would deal with vision and forsight in all measures of progress without too great a cost. He would see the promise made by the Council regarding the deviation of the road through the aerodrome was kept. Questions were then invited by ali the candidates:—

Question: Why is Mr Boustridge op posed to the aerodrome? Mr Boustridge: My reasons are legion. I could not possibly go over them to-night, but if you care to discuss it with me after I shall be only too pleased. Mr A. G. Gunn: Is anything to be <|oaie regarding the preservation of the trig station track on Cobden hill as a scenic attraction? Mr Barry believed the Council should take an interest in the immediate scenic attractions of the town, and perhaps issue a booklet for the guidance of visitors.

In reply to Mr F. Eggleton, Mr Kitchingham said the Council had decided to allow only fourth grade footballers on the Recreation Ground, and to charge ten shillings a match. If the Council provided the grounds, the codes making money out of the matches —such as the Rugby Union with accumulated funds of £3s,ooo—should pay for the use of the grounds. The cricket, tenuis and croquet association paids for the use of the grounds, so why not the footballers?

Mr Billet: Are the old members of the Council in favour of one Borough employee holding two jobs? Mr Kitchingham and Mr Boustridge said that if the questioner was referring to Mr Lane it was correct that he was doing more than one job* but

they were all more or less part time jobs, combined into one position tv give one man a decent wage. Mr Fair maid, Borough Engineer, was also Gas Manager, but the questioner could rest assured that if ever there was any suggestion of inefficiency or an increase in the demand for gas. and a gas manager was needed, one would be appointed Mr Marley moved a vote of thank> to the speakers, which w’as carried bv acclamation. A vote of thanks to Mr Marley for presiding was moved bv Mr Stent and carried by acclamation