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Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 137, 24 May 1928, Page 5

fallacy to say that if there was a revaluation that the rate would go up; it would, in his opinion, go down. It had nothing to do with Taradale if Greenmeadows was enjoying a low rate. Once the borough was formed a revaluation would be necessary, and also a redistribution of the rates. It was stated that the cost of administration would not be increased, but counsel ventured to say that it would not be decreased. In the redistribution on the unimproved values, the excess would be thrown on the farming areas, which were now carrying a heavy burden. There was not a demand for residential areas, but for areas of four to five acres where a cow or horse could be kept. The alleged advantages that Grenmeadows would receive, Mr. Bisson submitted, existed only in talk, and not in fact. The improving of the status would not have the slightest effect, and would not increase the population in the slightest. Other advantages pointed out by the petitioners were merely technical, and would not cut any ice with the average ratepayer. The formation of a borough could not bring about any immediate improvements, and any benefits could only be termed benefits when they were of a tangible nature. RATEPAYERS’ LIMIT.

In regard to rating, said Mr. Bisson, the Taradale Town Board, although it had not quite reached its limit, it had certainly reached the ratepayers’ limit to pay. which was a big factor. The carrying out of improvements such as sewerage and water, though sood in themselves, would be prohibitive, as the ratepayers would never he able to shoulder the necessarv rates. Although Taradale had a housing scheme the number of ratepayers had not been increased and he quoted figures to show that the number had actually been reduced On the present population Taradale could not possibly carrv out the various suggested schemes. There was no demand for properties at present. Mention had been made of relief being given forming areas within boroughs, but that was no reason why the Greenmeadows people should throw themselves upon Taradale with the hope of securing relief for the farming areas. At present the farming areas were well catered for and manv of the advantages spoken of would never be extended to them. Mr. Bisson concluded by stating that the proposal for the formation of a borough was untenable. Mr. Grant, representing a large holder, stated that Greenmeadows had been a farming area for many years. At present Taradale could not n-ive them anything they had not got Once the borough was formed and they desired to cut up they would have to bear the whole cost of the forming of footpaths and drainage. Only one-quarter of the farm he represented was in the Taradale Town Hoard district and the other th recouarters in the county, yet the rate paid to Taradale was the heavier. RATE COMPARISON. Dealing with rates. Mr IV. G. Jarvis stated that at present Taradale was paying a general rate of 18s 9d while other rates brought np the total to £2 Os Id per £lOO. If Greenmeadows came in they would pay a general rate of 18 s 9a. a sanitary rate of 2s Id. and other rates .over which the Tow n Board had any control would make the total £1 7 s OJd per £lOO. The last valuation of Greenmeadows wa s made in 1914 but since then, for re-sale purchases for returned s oldiers. valuations had been madb. He then quoted one instance where a returned soldier recently acquired a home valued nt £BOO. for which he paid the County Council £4 17s 3d in rates. If the area was in the Taradale district the total rate would be £1 8s 2d. Mr Jarvis gave other instances where there was a wide difference in the rates. Mr. Jarvis stated that there were several large places between Taradale and Greenmeadows. From Osia road to the soldiers' memorial was owned by two ratepayers—Messrs. C. E. Twist, who had about 20 chains frontage to the main road and John Beatson, who had an 18 chains frontage. This latter property had a 14 to 15 chains frontage to Avondale road. Both of these properties were very valuable. Two tenants occupied the Beatson property, while the other was a racing establishment. The areas were about 11J acres and 14J acres respectively, and had been enhanced in value by the Town Board widening the main road, providing splendia drains and constructing a pathway. The board had to buy about threequarters of an acre from each property owner for road widening. Mr. Beatson asked £4OO and Mr. Twist £3OO. The work carried out had improved the properties. The land was well drained and could be used for any cropping now—previously it used to be very wet. In addition there was lighting. The advantages applied to the property on the other side of the road. It was a continuous settlement between Taradale and Greenmeadows.. The Town Board’s object in combining the two districts was that in any big works, such as the water scheme which Greenmeadows vainly tried to carry out, could be better done. The combination would be a much better proposition than having two separate schemes. The question of sewerage would have to be met in the very near future. In Taradale the Health Department had hinted that a sewerage scheme would have to be considered. The scheme should include Greenmeadows. At present Taradale has a sanitary service and Greenmeadows had none. Greenmeadows had approached the board to extend its benefits to Greenmeadows. This was done in a few instances and cost the ratepayers 9/- per quarter. Any scheme would be more economically carried out if the two areas combined. BETTER BUS SERVICES NEEDED What was wanted was an extended bus service between the area s and Nanier. The day services were all right but the areas were neglected at night. It had been suggested that the services be continued until 11 n.m. If this was done Greenmeadows would receive benefit and should pay nart of the cost The formation of a borough w'ould materially assist this. There was a good demand for sections in Taradale and Greenmeadow’s. Most of the sections were now held, waiting on rise in values During the past three years 84 new buildings were erected or were being erected. Witness gave instances of where m»n had bought land and subdivided the areas There could be no doubt about there being an increase in the pronertv if there were pron»r water and sewerage schemes. The housing scheme in Taradale had been a decided success. Fourteen houses had

been erected. The sum of £9950 had been raised, and it was contemplated to raise £5OOO for continuation of the scheme. , _ , . Mr, Jarvis stated that Taradale had previously considered the question of forming their own district into a borough. It was then felt that it would not be fair to proceed with the proposal without giving Greenmeadows an opportunitv of merging with them. After the discussion between representatives of the league and the Town Board members it was unanimously decided that it was in the interest of the whnldistrict that a borough should I" formed. The suggestion was made a: the meeting that the boundary of the proposed borough should onlv go to Auckland road, but one or ttvo ratepayers between Auckland and Park road objected to being cut out. One of these obiectors actually seconded the resolution mentioned above. Committees from each centre were tb</i set up with a view to getting the petition signed, (Proceeding 1