Ratepayers Meet

Hutt News, Volume 19, Issue 13, 29 August 1945, Page 5

Ratepayers Meet

ASSOCIATION FORMED CIVIC AFFAIRS DISCUSSED With every seat occupied and many folk standing, the St. James's Hall was literally "packed out" on Wednesday evening last when a record gathering of Lower Hutt ratepayers met and after a lengthy discussion on Civic affairs, formed them selves into a Ratepayers Association A feature of the meeting was the large number of ladies present. At the suggestion of Mr. N. Croft, the provisional offices of chairman and secretary were entrusted to Messrs. C. H. Hain and W. R. Birks, the appointments being later confirmed by vote when the formation of the Association was resolved upon. In addressing the meeting Mr. Hain said that there had never been a Ratepayers Association in the Hutt and the large attendance that night showed the keen desire for one. Such an Association was necessary for a variety of reasons. For instance, there was the haphazard method of choosing candidates at the last muni cipal elections. Again, lew ratepayers troubled to attend Council meetings these days although they were entitled to, with the result that much of the Council business was conducted in committee. Instances of this were' the matters of the milk question and the Fire Brigade site. The recent increase in rates had never been explained by Council, nor had the proposed change in the incidence rating. He personally had been amazed to hear that a poll was to be taken on September 8, leaving very little time for ratepayers to consider this proposal. If an Association had been in existence it could have fully examined such matters As it was, when major issues arose, there was no body to whom Council could refer as representing the ratepayers opinion generally. Mr. Hain then outlined the proposed constitution of the Association which would embrace ratepayers and their wives only and levy a small membership fee of 2/6 per year.

Following the formal motion that all present should sign the forms prepared and constitute the Ratepayers Association, Mr. H. V. Horlor moved* an amendment that it be a "Householders" Association as distinct from "Ratepayers". The amend ment was overwhelmingly defeated. It was explained to the meeting that while arrangements had been made for the Mayor, Mr. J. W. Andrews, to address the gathering on the coming rating poll, it so happened that attendance at another meeting had precluded the Mayor's attendance. The City Solicitor, Mr. N. T. Gillespie, who was present, dealt with the City's rating problemsr from the legal aspect and answered a number of questions. The following officers were elected Chairman, Mr. C. H. Hain; deputy chairman, Mr. N. P. Croft; hon. secty-treasurer, Mr. W. R. Birks; committee, Mrs Denny and Messrs. W. H. Wilson, B. Matthews, C. H. Griffin, C. Moran, J. Maunder, S. Hills, W. E. Jones, H. G. Burrell.