JOINING THE CITY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17098, 22 February 1916, Page 9

JOINING THE CITY.

HEATHCOTE COUNTY AMALGAMATION. MEETING AT AYONSIDE. PROPOSAL FAVOURED. In connection with the effort organised by the Heathcoto County United Burgesses* Associations' executive, to have the Greater Christchurch proposals explained to the residents in the various ridings of the county, a Tory well attended meeting was held in the Linwood School last evening. Mr W. T. Jcnkin presided. Councillor A. S. Taylor said that the large attendance showed the real interest taken in municipal matters by the ratepayers. He could recall the days when-an attendance of six people m a public meeting to discuss municipal affairs was considered good. The Greater Christchurch proposals were launched in 18S3, during the mayoralty of the Hon H. F. Wigratn. There had been numerous conferences on the matter and many debates had been held, il being the general opinion that there were many advantages in obtaining a Greater Christchurch. Regarding the Heathcoto County, if such a district as Opawa was lopped off and joined to Christchurch, it seemed scarcely fair to the county, as it would lose its most thickly populated part, causing great loss of rates. The position, however, nad to be faced. Opawa wanted tc-i join the city. Settlement in the outer parts of the city had, audi would, extend rapidly. The rating question was a stumbling block to the dounty, butj the' outside- areas joining the city could' retain the capital value system if desired. He. would repeat his previously, expressed opinion that too much w,aa being made of the question of rating. Richmond and other districts had found! by experience that the unimproved values basis of rating was satisfactory. ■

Councillor Taylor briefly described the procedure necessary when auy oiftjside districts wished to join the city and also the special legislation "required, if the county's own system of rating; were to be retained. As to how soon the county could join the city, hel Mould advocate Heathcote being made, a separate ward to 1917, to save the expense and trouble of an extra city ward election. The speaker referred t,i the proportional representation system of voting, and reiterated his suggestions made at St Martins, at last week's meeting. In conclusion, he! warned the Heathcote electors not to expect, if they joined tho city, " to; l»e happy ever after." .The City Council would want watching just as the Jieathcotc County Council did. (Laughter.)

Councillor D. G. Sullivan said that l frankly he would admit that lie wanted/ them to join the city. Coming to that evening's meeting he had been told that ho and Councillors Taylor and' Scott were like the Germans, invading Heathcote to seize territory. (Laughter.) But the -analogy was root quite, correct, as they were not using tlio' methods of the Germans; they used' reason, not force. Amalgamation of municipal interests would prove beneficial to all parties. The municipaliticis were organised for the benefit of the residents, and to-day it was recognised as quite within the functions of a municipal body to undertake trading! concerns. The various municipalities! around Christcihurch who had estabt lished little tinpot electric schemes hadj made a mistake, and before the contracts ran out they would' regret that;'

1 they had not taken the advice of the. City Council Electric Supply Comnnti too! Regarding the water supply, the City Council would not hesitate to make the necessary extensions to maintain an adequate supply for the city and all new districts which joined the? citv. The. same applied to the fire brigade plant, which was not woiikod at. present to its utmost capacity. TheFire Board was now making investigations in order to soe what could be done in. the way of arranging for the fire brigade to attend outside district, outbreaks. In conclusion, the speaker touched on the general advantages available to Heathcote residents should they accept the Greater Christchurcl* proposals. Councillor G. Scott said that he had always been in favour of Greater Christchurch. He had watched closely the progress of the city, and now" was the time to make it the leading city of the Dominion. If they joined the city they would not have to pay any special 1 loan rate for the electric lighting, unless the whole of the city were required to. The speaker referred to the administrative expenses of the County Council office, and said that the Linwood; riding's expenses for the year totalled! £873. the rates being £1 less. _ They would see. that the present income would not cover the expenses, and the, rates must increase. If they joined] the city a further £l2l would'have to he raised annually by Linwood, bub against that they would save £lO6 on, .electric light. If the Council supplied the electricity they would bf* charged 6d, but as part of the city 3d' only per unit for their house lighting wfould be paid. As part of the city they would get the privilege of better water supply, the services of the fire 'brigade, lesser insurance rates, and. other advantages. They would also become citizens of Christchurch. That was worth something. (Hear, hear.)

Mr R. Carter moved that- the meeting affirm the desirability of joining the city and that the Heathcote County; Council be asked to render assistance inpreparing the necessary legislation The resolution was carried unanimously.