RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 119, 20 April 1932, Page 8

RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL MEETING. The first annuabmeeting of the Palmerston North Ratepayers' Association was held last evening, M* G. H. Rennett presiding. The annual report is as follows: “A year ago the association came into existence as the outcome of a meeting convened for the purpose of selecting suitable candidates for the City Council. It was felt by all present that it would be in the interests of the ratepayers that the association should be continued in order to protect their interests and assist where possible in promoting measures for the advancement of the city. That the electors look for guidance was very evident at the last election, when eight candidates out of nine nominated by this association were elected to the council. The ollioers elected last April to carry on the work of the association were Messrs G. H. Bennett (chairman), W. F. Durward, A. Hopwood, E. R. B. Holben, J. Grant, P. Larcomb, F. A. Cousins. During the year the executive made a protest against the_ City Council raising a loan for the Unemployment Fund without the sanction of the ratepayers. A conference was held with several members of the City Council and they pointed out that the matter was ohe of extreme urgency owing to the amount of distress existing in the city. The councillors present assured the meeting that they would oppose any further attempt in future to raise a loan, or loans, without a poll of the ratepayers being taken. The executive has, in view of the serious economio condition existing, urged the City Council to drastically reduce its expenditure for the coming year for the purpose of substantially reducing the rates. Wo are pleased to notice that the Mayor is endeavouring to effect- a 20 per cent, reduction in the rates for 1932 and we sincerely trust that the councillors will assist him to the utmost in bringing about this much desired relief. Nothing would help our city more, or be a better advertisement than a substantial reduction in the rates. The coming winter is already causing apprehension in the minds of most of our citizens, due to the serious decline in business and the heavy taxation which is being imposed by the State, and a 20 per cent, reduction in our rates will be hailed with satisfaction by all classes of the community, as it will be the means of substantially reducing the cost of living.” _ Jn speaking to the report, Mr Bennett stated that the association was anxious that the ratepayers should be represented on the council by good business men, and he felt that the general public would agree that there was an efficient body dealing with municipal affairs. The speaker felt

that as the ratepayers had to provide the money, they should be consulted before any future loans were raised. It was pleasing to see that the council members were disposed to reduce rates, and that the Mayor was of the same opinion. “We are not out to criticise the council,” said Mr Bennett, •■we want to be of assistance to them, and to help anything that may be in the interests of the ratepayers.” Mr G. Trepiaine stated that constructive criticism would always be welcomed. The annual report was adopted, also the balance sheet. Mr Bennett told the meeting that the auestion of an annual subscription from the members would have to be considered. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mr Bennett; executive, Messrs W. B. Tennent, P. Larcomb, A. J. > Graham, E. R. B. Holben. J. A. Grant, V. T. Dibble, FCousins, A. Hopwood, W. F. Durward; secretary, Mr W. McKenzie; treasurer, Mr Holben. The annual subscription was fixed at 2s 6d per member. RATES AND ELECTRICITY CHARGES. The hope that' the City Council would reduce the cost of electricity to the consumers when the time was opportune was expressed by Mr Bennett. Mr Dibble was of the opinion that a five per cent, reduction would be a relief to the business community. Mr Durward thought that a 20 per cent, reduction in rates would be more beneficial than a reduction of five per cent, in electricity charges. The smaller ratepayers were entitled to some consideration. This opinion was endorsed by Mr Tennent, who said that it wotild be wise to let the matter stand over.