MEMBER WITHDRAWS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 148, 24 May 1934, Page 5

MEMBER WITHDRAWS

INCIDENT AT KAIRANGA COUNCIL OBJECTION TO EXPENDITURE. Objections which lie lodged to the allocation on the estimates of £633 for a bridge costing £I6OO on Setter’s Line, in the Mangaone riding, at the annual meeting of tire Kairanga County Council, yesterday afternoon, culminated in Cr. W. G. Shannon announcing, after a brief discussion, that he would resign, and he left the meeting when a resolution was carried placing this sum on the estimates. Opposition was raised to the proposer! provision of £533 by Cr. Shannon on the ground that the bridge would be of little use to the ratepayers in the riding generally, and he said that the opening up of more roads only brought the expense of their upkeep. Dairy farmers could not pay their food bills, let alone their rates. The bridge was not really necessary and was only a pleasure. He suggested that the matter be deferred for another year. , « Cr. C. Anderson said that at least a dozen ratepayers whose properties were situated along the road wanted the work carried out. He had indicated to them that he would support a petition. Cr. Shannon had himself previously advocated that the work be carried out if a £2 for £1 subsidy could be obtained. Cr. P. G. Mildon: It has been done without for 40 or 50 years. Why bring it up in a time of difficulty? Cr. Shannon;' The position would be different if it was going to utilise the labour of 40 or 50 men. Cr. Anderson: These settlers are paying towards, other roads which they do not use. I have no personal interest in the matter. Why, we formed, metalled and culverted a road for one man. This road is going to open up a route leading to the aerodrome. I cannot see why we should throw away a £2 for £1 subsidy. Here is a road within two miles of Palmerston North which is in the same state as it was 40 or 50 years ago. We are not raising the rates to put in the bridge. Cr. R.. A. Mercer said he would support the proposal if the expenditure could he spread over two or three years, and on condition that the work was not given preference to the tarsealing of Milson’s Line. “I do not want to hold a pistol at anyone’s head,” said Cr. Shannon, “but I would sooner resign and see how the decision of the ratepayers goes. I move that the amount be deleted from the estimates this year.” Cr. Mildon: Does not all this hinge

on the obtaining of the £2 for £1 subsidy? The acting-engineer (Mr L. C. Pickering): Yes, if we can get it through. Cr. Mildon: Is there any likelihood ? The engineer: We have an equal chance' with other counties. ‘ “I want the £533 to be applied in a reduction of the rates,” said Cr. Shannon. “If Cr. Anderson can get a petition and show that the bridge is wanted, I will be satisfied.” The chairman: We are not certain of securing the £2 for £1 subsidy. If this amount is placed on the estimates and we do not get the subsidy, it will not be spent. The engineer: The tar-sealing of the two miles from Settler’s Line to Bunnythorpe will have to be undertaken next year. This money, if not spent, could be used towards that. There was no seconder to Cr. Shannon’s motion. The chairman: Leave the matter there. The money can be diverted next year if not used. Cr. Shannon: I am not satisfied. I will advertise the position pretty well. lam quite prepared to resign. I will. I am.not going to stand for that. The council decided to leave the amount on the estimates for the time being. . When Cr. Shannon rose the chairman said : Think it over. I think it will be all right. Cr. Shannon: No, I have finished. The chairman: lam sorry that you have taken up this attitude. Cr. Shannon: I am sorry that I cannot do anything else under the circumstances. I have no ill feelings. The chairman : The only thing that I can do is to express regret at the attitude you have taken up. Cr. Shannon then left the room.