Ratepayers' Association

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6838, 20 April 1932, Page 8

Ratepayers' Association

ANNUAL MEETING. Tlio annual meeting of the Palmerston North Citizens’ Ratepayers ’ Association was held last evening, Mr. G. H. Bennett presiding. Tho election of officers resulted: — President, Mr. G. H. Bennett; executive, Messrs B. Tcnnent, P. Larcomb, A. J. Graham, E. E. B, Holbcn, J. A. Grant, V. T. Dibble, F. Cousins, A. Hopwood, W. F. Durward; secretary, Mr. W. McKenzie; treasurer, Mr. Holben. The chairman, speaking to the annual report, said the association was anxious to have representation on the council by good business men and it would be conceded that the present council was an efficient body. The ratepayers should be consulted before further loans were raised and it was pleasing to know that the council was endeavouring to reduce the rates. The association desired to be helpful to the council.

The annual report read as follows: — “A year ago this 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 bo in the interests of the ratepayers that tho association should be continued in order to protect their interests and assist where possible in promoting measures for the advancement of the city. There is a great danger even in a progressive community such as this is, that the government of the city may, through the apathy of many, fall into the hands of irrcsponsibTes, who, having no interest at stake, can plunge the municipality into a financial morass. That the electors look for guidance was very evident at tho last election, when eight out of nine nominated by this association were elected to the council. During the year the executive of tho association made a protest against the City Council raising a loan for tho unemployment fund without the sanction of the ratepayers. A conference was held with several members of tho City Council and they pointed out that tho matter was one of extreme urgency owing to the amount of poverty existing in tho 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 ol tho ratepayers being taken. Our executive has, in view of the serious economic condition existing, urged the City Council to drastically redueo its expenditure for the coming year for the purpose of substantially reducing tho rates. We arc 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 tho 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 bo the means of substantially reducing tho cost of living.”