AT MOTUEKA.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 19 April 1907, Page 2

AT MOTUEKA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) MOTUEKA, Thursday. Municipal matters here have engendered a lively interest in the borough affairs. There are ten candidates for six seats at the elections, and indications point to a spirited election contest on party lines. The Mayor, Mr F. W. Thorp, who has been returned unopposed, addresses the electors on the financial position of the borough this evening, and invites the candidates to also address the same meeting. The financial position from the standpoint of all parties does not appear to be too good, the overdraft standing at £358, which is a heavy mortgage on next year's revenue, if it is' to be paid off out of that. The liabilities in addition to ordinary upkeep of roads, etc., are £180 towards repairs of the Motueka bridge, and £108 odd Hospital and Charitable Aid rate. The general rate since the constitution of the borough has been Id in the £ on the capital value. This included the H. and C. contribution. Appearances show the coming contest to be bteween those who wish to continue financing on the penny rate and the overdraft and those who are desirous of raising the levy and attending to other matters besides roads. Expression of a desire to municipalise the brass band, establish a municipal library and recreation ground, and, if possible, induce the ratepayers to rate on unimproved values, is given by the latter party. In the past this sort of politician has received short shrift owing to the popularity of the party desirous of continuing a purely road board policy. Two ex-councillors are among the candidates, opponents in the past and present.