JOINING THE CITY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20562, 13 May 1930, Page 10

JOINING THE CITY.

MOUNT ALBERT PROPOSAL.

A PRELIMINARY MEETING.

NEW ASSOCIATION FORMED

A proposal that the Mount Albert Borough should amalgamate with the city was put forward at a meeting of ratepayers in tlio Methodist Church Hall, Kingsland, last evening. Mr. T. Macindoo presided, and there were about 50 peoplo present.

A number of ratepayers felt that the progress of the district could be best insured by joining tho city, Mr. Macindoe said. There would bo considerable saving in administrative costs, together w th desirable uniformity of control. It was not intended to make any attack on members of tho Borough Council, who had given unselfish servico to tho district, but it was high time that tho affairs oF the borough were investigated. The adoption of tho unimproved value rating system in tho borough had meant hardship for many ratepayers. Values were falling, yet the rates were increas ing. There wore many cases where tho rates- on property in Mount Albert wore double those on similar property in tho city. The idea behind unimproved value rating was to stop speculation. Onco reasonable speculation was stopped in a growing city, progress was automatically arrested. " Eato's Steadily Increasing." The formation of a Mount Albert East Ratepayers and Electors' Association, having as its objects the care of the economic progress of the district and ultimate amalgamation with the city, was proposed by Mr. J. 11. Fray. Rates in the borough were steadily increasing, ho said, and tho council had shown no disposition for economy. If tho borough decided to join the city, there would be no difficulty about representation as tho ward system would probably bo introduced in tho near future.

" Although I am opposed to tho idea of joining tho city, I support the idea of iorming a Ratepayers' Association," said Mr. A. A. Buckley, a member of tho council. " However, I deny that tho council has been guilty of extravagance* If peoplo who complain about slight increases in their rates could seo tho men who como to the council yards asking for work so that they can buy food, "they would bs tho first to tell us to givo them work, and as much work as possible." Tho chairman interposed with a ruling that Mr. Buckley was introducing controversial matters and was out of order. Mr. Buckley objected, but was told that tho business before tho meeting was tho formation of a rate]layers' association. 110 would bo given an opportunity to speak later. Criticism of Expenditure. It was decided to form tho association and officers wero elected. Mr. Macindoe explained that the purpose of tho meeting was not to go fully into tho proposal to join the city, but rather to organise an association which would investigate tho matter. It was stated that the Mount Albert Terminus Ratepayers' Association was unanimously in favour of joining tho city. " Expenditure in tho borough has become far too great," Mr. Macindoo said. I am the last man in the world to deny assistance to men who are in need of it, but tho council should not usurp tho functions of a charitable aid board. Rates have to be levied to pay for tho work theso men do, and tho increase falls on peoplo who cannot afford to pay it. Tho unimproved value rating system is not suitable for tho district, but even if wo wore to return to rating on capital values, tho position would bo very little different."

A ratepayer suggested that tho rating questions should bo settled first. Then the desirability of joining tho city could be considered.

" Council Has Not Wasted Money." " It is not necessary" to join the city," Mr* Buckley said. " I believo the time will come when we shall have a metropolitan board, supervising and co-ordinat-ing tho activities of all local bodies between Henderson and Papakura. This will bo far more practical and less cumbersome. I state definitely that the council lias not wasted money. Wo have given employment to wcrk'.ess men, but at present two wards have credit balances, one of £2OOO and another of £llOO. As for tho 'question of rating, the people voted in favour of fho unimproved value system, and if the people do not want it let them vote it out. The council has had to abide by tho decision of the ratepayers." Mr. Forbes also spoko against the proposal to join tho city,

At tho conclusion of the meeting a number of ratepayers joined tho association.