DEVONPORT LOAN POLL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22406, 30 April 1936, Page 14

DEVONPORT LOAN POLL

NEW WORKS IN BOROUGH SUM OF £36,700 INVOLVED' Tlie ratepayers of Devonport are to be askccl to-morrow to vote on four loan proposals, involving a total of £36,700, for improvements to the borough. The largest of tho special loans proposed is that of £15,000 for street works, providing for the permanent formation, kerbing, channelling and surfacing of 16 important streets. It is stated that all these works are urgently necessary and that tho council cannot carry them out from revenue within a. reasonable period without increasing tho rates, while it is stated that the loan will not affect tho rates by more than id in the pound. Tho necessity for dealing with tho reduction in pressure in the water mains and the discolouration of tho water duo to corrosion in the mains has prompted the second proposal to borrow £10,700 for tho concrete lining of the mains, which, in addition to improving tho service for fire-fighting and household purposes, is calculated to extend the life of tho mains by at least 20 years. No increase in tho water rate is involved. The proposal to erect new municipal buildings on the site of tho existing building calls for tho raising of £7OOO. This will provide modern office accommodation for the council, as well as library space, Plunket rooms, ladies' rest-room and public conveniences. Theso impiovements can be financed without increase to the rates. Tho remaining proposal is to erect a kiosk and bathing accommodation at Cheltenham Beach, for which tho ratepayers are asked to sanction the raising of a loan of £4OOO. It is considered that tho proposed building will bo selfsupporting. in a statement issued by the Mayor and members of the council, ratepayers are advised that tho proposed works are desirable to maintain the prestige of the borough. They give an assurance that the schemes have had the carefi',l consideration of the council, have been checked by tho engineers of the Public Works Department, and have received the approval of the Local Government Loans Board.

Polling will take place to-morrow between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., four polling places having been provided in various parts of the borough and one at the Ferry Buildings in Quay Street for the convenience of ratepayers who will spend the day in the city.