POLL DEFERRED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23178, 26 October 1938, Page 14

POLL DEFERRED

ELLERSLIE LOAN SCHEME WAGE SUBSIDY WITHDRAWN £6OOO PROGRAMME HELD UP In view of the possibility of subsidised labour under No. 13 scheme being withdrawn after March 31, tho Ellerslio Borough Council decided last night to defer action regarding a poll of ratepayers on a proposal to raise a loan of £6OOO for roading works. Tho consent of tho Local Government Loans Board to raising the loan subject to the approval of a poll of ratepayers was received a few weeks ago. Tho board specified that tho loan would require to be redeemed in 12 years' time, that being in its opinion tho lifetime of the assets to be created. The council made representations requesting authority to extend the term to 20 years. Advice was received last night that the original conditions must be adhered to.

The Mayor, Mr. H. J. White, said the announcement that all subsidised labour was to be withdrawn after March 31 had complicated the position. Tho loan of £6OOO was for materials for a two-year programme of work with subsidised labour.

" The scheme was based on the assumption that free labour would be available," added the Mayor. He said the council had been given to understand that all the required labour would be available. Without that the council would have to recast its plans. Mr. White said that he had raised the question with Mr. A. G. Osborne, M.P. for Onehunga, who was making inquiries. Pending definite information it was decided to delay action regarding a poll.