ONSLOW AFFAIRS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 10085, 26 September 1918, Page 2

ONSLOW AFFAIRS

AMALGAMATION DISCUSSED. A meeting of the Onslow Borough Counoil was held last evening, the Mayor (Mr J. M. Dale) presiding. There were also present Councillors B. A. Budd, W. Appleton. E. Hobbs, P. F.. Hodgson, J. C. Gardner, A. W. Palmer, A. B. Topp, and C. Bowden. Speaking on the subject of amalgamation with the city. Councillor Gardner said that ho believed that watei and drainage schemes wore necessary, to bring about a rapid growth of the borough. He had noticed that in Wades town and other suburbs houses were being built rapidly on account of tho sanitary services which existed. Councillor E. A. Budd stated that there could not be progress without amalgamation, and if amalgamation were brought about the Onslow borough would receive some of the surplus population of Wellington. The main reason why people were opposed to amalgamation was, he understood, the increase in the rates. This idea was erroneous. On a property worth, say, | £IOOO, tho ratepayers of Wellington I paid about £1 more than thoy would if the property were- within the Onslow borough. Yet in tho city many advantages were derived which more than (compensated for tho increased rates. i It was decidod to suggest to tho City Counoil that, on amalgamation, the borough of Onslow should bo given a representative in the new council, also that tho permanent officers of the borough should bo given equivalent positions under the City Council. The following motion was carried: "That when the time comes for the installation of water and drainage, tho poll taken be confined to the people concerned, and that a speoial rating area be sot up so ihat only those who benefit shall pay."