OTAKI TOWN BOARD

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10507, 7 February 1920, Page 3

OTAKI TOWN BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING IMPORTANT MATTERS DISCUSSED. ELECTRIC LIGHTING PROPOSALS. (Special to tlie "Times."), OTAICI, February 6. The ordinary monthly meeting of tho above was held lust night.,,. Present: Commissioners H. H. OUivor, R. 31. D’Ath, H, Nioolson, J. Meads. J. P. Brandon, IV. Noble, and Pnku -Rikihiuui. ELECTION OE CHAIRMAN. The clerk reported that Commissioner Brandon hud been appointed in place oi Commissioner Brown, resigned,, ana called lor nonuuuuous ior tue iiositiou ol enairman. Commissioner Brandon was Uie only one ■nominated, and m accepting tlie position tnauked members ot the board fori tba honour conlerred upon him, and said altnougn now,.to pdoiio matters he would do his best and uqvols a deal of his time in the interests ot the town. Ho felt that he would receive all necessary support. Members congratulated Mr Branuon on his appointment, felt that he would do honour to tho xiosition, and promised to assist him in Uie welfare oi board affairs. At the same timo they paid a nigli tribute to the excellent services ’ rendered by the late chairman (Mr Byron Brown) and while regretting his severance wished him bon voyage, and expressed a hope that he would, on his return, again take an interest in local body matters. He was accorded a hearty vote of appreciation. A letter was read from Mr DT J. Rc-nr-dou stating his intention; of being present at tne board's meeting to discuss electric lighting matters, over which he had an agreement with- the board.T-lte-ceived. ELECTRIC LIGHTING PROPOSALS. At a later stage Mr Reardon stated that ail were aware that the aboard was now differently constituted to That when the matter of electric lighting was first introduced into the Jroara. Two worthy members had passed to t]ie Great ‘ Beyond, while two others were- not non members. It would bo seen-from this tnat the board was practically a new one, but still, no doubt, tho, members were conversant with all particulars! Mil Reardon stated the work had already progressed till the war had put an end to the matter for tho-time being, hut now that that was over- he ■wished to know if the hoard intended to go on with the scheme or let_.it drop, .lie had done a good deal df'work, and was prepared to proceed. But he thought tho board should declare its policy, - and the question was, what was the board going to do? In answer to a question by Commissioner Noble ho said the board could pay out of ordinary funds for preparatory work, and then repaid, if the mopey ivas raised, from the loan. It was stated by the clerk ..that both Messrs Brown and Pield had done their best to secure the loan money, but this statement was questioned. Commissioner Olliver said tho board had entered into a contract" and was liable to Mr Reardon. He was of the opinion that tho board should persevere and take stejis to secure a loan. Other membe'rs said as the-- loan had been sanctioned by tho ratepayers the board should do-its best to-secure tho light. It was feared bv Commissioner Oiliver that if they waited for tho Mangahao scheme they . might bo left lamenting as all available power would probably be needed larger centres. Ho stated that Wairarapa had come to this conclusion and in view of it had decided to- work independently from Mangahao. The chairman stated that if the board was liable to Mr Reardon it would have to pay, but he presumed.from Mr Reardon's remarks that that gentleman would be agreeable to wait, provided the board would do its best to go on with the scheme. .

Mr Reardon and so, and he would not have troubled the board only for the fact that Mr Brown was vacating the chair. Ho thought if. it was going to do anything the board should got busy. Ho wished for a definite statement to be made. -

A resolution that the board endeavour to secure tho loau money wag shelved, the preference going to an airiendment that th© matter of the loan be* held in abeyance for three months, information ro loan to bo sought from ment in the meantime. * The question of the board getting legal advice was mentioned, but it was point-' ed out that advice was secured on an agreement, which, on legal advice, had 110 j*«~ en s^n <?d* Another agreement of a different nature was -drawn up, considered satisfactory, and passed.