PUBLIC MEETING AT WEST HARBOUR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6227, 25 March 1882, Page 3

PUBLIC MEETING AT WEST HARBOUR.

A public meeting for the purpose of taking into consideration the resolution passed by the West Harbour Borough Council some time ago re obtaining a further loan of £2000 was held „at Ravensbourne last evening. The Mayor (Mr J. M'Neil) occupied the chair, and there were about 50 persons present. Mr M'Neil, in explaining the object of the meeting, stated that the proposed loan was to be devoted to the liquidation of existing liabilities and the payment of contractors for works at present under construction. It was no doubt an awkward matter for the Council to deal with, but they would have to devise some means of getting out of the difficulty. On being elected to the office of Mayor some three months ago, he (Mr M'Neil) had taken steps to have the books audited. On the authority of the Council he had appointed an auditor, who had gone through the' books and prepared a statement, of the receipts and expenditure, which would be placed before them. The best way to meet the difficulty was undoubtedly to borrow the money, for if it was not raised in this way it would be in some other. The matter would have to go before the Judge of the Supreme Court, and he had power to appoint assessors and collectois, and all the law and other expenses would be charged against the Council. Now if this money was borrowed there would'be no necessity for increasing the special rate. This time the amended Act with reference to the voting would be in force, and if a majority of the ratepayers voted for it the Counci' would be in a position to take the necessary steps for obtaining the loan.

Mr Palmer would like to know what guarantee would be given them that the money would not be misspent. The Chairman said that the only guarantee they could get would be a written one from the Council. So far as he was concerned, he would go in for keeping the expenses at a minimum. Mr Flynn asked*if they would give a guarantee that the money would be expended in paying the contractors to whom it was due.

The Chairman: Yes. It is not for new works we want it.

Mr jFlynn : I will propose that a committee be appointed to use their endeavours to get the ratepayers to vote for the loan, the said committee to consist of Messrs Palmer

Mr Palmer -. No, thank you. Several other names were then mentioned by the speaker, but a few of those who were present declined to act on the committee.

Mr Jack seconded the motion. He said if they got such names as Mr De Lacy's on the committee the people would turn out and vote for the loan.

. The motion was then put and declared carried, only five voting against it. Mr Jaokman moved that the Council be authorised to raise the £2000 loan for the payment of works already undertaken. The old Council were no doubt somewhat to blame for the present state of affairs, for they knew quite well they were drifting head and ears into debt. He himself knew long ago how matters stood. MrßooN would like to know how Mr Jackman was aware of that. He would ask him to substantiate his statement.

Mr Jackm-N said he had heard the matter talked over often in the train.

After some further discussion the motion was carried, three hands" being held up against it.

It was resolved to hold a poll on Friday, the 14th April.