THE GASWORKS LOAN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13468, 16 December 1905, Page 7

THE GASWORKS LOAN.

THE PROPOSAL CARRIED. In October a. proßosal submitted to tho ratepayers to borrow a snmi of £50,000 for the purpose of making alterations and additions to the Diuicuin City Gasworks, and for other purposes connected with tho works, was rejected by 213 votes to 191. Yesterday the proposal was again submitted to a poll, attention having boon called in tho meantime by advertisement, circular, and so on, to tho importance of the matter and the real necessity that exists for money being obtained to carry out works that are urgently required in tho interests of the citizens. By this means the ratepayers wcro prevailed upon to'take a greater interest in tho proposal than tlioy did in October, though the public apathy in a question of so mi'.oh moment is still very apparent and very surprising. Chit of 6010 ratepayers on tho roll only 404 recorded their votes in October; yesterday tho number was 1375 % including 7 informal votes (five of ihceo in South Duncdin). In the city the ratepayers on the roll number 4100, in Cavorsham 922. and in South Dunedin 988. The city voted strongly for the. loan, 701 persons supporting it. a.n<l 198 opposing it. thus confirming its former vote. Smith Dunedin and Cavorsham on the last occasion liad a majority against tho proposal—l 39 against. 72 for,—but. yesterday both wards reversed the previous vote, 271 supporting the loan and 198 opposing it. Tire returns were made' up by tho substitute returning officer for the city (Mr John Jacobs). Tho following table shows the voting: — For Against Loan. Loan. leitli Wnrl .. .. 191 .. 59 Ball Ward ..... 157 .. 35 High Ward .. .. 236 .. 61 South Ward .... 57 .. 40 Ca,ver3ham Ward ..82 .., 70 South Dunedin Ward 389 ... _ 12S Totals .... 972 '.'. 396 Majority for tie loan. 57G. Informal votes, 7.