NIGHTCAPS

Southland Times, Issue 23380, 11 December 1937, Page 20

NIGHTCAPS

LOAN PROPOSALS TOWN BOARD’S ACTION ENDORSED There was a fair attendance of ratepayers at a meeting convened by the Nightcaps Town Board when the loan proposals, which are to be submitted to ratepayers, were explained. Associated with the chairman (Mr W. Excell) were the following commissioners:— Messrs T. Thomson (deputy-chairman), F. Klemick and F. Boyle. Mr A. V. Prendeville was chairman of the meeting.

Mr Excell said that it was encouraging to see so many ratepayers present, taking an interest in the welfare of the township. It was proposed to submit for the ratepayers’ sanction or otherwise, the following loan proposals:— Hall extension, £1000; tar-sealing, main highways, £BOO. Both these works were urgently required, said Mr Excell. Other centres were progressing and Nightcaps was an important centre. All desired to see it progress. In 1911 the Coronation Hall had been built, and constructed in such a manner that additional floor space could be added. It was proposed to extend the floor by 20ft and lay down an entirely new floor with dressing rooms and up-to-date conveniences. When completed, the altered hall would provide the finest country town hall for general purposes in Southland. If the loan proposal of £lOOO was sanctioned, it would not be necessary to increase the rates. The loan would carry an annual payment of £6l, with a rate for security purposes of 27-125 of a penny in the pound. Ratepayers could feel assured that it would not be necessary to increase rates, as the picture revenue was showing a steady increase and a profit. The rate at Nightcaps was 3-8

of one penny in the pound lower than that of Otautau. TAR-SEALING It was proposed to spend £2400 on tar-sealing the main highways within the town board district and building a new bridge over the Wairio stream. Of this amount the Town Board would require to find £BOO, the main highways subsidy being £3 for £1 on the tar-sealing and £2 for £1 on the bridge. The cost of interest and sinking fund of this loan would be £96 and the difference when present maintenance charges, £54, were considered would be £42. In this instance, also, it was not expected there would be any increase of rates. The chairman said that Mr Excell had placed both proposals very fully before the meeting and ratepayers would be enlightened considerably by his address.

The hall question was quite serious, said Mr Prendeville, and urgent extensions were very necessary The accommodation was quite inadequate and he felt sure ratepayers would agree to the hall loan proposal. The tar-sealing was also necessary and the dust nuisance would be abated.

The following resolution was finally carried unanimously:—

That this meeting of ratepayers endorses the Town Board’s action in submitting the proposed loans to a poll and recommend that they be carried. Tire meeting closed with votes of thanks to Mr Excell for his address, and to Mr Prendeville.