AMALGAMATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16324, 13 January 1921, Page 4

AMALGAMATION.

SPBIYBOH POLL T43.&AY,

The final meeting of ratepayers to discuss the proposed incorporation of the Sprevdon Borough with the citv was held m the South Crescent Road Methodist Schoolroom last evening, the Mayor of Spreydon, Mr A. Manhire, presiding over a large gathering of ratepayers.

The chairman urged those present to vote at the poll, whether they voted for the proposal or against it. Mr id. Cameron, a speaker in favour of the proposal, "moved the following resolution :

“ That this meeting of electors is of opinion that the time has come when the Spreydon Borough should be amalgamated with the city, thereby furthering the movement for a Greater Christ church. ’ ’

Mr Cameron addressed the meeting on the lines of speeches made by him at the previous meetings of ratepayers in connection with fho proposal. The borough must go forward or backward, he said, it could not stand still. If they were to go fonvard they must have more money and that meant an increase in the rates. The Mayor would agree with that. Mr Manhire : No.

Continuing Mr Cameron said that, if they expected better services they must be prepared to pay for them, whether the Borough Council provided them or the city. It was six of one and a half-dozen of the other as far as rating was concerned, whether the borough remained as it was or joined the city. Referring to fire prevention the speaker said that if the borough joined the city it would immediately have the benefit of the city fire brigade in case ol ! fire. There were numerous interjections at this stage, calls of “ Sit down ” and “ Time ” coming from a decidedly hostile section of the audience.

It was only a bugbear, continuedi Mr Cameron, when order was restored, to say that the borough would have to help to pay for a city town hall if it joined, the city—the citizens of Christchurch had “ turned down” a proposal for a Town Hall and would do so again till the time was opportune for one. The speaker criticised the Progress League for not taking part in the campaign, and showing the residents of Spreydon how they should progress. In conclusion, he urged them to go forward by voting at to-day‘s poll in favour of the proposal. Mr M. J. O’Connor said that he had examined the City Council’s latest bal-ance-sheet, which showed that if the city were sold up it would be in credit to the extent of £4469. Spreydon, however, was in debt to the extent of £26,000, after taking into account all its assets. Regarding electric lighting, the speaker stated that the residents of Spreydon were paying double the amount for their current that the residents in the city were paying. It must be obvious to everybody that it would be cheaper for the city to extend its water an§l sewerage system than for Spreydon to undertake such works itself. The speaker referred to the present methods of flushing the sidechannels, stating that it was essential that some better system should be introduced than that now in vogue. As regards representation Spreydon must get its fair representation on the City Council if the poll were carried. as the next municipal election would take place on the proportional representation system. Rates in Spreydon, said the speaker, had increased 41 per cent in the last fit© years-

The. Mayor said that he had lived in Spreydon for forty years—if he had known what an . awful place it was he would have got. out of it years ago. A resident of St Martins had informed the speaker that they had the “same beautiful picture ” painted to them by advocates of St Martins joining the city. All that St Martins had got out of amalgamation was increased rates.

Mr. A. Sfiiith said that he proposed to deal with the questions of electric light, sewerage and drainage. As regards electric light the ITon J. G. Coates had notified his intention of abolishing control of current by one body and to set up electric power boards to see that all districts got their fair share. The speaker’s electric light bill amounted to 3s a month. If Spreydon joined the city lie might save 24s a year in lighting, but goodness only knew Vhat his increase in rates would be. Regarding water and sewerage the speaker said that he had consulted Drainage Board officials and learned that it would cost £4600 a mile to put in a sewerage system—there were twenty-five miles of streets in the borough. It would cost more to put in water. Water and sewerage would cost £9OOO a mile. It would cost £SO or £6O to connect up these services—or £IOO to have sewerage and water brought to them. The rates for these services would amount to £8 os a year. , It had been said that they would get these services 'quicker if they joined the city but this was not so. He had been informed that tSpreydon would be about the last district to be connected up with the proposed sewerage extension. Spreydon epuld have its own water supply, similar to that of Sydenham, within twelve months. In. conclusion, Mr Smith stated that .whatever the result, of the poll was the West Ward would not come in—he held a trump card which he was not going to plav till after to-morrow. The chairman stated that Spreydon would have a credit balance at the" end of the financial year. ThiT^Cit y Council had an overdraft of £64.000. Their share of that overdraft, if they joined the city, would be about £*2o<X). and they would get nothing for it—the money had already been spent. The Spreydon Borough Council could carry on at the same rafe, but the city must increase its rates. Mr H. C. Lane spoke in Favour of the proposal, stating that the argument that rates would be increased was a mere bugbear. It was six of one and half-dozen of the other as regards i ate* whether Spreydon remained as it was or joined the city. Some argument look place as to whether Mr C. P. Agar, a member of the City Council, should be allowed fo spea k. The chairman ruled that Mr Agar was not entitled to speak, a decision which proved unpopular with a section of the audience. After Mr Cameron had replied, the motion was put and declai'ed carried. It vras impossible to take a count of hands, as the eras failed at the commencement of the meeting and the onlv light in the ball was a kerosene lamp on the chairman’s table. THE POLLING PLACES. Electors in Spreydon will be given an opportunity to-day to vote on the question of whether or hot the district should amalgamate with the City of Christchurch. Polling will begin at 9 a.m. and stop at, 7 p.m . Booths will be situated as follow: Council Chambers. Barrington Street. Beckenham Hall, Somerfield Street. Ylefhodist Schoolroom, corner South Crescent Road and Selwyn Street Baptist Schoolroom, Lincoln Road.