MOTOR CAMP.

Wairarapa Age, 21 December 1932, Page 5

MOTOR CAMP.

COUNCIL LOOKS DOUBTFULLY ON PROPOSAL. FINAL DECISION DEFER R EID. “The point that is exercising my mind is that we may be adding to the liabilities of the ratepayers of the town at a time when we ought to be doing our best to lessen their burdens,” observed the Mayor (Mr. T. Jordan) in the course of a discussion, at last night’s meeting of the Borough Council, on the lease of the proposed motor eamping site in Opaki Road. “At the same time,” added Mr. Jordan, “we do not want to put a damper on the proposal.”

A copy of the deed of lease of the proposed site was received for approval from the Motor Camping Site Committee. The Works and Finance Committee recommended that, subject to the solicitor's certificate and minor alterations in the lease, the council accept liability for the installation of drainage, water and gas at the camp, but should not accept responsibility for the cost of the caretaker.

Councillor A. Rippon: “If we adopt this recommendation the whole thing is going to be our baby.” Councillors: “Nothing surer,” and “It will be our baby, all right.” Except for the fees collected, continued Councillor Rippon, the whole cost of upkeep would eventually have to be borne by the council. Councillor R. Russell said that he was not sufficiently conversant with the terms of the lease to spend £llO of the ratepayers’ money on a camping -ite, or to saddle an incoming council with such a burden. He moved, as an amendment, that the council do not accept any liability for the camping site. The amendment lapsed for want of a seconder. If the recommendation were adopted, said Councillor A. D. Low, the council would be committed to an expense of £llO for the equipment of the camp. If the camp was a success the revenue would probably be sufficient to pay expenses. Mr. Jordan: “That is the point. It may and it may not be successful. ’' A councillor: “It is a gamble.” Mr. Jordan: “If the committee can raise funds in any way to get a caretaker, then do not let us throw cold water on the scheme.” After some further discussion it was decided, on the motion of Councillo. H. M - Peacock, that consideration of the matter be deferred until next meeting and that in the meantime conn ■ Hors acquaint themselves with the wh-lo position. Staee of thc meeting, the Park Custodian was authorised to use elm~ SCr T tl °x ”. tO the »»“’>«'• of oaddork r be allowed in the horse paddock at any one time.