ST. JOHN'S KILL.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12856, 8 November 1912, Page 8

ST. JOHN'S KILL.

MEETING OF RATEPAYERS' ASSO-

CIATION

An adjourned meeting of the .St.. John's Hill Ratepayers' Association whs held in Miss Bayley's schoolroom last ■evening, to consider matters apportai'line: "to the welfare and" prpgress of the Hill. Mr. J. H. Burnet }>ve'r an attendance of eighteen gentlemen. ' Tho Chairman called tujpn Mr. C.'C Hutton -to. outline the position of St. John's Hill as regards the pooling of loans with tho Borough; and {is regards other matters. « ;

Mr. Hutton dealt with the rating problem as affected-ty amalgamrtiion.' At present the, general rate in the Borough was ls^ lOd., and special rates of,' 10d. made the rate 2s. Bd., while in St. John's Hill the rate was 2s. 6d. It .was expected that the new drainage loan ■would increase this rate by 1.86 d.. bringing: St. John's Hill's rates up to 2s. Bd.. The position, as explained by Mr. Hutton. was that he found that St.' John's had nothing to gain and nothing -to lose :by amalgamating with the Borough. But by ainalgamatins: the loans they woiild take risks.: There was a probability of a tramway rate, butat the present time the tramways seemed to be paying. The tramways rate was a risk that had.to be run. Apart from-the tramway system, there was practically no risk. If a desired loan were raised andva rate levied, they.would have to; take their: share. A proposition was made by the Borough, that Aramoho and .Durie Hill were also to amalgamate their loans. Loans which were at. . present authorised, amourybinov to: £49,500', had not been raised?; .Were, ;these loans raised, the position, as sstated by Mr. Mureh. waa that tho rates for the old Borough on the present system would be 2s. 10.39 d.. on Aramoho 3s. 6.24 d., on Durie Hill 3s. 9.24 d., and on St. John's 2s. ll.lOd. If St. John's went in on a, pooling system, tho rate would he 2s. 11.6 d. Tf 'Aramoho and Durie Hill came in, the Borough's rate would be increased by Hd-> a^cl St. John's iy one peny. If they went into the Borough, they would •also get the benefit of the sinking fund available. In connection with the amalgamation with Wanganui East, the real question was that of water. Wanganui East was on such a low level that it was doubtful if it was supplied with water whether St. John's would get water at all. He would vote against amalgamation with Wanganui East until pro■per provision was made for the supply of water. Mr. Hutton spoke further t\b considerable length on the question of transit and other matters appertaining to amalgamation.

A general discussion ensued, many *.f those present taking part, after which Mi*. Hutton moved: —"That this meeting considers it is not in tho interests of St. John's Hill residents and resident-: of high levels that Waneranui Borough amalgamate with low-lying levels .such as Wanganui East, until adequate provision is mado for the surcnly of water." . - -

Mr. Poison "-wornled. and nffor discussion tho motion wi'.s carried, with only ono dissentient voice.

Another motion wr>-, moved by Mr. Hutton as follows: "That this meetimr i.'; of opinion tliat before tho system of nooling accounts with Wfincanui Ea«t in tho event of our amalgamation with that Boroujrh ]•:, allowed that tho various suburbs. Aramoho. Durie fTill, and Bt. John's Hill, should bo given the on<nortunity of voting on loan proposals for street improvements, and tram o. other mean^ of transit, so that when the eventual pooling is effected they will lx> nlaced unon an equitable basis with Wanganui East, whoso loans for street improvements and trams would ho taken over by the amalgamated Boron ph."

This motion was carried unanimously

The following motion, moved by Mr. A. S. Burgess, and seconded by Mr. R. W. Green, was carried unanimously:— "That the Borough Council be asked to allow the Borough Engineer to confer with the executive of the St. John s Hill Ratepayers' Association and draw up a report on the improvement of roads and footpaths, and that the executive's report be considered at a later meeting." The question of transit was next discussed, and Mr. Hutton moved, and Mr. Burgess seconded: "That the Engineer bo asked to submit a report on the practicability of devising some means ot transit to St. John's HiM."—Carried. This concluded the business, and the meeting adjourned.