MASTERTON GAS-WORKS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 7239, 21 August 1902, Page 2

MASTERTON GAS-WORKS.

Views of the Ratepayers' Association.

Proposed Loan Adversely Criticised.

At last night's mooting of tho Ratopayers' Association, tho propdsal of tho Borough Council to borrow £5000 fqjijw purpose of re-modelling the Qa,a-womi was considered at some length. The President (Mr Coradine) mado rofcronco to tho reports of the gas expert (Mr Smithies) and tho Bordugh Engineer, and to tho fact that it was stated that tho town might bo in darkness in April. Mr McEwen moved: " That, in tho opinion of this Association, it is not desirable to borrow .£3OOO, as propoeed by tho Borough Council." Tho speaker did not think tho present Council, as constituted, was a proper body to oxpend tho monoy. Mr Oottiss seconded the proposition, maintaining that tho burden would be too heavy for tho ratepayers. He protasted against the action of tho Council, and also against the attitude of tho Borough Engineer. Mr W. G. Williams thought the Coun. cil's action in accepting Mr Smithies ,- * report was too hasty. Mr Kingdon favored tho appointment of a thoroughly reliable gas manager to tako chargo of the works before a loan was raised. The Secretary read a letter from a person in Nelson, an authority, on gasworks, expressing the opinion that £5000 was a very largo sum to expend on remodelling works. The Secretary characterised tho proposal as one of "reckless expenditure." Mr Wickens said he believed it would be expedient to appoint a good*4|rti manager, and tho Association shoH/d strongly opp.oso the raising of the loan. The President failed to see what ._* £5000 was required for. Tho Enginoer had only asked for half that amount. It was out of all reason to ask for £5000. The speaker had followed up tho question, and he did not think tho works were in such a bad state as represented. He considered the best course to adopt was to make gradual expenditure, and in five or six years tho works would be up-to-date, and the ratepayers would not havo to submit to tho burden. With the £5000 loan the present works would be neglected, and new ones built; so that in a few years they would possess works worth about £6000 with a mortgage of £15,000. The Association should oppose the raising of the £5000 straight out, because ho considered the works could bo put in order gradually. Ratepayers would find if tho loan proposed was carried that their rates would bo exactly doubled. Mr E. Pragnell supported the suggestion to appoint a capable gas manager, and moved an amendment " that this Association is still of opinion that the Council should at oneo obtain the eervices of an expert gas manager; and if this is done, the expenditure of, say £9jfy now, and a few hundreds spent out of profits, would do all that is required, and, therefore, the Association will vigorously oppose the proposed loan of £5000. Mr Apperloy seconded, and Mr McEwen withdrew his motion. The motion was unanimously agreed to. It was resolved to send a copy of the resolution to the Borough Council.