GREATER WANGANUI.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXII, Issue 12394, 19 February 1908, Page 2

GREATER WANGANUI.

THE BASIS OF AMALGAMATION.

Aramoho Deputation to Borough

Council

An Aramoho deputation, consisting of Meters Marshall, Uridges, Shepherd, and C. J. Wray, waited en the Borough Council last evening. Mr WRAY staled that the deputation had been appointed by a public meeting held at Aramoho last week, to ask the Council on what terms Aramoho would be allowed to join the borough. They did not come as suppliants, and had no powers conferred on them, but wished to open the question of negotiation. Gonville had signified its desire to join, and he thought a large number at Aramoho favoured the same course. The only question was whether it would be more advantageous for Aramoho to join the borough or have local government of its own. He understood the borough was prepared to accept Aramoho on the same terms as Gonville. The question was largely one of water supply. They had a good artesian supply, but it had not enough pressure for fire extinction, and if they could get the Okehu water it would be a good thing for Aramoho. He understood the basis of amalgamation would probably be a general rate of Is 9d, of which about 7d would go to pay interest on the water loan, Aramoho supplying its own reticulation and drainage and raising special loans for that purpose. The unexpended balance would go to pay interest and sinking fund on special loans on the special district. The Aramoho people had not decided on any special boundary. They were of opinion however, that something must be done, either have a borough of their own or join Wanganui, and if both parties met in a give and take spirit something should come of it. When amalgamation came it would, in a few years, place Wanganui in the position of one of the best and most j up-to-date towns in New Zealand.

The other members of the deputation endorsed the remarks of Mr Wray. The MAYOR said the Council would take the matter into serious consideration and, he thought, give equitable terms. Re water supply, no doubt the borough would be willing to give good terms if Aramoho decided on its own self government, but the Council would expect to make some profit out of it. He moved that a special committee be set up, consisting of Crs Muir, Spriggens, Purser, Battle, and the Mayor, to inspect boundaries, enquire into other details, and report on the matter.

Cr LIFFITON seconded, and congratulated all those in the suburbs on the spirit they had shown in moving in the matter of amalgamation. He asked what area of Aramoho would be taken in.

Mr WRAY said nothing was definitely decided, but they had a clear cut line about 60 chains back from the river, where the hills- rose steeply, while the area would probably extend about two miles up river to, say, the Old Men's Home. Every quarter-acre of this area could be built upon. Many of the streets of the old township of Aramoho had already been formed. The whole area, including Gonville and Aramoho, would be within the limit provided by the Municipal Corporations Act. He believed the 'Maoris at A ramoho were keen to come in, and if they did they would cut up their land for building leases.

The motion was then put and carried, and the Mayor promised that the Council would communicate with the deputation later on.

Later on, the Mayor moved the resolution of which he had given notice with reference to the terms of amalgamation of the borough and the suburbs. He explained that the terms were practically the same as they had agreed to give Gonville, and he thought they would be found fair. Any suburb joining must raise special loans for special work in its district. It would pay the same general rate as the borough, out of which a proportionate share would go towards the cost of the Okehu water loan, and the remainder to maintenance works in its district. Out of the Is 9d general rate would also be the proportionate cost of administration, the balance, if any, all going to the district in which it was raised. It might happen that, for some yeara, the general rate would be more than was required for current expenditure. In that event he proposed that the accumulation be transferred to pay interest on special loans in the district. He thought the suburbs would be willing to accept this as a fair basis. Now was an opportune time for urging a Greater Wangariui, as the present shortage of water had brought before the suburbs in a striking way the advantages of joining the borough.

Cr LIFFITON seconded the motion, which he thought fair and reasonable. He thought they should sink every difference they could for the benefit of the whole of Wanganui. Cr SPRIGGENS favoured the motion, but pointed out that Cr Carson was absent. In a serious matter like this the decision of which would tie up the Council for all time, everybody should be given an opportunity to discuss it. He moved as an amendment that the matter be deferred till next meeting. Cr HARKNESS seconded the amendment, though he thought the proposals very fair. He urged that, .they should get information from elsewhere and send *a delegate to Wellington to find out what its experience of amalgamation had been. Cr LIFFITON saw no necessity for delay in so plain and straightforward a motion. He pointed out that the suburbs were not asking for any of the borough money, but were willing to raise their own. That was showing a generous spirit.

Cre Poynter 'and Muir deprecated delay. Cr HARRIS pointed out that the Mayor had not provided for the suburbs contributing to such matters as the fire brigade, library, possible loss on the Gasworks, and other matters. *

Cr PURSER agreed' with Cr Harris, and thought another night in committee on the proposals would be well spent. After some further discussion the amendment was put and lost. The MAYOR then made some additions to his motion, which, in the following form, was put and carried: — That the Borough of Wanganui is willing to admit a convenient area of any suburb into the borough on the following conditions: —

(1) The area admitted shall raise by special loan over such area the amount required to instal drainage, water reticulation, or other necessary works in such area.

(2) Out of the general rate raised on the area so admitted the proportionate share for such area of the net annual amount of interest and sinking fund for the Okehu waterworks loan shall first be paid. The balance of such rate, after payment of a proportionate share of the expenses of administration and such other Cll»rges as should fairly fee totnc %>y tte whole area, shall be spent on maintenance, etc., in that area.

(3) If there is any surplus out of the general rate raised in such area after providing for the requirements of clause

2 hereof, the same shall be devoted towards lessening the amount of interest and sinking fund payable on any special loan raised in such area. (4) lhat a special meeting of the Council settle the details of this resolution.