LOAN FOR FRANKTON

Waikato Times, Volume 87, Issue 13272, 30 August 1916, Page 4

LOAN FOR FRANKTON

ISOLATED REQUEST REFUSED.

WHAT THE MINISTER SETS OUT.

HAMILTON'S SUPPORT TO BE SOUGHT.

The Frankton Borough Council recently made an application to the Minister of Internal Affairs, under section 26 of the Appropriation Act, 1915, to borrow the sum of £251)0 for electric light purposes, and £IOOO for water purposes, and stated that the works were urgently needed. With regard to the water the Council pointed out that it was feared that there would be a famine if the coming summer was a dry one. The Assistant Under-Secretary, replying on behalf of the Minister, stated that pending the union of Frankton and Hamilton boroughs further capital expenditure by either of such boroughs is not viewed favourably. If, however, the matter was really urgent, as stated, the Minister would be prepared to institute the united borough forthwith, instead of from April 1 next as proposed.

Cr. Ellis said that lie had interviewed the Mayor of Hamilton in connection with the matter, and had the assurance that Hamilton approved of the proposal, and if a formal resolution was wanted to that effect it could be obtained. The Mayor remarked that the Council was indebted to Cr. Ellis for his wish to expedite the matter.

Cr. Ellis said that they, of course, had the other alternative of immediately joining Hamilton. The Mayor replied that as far as lie was concerned Hamilton had made such a '"holy show'' of themselves lately that Frankton would be better away from them for five or six months at any rate.

Cr. Ellis: You don't wish to help them then.

The Mayor: No Ido not

Cr. Smith argued that if Hamilton was favourable to the loan now he could not see any difference whether the boroughs amalgamated now or not. The Mayor, alluding to a report on a united service for the two boroughs, said that it seemed an expensive business altogether. The question to his mind was whether they should not go on as they were and leave the problem for the future council to solve. Frankton had to meet the demands of one big supplier, which spelt serious inroads into its water supply. He did not see why they should commit the needs of the whole of the ratepayers to give satisfaction to one supplier. They should put a prohibitive price on above a certain quantity. The chances were that they would never have such a dry summer as the last one. Cr. Smith: It will lie tunny if we do.

The Mayor: Yes, of course, we would be taking a risk. The engineer had just cabled them that he had purchased a power-house plant in Perth. They were committed to that, and. required the loan money if they could get it. They should ask Hamilton to support, he thought, as it wa,s just as much to their benefit as to Frankton. Cr. Smith said that Hamilton, at least, should be thanked for their offer to assist.

The Council resolved to ask Hamilton to pass a formal resolution supporting the request for the loan and to forward it to the Minister.