The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1909. TO-NIGHT’S MEETING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2681, 10 December 1909, Page 4

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1909. TO-NIGHT’S MEETING.

It is exceedingly regrettable that the value of to-night’s meeting of ratepayers has been somewhat discounted by the refusal of, the Mayor to allow a vote of those present to influence the method under 'which the loan proposals are to be submitted. But for this announcement we feel sure that a resolution would have been submitted and almost unanimously supported urging upon . the Council to place the different schemes under consideration before the ratepayers in a separate form. However, despite this drawback, we should like to see the Theatre well packed this evening. It is well that alt should hear from the Mayor’s own lips his justification of the policy adopted by the Council. Likewise it is equally important that the attitude taken up by the minority on the Council should he explained. We do not suggest that an acrimonious debate on the public platform should he permitted, but it ds only right to all concerned that both sides in the present municipal discussion shall be heard. Councillor Darton could bo trusted to place the views of the Opposition on the Council before the ratepayers clearly and forcibly, and at the same time without giving the slightest cause for unpleasantness or irritation; Similarly we shall look forward to a full and free discussion, on the part of the ratepayers themselves.

The meeting ;tp be held to-niglit is expressly a people’s meeting, and it provides their only opportunity to , give voice to their views on the most important questions affecting the borough at the present time. There is, I we fear, a danger that a large number of ratepayers are so annoyed by the unfair method that is being adopted over the proposals that they may stay away in disgust. To these we would say: “Attend by all irieans.” Despite all His Worship may have said, a decided demonstration oh the part of the public at a crowded meeting in favor of a separate vote for each scheme could not be ignored. If a resolution in this connection were carried by a substantial majority, the Council would, be compelled either to give effect to it immediately or else they would create a position that could only be met by a municipal dissolution. One point concerning the polling must not be lost sight of. An attempt is being made to coerce ratepayers into voting for schemes they are not entirely satisfied with and under methods that their spirit of [airplay revolts at by the statement that this coming poll will provide the only opportunity within a reasonable period for obtaining sewerage and other desirable reforms. This is by no means the case. If the issue to be submitted shortly be rejected the rejection will merely instance the desire of the public that the proposals shall be submitted separately. It will, therefore, be the imperative duty of the Council to immediately re-submit them in the form that the people want. This will involve but a few weeks delay, and need not put back the actual works for a single day. As & matter of fact, none of the works proposed are likely to be taken in band until next season, even though sanctioned at the first poll, so that any arguments based on the assumption that the rejection of the job lot to be offered on this occasion will entail.any real delay in obtaining needed reforms is without foundation. Above all, it must be remembered that the key to the position is still in the hands of thepeqple, if .they will only at. tend in sufficient numbers to-niglit, and insist upon their rights as citizens and as democrats, being recognised.