BOROUGH LOANS

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3588, 30 July 1912, Page 5

BOROUGH LOANS

PROPOSALS DISCUSSED BY MEETING OF RATEPAYERS.

ELECTRIC LIGHT EXTENSION UPHELD.

“WE’RE OPEN-MINDED ON THE ROAD LOAN.”

“The revenue does not depend on the numher of connections, but on the nature of the same. The demand for light and power is the determining factor. . The success of the undertaking principally depends on the ability to supply electricity over the greater part of the 24 hours.”

Tims succinctly did Dr. Collins state his authority for prognosticating that the electric light scheme*' would be a success, if to-morrow’s loan proposal were carried, in speaking to a meeting of ratepayers last evening The Electrical Engineer, Mr. Buswell, was in attendance, but stated his disinclination to answer any questions, owing to his official position. Dr- Collins, on being asked to explain tlie loan proposal regarding electric lighting, said that £15,000 was required for the extension of the electric lighting, in order that it might be a business paying proposition. Altogether, there were 112 people wanting to be connected (counting the 64 as reported to the last Council meeting). 111 order to make it a self-sup-porting concern, they must extend the system to the very limits. If it was extended, it would be self-sup-porting in two years. All that was now required was uniformity of charge and continuity of service. It was asked, wily did nat the Council stick to the original plans? It was found that the Pelton wheel system, proposed by Niven and C 0.,, would not meet the capacity required of it. The Council therefore decided to lay down a system which would he without limiation and a paying concern. The speaker went on to point out that Gisborne would have a residential suburban population, and that competition between electric light and gas being keen, it was the Council’s interests to “get in early” on the suburbs with lighting. People under the proposed scheme would be able to get electric, lighting immediately outside the Borough, by providing for pole’, etc- It would be fair competition. The power-house engines were not at present running at their full capacity, and it would he policy to extend the scheme and get the most out of the engines. “The question is,” he continued, “are you prepared to allow the electric lighting system to be a revenue-producing proposition?” Mr. J. O’Dowd: "Why not buy out the gasworks?” Dr Collins: “Of course, gentlemen, you know that a municipalisation of gasworks is an impossibility.” The raising of the loan would mean one of the first revenue-producing propositions in the borough. Further discussion on similar lines, and during which. considerable digression was allowed,. took place, and in response to suggestions, Dr- Collins said: —“To be perfectly frank, I believe that voting on the loan has turned to a vote of confidence or 110-confi-dence in the present administration.” The reply as to the authority for voting that the scheme would be a success, quoted above, was given, and on the motion cf Messrs. Holmes and Bull it was decided to support the proposal.

THE ROAD PROPOSALS

NO MOTION CARRIED

The subject of the road loan was turned to at a late hour (11.15 p.m.), and the discussion, proceeded until fifteen minutes to midnight. Dr. Collins gave an explanation of the whole position, from the financial and other aspects, and pointed out to the ratepayers the wisdom cf voting for the proposed loan- It would, lie said, inter alia, cost £15,000 per annum out of loan money for permanent work, and £SOOO out of revenue for the maintenance of the roads, on which permanent work was now being done. The original road loan; of £32,000 was got for Mr. Marchant’s scheme, providing for Kaiteratahi shingle. Cr. Clayton and tlie speaker opposed the loan, and stated that they would vote for it if Miv Lysnar would throw, out Mr. Merchant's scheme and. go in for permanent construction of roads. Dr. Collins tiaversed the history of Mr. Lysnar’s going home and the establishment of the Patutahi scheme during his absence. He proceeded to explain the position in regard to the sanctioning of the £15,000 loan. The Council was obliged to go to the ratepayers to have the scheme confirmedMr. Smith : What is the position il the loan is rejected? Dr. Collins: We will be unable,.to hand the money over, and there will be a deadlock. We took the cost of that tramway out of the road loan, without any authority, and when Mr. Lysnar came back, ho denounced it. We ask you to place us in a legal position. Replying to some frank expressions of opinion, Dr. Collins contended that it was no argument against the loan proposal that there was no road construction policy. The Council was not asking for another loan. Ihe next administration would present a policy and probably ask for a loan. The disgraceful condition of the roads in Gisborne was entirely due to the fault of the ratepayers- It was. due to the conservatism of the administration which was put into power for years. And now they had the effrontery to blame the present Council. The borough did not have an engineer until two and a-half years ago, and the work 011 the roads was done previously by an overseer, under the direction, forsooth, of the Mayor. Dr. Collins went on to point out how the Council was being blamed for tlie faults of others. Several had left by this time, and it ■was decided that it would scarcely be fair to take a vote on the question of roads. “We’ve open minds on the subject of the road* loan,” remarked one member.

A vote of thanks to Cr. Collins for attending concluded the meeting.