THE RECENT LOAN POLLS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3596, 8 August 1912, Page 2

THE RECENT LOAN POLLS.

MAYOR CONGRATULATES THE COUNCIL. WHAT THE COUNCIL HAVE IN FRONT OF THEM. Some interesting remarks m.i made by the Mayor (Mr. Bettie) at the meeting of the. Borough OoiuieiJ, concerning the recent loan polls. After congratulating the Council, lie said no doubt tho loan proposals met with ia considerable amount of opposition, and, h© thought, from unexpected quarters, and while a good deal tn the opposition was probably througu a misunderstanding and perhaps not sufficient thought having been, given to the matter, vet tho substantial majority at the poll demonstrated that the ratepayers had taken the opportunity of expressing their confidence in the administration. The Council- however, were to he congratulated on the result. Perhaps that they would now act in such a way and give their closest attention to 'matters appertaining to the future, especially in connection with these two proposals, that would fully justify the action of the ratepayers They must admit that the roads were in a deplorable condition, and he thought they recognised the importance of taking such steps as would relieve the situation, land that at the very earliest possible! moment. They hoped the winter was now nearly over and that they had experienced tlie worst of the weather, and they were looking forward' to the approach of the spring and summer mouths, when these wretched conditions would disappear. They must recognise that it was their business and work to try to remedy matters ,n;id try to put the roads into better condition- They had to recognise that a part of every road in the borough required making up, and it was absolutely necessary that they should proceed on some definite lines in order that something substantial might be done during the spring, summer, and autumn months. They all recognised that Gentle Annie was not the best of metal, and he did not think that it had ever been claimed to be really first-class metal, hut it was claimed for it that if the work was properly done and the st-one was prpperly laid, it would make good roads. At any rate it- was the best they had in sight and if there was anything -better that could he shown to the Council lie would he prepared to adopt it. This was the only thing they had in sight, and practically within their reach. He did not think there could he any doubt about tlie quantity of metal at Gentle Annie. They had splendid crushers doing splendid work, and a- splendid staff, and they were now in a position to fully manta in and increase their present output at the quarry, hut their great difficulty was speedy transport. They were doing their best to get- in large quantities cf stone, hut if they wanted to get on rapidly lie thought it was absolutely necessary for tlie Council to increase their means of transport. They would have to consider the advisability of going in for another locomotive, and that matter would be brought before them that evening. He would like to know. the mind of the Council on tlie subject, more especially in view of the proposal to have another shingle pit. This locomotive would also he useful as a standby. Even during tlie past fortnight one of tlie locomotives had been laid up, and lie understood it would he"again in commission this week, hut it would still he a few days -before it was running again. If they wanted to lie able to carry out construction work rapidly ana continuously they would require another locomotive, and lie asked Councillors to give the matter their very best consideration. They wanted to go on with tlie principal streets and secondary streets, and show the ratepayers that something was being done. If they started early they would he able to show good results bv next winter. If any other Councillor could bring down a better scheme it would have his supportIn regard to tlie electric light, they should not lose any time in ordering such material as was absolutely required for immediate purposes. The Electrical Engineer was asking - for authority for some material which certainly would not involve very heavy expenditure. He required poles and arms so that they could go on making connections as rapidly as possible. While these were coming to hand it was proposed to use the material they had. There was fifteen miles of cable arriving and it was proposed to go on with the erection of this. They had a quantity of small wires in stock which it was proposed to use- temporarily, so that they would -be able to get on with the connections as -early as possible. There was the proposal for the Diesel unit for the powerhouse, and this would have to be taken into consideration, and when they thought of tlie period that elapsed from the time it was ordered till it was installed, it was a matter tliat wanted to he gone into early. They should order the engine so that it would be here when required. The electrical engineer would bring before them a report regarding the installation of- electricity in houses where tho applicant was not in a position to immediately defray the expenses. It was proposed that tne Council in such cases -should accept deferred payments. Cr. Webb: A good idea. Tlie Mayor said that the Council would also reconsider the question of charges for electricity. Tins matter would also he reported on. The Council would be asked to - express their views as to whether they should retain the present system or adopt a flat rat-o- They wanted to do the best for the benefit of tho greatest number. Thov had made application to the \ MT.P. Society for the road money, and it would be granted and advanced as required. Negotiations had been opened for a loan for the -electric light and although they would not- get the money at the same ra-t-o of interest as previous loans, they could look forward to reasonable arrangements. In tho meantime they could -make arrangements with their bankers to getmoney by hypothecation of debentures.