TERM ENDED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 168, 30 April 1935, Page 3

TERM ENDED

COUNCILLORS' LAST MEETING.

MAYOR REVIEWS CIVIC POSITION As it was the final meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council, last evening, the Mayor (Mr W. H. Woods) expressed his thanks to members for their efficient co-operation during the past two years, and he specially referred to the work of the chairmen of committees. The period had been a prosperous one, and when the position of some of the other Boroughs was considered it would be seen how fortunate Ashburton was. He mentioned one Borough which had a debt of £400,000, with £20,000 in arrears of rates. The Ashburton Council was gradually building up an excellent plant for road j construction and (maintenance. Other plant .was required, and would be obtained. During the past year one of the Council's loans, raised in 1900, had been paid off, a matter for much gratification, especially as there was a surplus of about £7OO.

The Mayor referred to the retiring members (Messrs Bundle and Jones), and expressed his appreciation of the work they had done. Their absence would be a loss. Mr Rundle had been a valuable help; the finances had been in good hands under his chairmanship. The public appreciated the work of both the members.

He went on to say that he was hopeful of some adjustment being made in the near future in regard to the allocation of the petrol taxation. If the Borough had a population of oyer 6000, the position would be different, but it was hoped that the pressure that was being made on the authorities would have effect. Secondaiy roads in places of over 6000 people were benefiting, while none of them carded as much as Ashburton's main streets. The Mayor concluded by thanking the staff for its loyalty throughout the term, and by expressing the hope that the members of the Council who were standing for reelection would be returned.

Mr Bundle congratulated the Mayoi on his re-election unopposed, which, he said, seemed to indicate that the people were satisfied with his stewardship. Mr Rundle said that his main work had been in committee among the finances, the chief thing lately being the conversion of the Borough loans and the collection of overdue rates. The rate position was better now than it had been for years. The Council had been satisfied to carry out public works year by year out of revenue. This did not suit everyone, but the general position had been substantiated as a result of this policy. His years on the Council had been pleasant ones, and he hoped the man who would fill his chair would be as happy as he had been.

Mr Jones thanked the Mayor for his reference to his work and said that his term had been a useful one to him in giving him an insight into the workings of municipal affairs. Ashburton was in a very happy position in every way, haying progressed and shown a credit balance as well. Messrs H. R. C. MeElrea and J. T. Pratley endorsed the Mayor's remarks regarding the retiring members, and congratulated the Mayor on his re-election. Mr McElrea outlined some of the changes that had taken place in thought and method on the Council since he was first elected 22 years ago. There must be enterprise ana he hoped that future members would get away from the bogey that works should be done only out of revenue. It was 'not right to ask the present day ratepayer to pay all the cost of works that would last for 20 years. For the sake of the community he hoped that Allenton would soon decide to join the Borough.