CUTTING COSTS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 280, 7 September 1946, Page 4

CUTTING COSTS

ASHBURTON COUNTY WORK SOUND POSITION SHOWN Aiming to effect as many economies as possible in view of the increased expenditure undertaken when the estimates were framed, the Ashburton County Council has lately been exploring all avenues in which savings might be made.

Dealing with this matter, the chairman (Mr M. S. Tlirton) made the following statement at yesterday’s meeting of the council: “The sharp rise in the general rate, caused by increased levies of the Hospital and Catchment Boards and the necessity'to catch up with arrears of work, maintain and improve roads and carry on the usual activities of the council, caused the council concern, and it decided to have an investigation made by an independent authority, to ensure that the council’s interests are fully safeguarded in the carrying out of its various activities.

“An investigation was made by Messrs Nicholls, North and Nicholls, a firm of accountants and auditors, who reported fully to the council.

“The order of reference and scope of the firm’s survey may be summarised as follows:

“Whether the administration costs can be reduced by further mechanisation of the system of accounting. “Whether there is sufficient co-oper-ation between th .clerical and engineering office staffs. “Whether the accounting and control system at the South Street yard is 'satisfactory in regard to machinery, tools and' repairs.

“Whether the supervision is satisfactory in regard to the several gangs of outside ivorkers in various ridings of the county. “And generally what suggestions can be made in regard .to improvement.”

Work of Highest Standard “The possibility of further mechanisation of the system of accounting was the only inquiry regarding the office, but the report shows that the work of the administrative staff is of the highest standard, that the work done is necessary t and requires the present staffing, to do the work efficiently. No further mechanisation is recommended Costs of administration compare very favourably with other counties. Labour costs, however, are higher, because of manual labour in water-races and plantations, where it has not been possible to use machinery to reduce day labour.

“The report recommends the council to proceed with its proposal to purchase machinery at a cost of £30,000, and approves the raising of a loan for that purpose and also the provision of a renewal account for the future. The necessity for an additional foreman is also emphasised, and is in conformity with the council’s direction to the engineer to investigate and report on staffing and reorganisation. “Mr Nicholls summarises the suggestions as follows: (1) That the county should, as far as is reasonable and practicable, replace manpower, by machine power; (2) that the council consider the appointment of an additional foreman to provide a more detailed supervision of county works; (3) that as a corollary to the above the county lias due regard to the report of its engineer, Mr R. L. Lindsay, in reference to staffing problems and personnel. It would seem that the ideal is to have a solid executive core of skilled men operating in conjunction with a maximum of plant capacity and a minimum of general hands. “The report is a very satisfactory one and emphasises that the county is in a sound position and its affairs are, under the general jurisdiction of the councillors, being handled efficiently by its executive officers.”