PROHIBITION AT CLUTHA

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 158, 6 July 1899, Page 8

PROHIBITION AT CLUTHA

ITS EFFECTS ON PROPERTY.

The New Zealand "Times" says: —

'Much is being made at the present ! time of the condition of Clutha electorate. A certain class declares that |it is an ideal place; another affirms that trade is stagnant, and that no progress is being made by the j boroughs throughout the district on 'account of their falling revenues. There is therefore much divergence of opinion concerning Clutha, and many are perplexed by the varying statements that have been put forward for their acceptance. It has been asserted by some that, with the abolition of licenses there would be a reduction of taxation and a general buoyancy of trade. On the other hand, others assert that, if Clutha is to be taken as a criterion of the effects of no license, then the very opposite is the truth. We expect that the truth will be found to lie between two extremes. However, some figures concerning the finances of the borough of Balclutha, which we are satisfied are official and correct, have come March ,'tt, 1898—£3S0 11/1. As to the reduction of the overdraft with a declining revenue, it is necessary to .state that a gravel pit belongingl to the corporation was sold for £250, and went to reduce the borough's liability to the ba.uk. Then, in order to recoup the revenues, which fell on account of the reduced value of property, the Council struck an extra rate of sixpence in the •C. In addition some of the Council's employees had to be discharged. Such have been the experiences of Balclutha, and yet certain persons regard the action of the Clutha electors as an example for the whole of the colony to follow, with a view of lightening taxation and securingl financial prosperity, under our notice. They deal with Balclutha's finances for five years under license and five years under no license, and are as follow: —