THE CITY'S FINANCES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 99, 28 April 1922, Page 4

THE CITY'S FINANCES.

Under the circumstances it is a matter for satisfaction, but hardly for congratulation, that the City Council is able to finance this year's operations without raising the rates. Last year there was an increase of 3d, from 3/S to - 3/11, and there would certainly have been a storm of protest if another increase had been proposed this year. The Mayor aud the council, may, however, be commended for the condition disclosed and for the amount of necessary work that has been done, and a word of praise is due especially to Mr. Gunson for £he energy and thoroughness with which he devotes himseif to the city's affairs, and for his statement of finance, works and policy. He rightly emphasises the continued need for economy. The city has many works to complete or put in hand, and some'of these, such as drainage and water works, are absolutely essential. 'it is necessary that great care should ibe taken to see that the money is spent to the very best- advantage, that first things should come first, and money be laid out economically. Mr. Gunson properiy stresses the need for work bearing ou sanitation and health. Xor can Auckland afford to neglect her streets. The concrete paving that has already been done has added materially to the comfort of life, though perhaps it is too soon to judge its permanence, and the council is justified in extending this improvement. We notice that the Beach Road and .Anzae Avenue account is in debit to the extent of £170,000, and that practically no land was sold during the past year. The financial future of this valuable improvement may be assured, but evidently it has cost a great deal more than was anticipated. ■The -Mayor proposes that the cash payment (and interest on it in the meantime) received from the Power .Board In terms of the agreement about the sale of the city's electrical plant, shouldbe paid into the sinking fund against ' such loans as the Counfcil may : determine. This is a sound proposal,, which will remove from the council j the temptation to spend this money, and will strengthen the general financial; position. The anticipated completion of the main Xihotupu dam during the present year will not only increase the supply of water, and, we hope, relieve the city of an ■ annually-recurring anxiety, but is expected to provide » larger amount of water profit for transfer to general account. The amount so transferred has fallen owing to the decision of the Council to apply profits to construction of waterworks, a policy perhaps less satisfactory than raising a loan for the purpose.