"SECOND TO NONE."

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 87, 13 April 1933, Page 12

"SECOND TO NONE."

ONE TREE HILL FINANCES.

RATEPAYERS COMMENDED.

"I desire to offer my genuine congratulations to the ratepayers for the splendid way in which they have met their obligations," said the Mayor of One Tree Hill, Mr. I. J. Goldstine, when commenting on the annual statement of accounts at last evening's meeting of the borough council. "I say without hesitation that our balance-sheet is second to none in the city." The net result of the year's working was that the council had increased its credit by over £1200, and, unlike some other local bodies who were carrying on under a heavy overdraft, there was a credit balance in the combined revenue accounts of £3018. Unforeseen setbacks had been the increase in the exchange rate ( £300), an increase in the drainage levy ( £108), an increase in the hospital levy (£240), and a higher fire board levy ( £83). Ratepayers generally had found it difficult to meet their rate payments, but had done their duty well, 86.07 per cent of the general rates and 96.1 per cent of the water rates having been collected. In addition, 65.95 per cent of the arrears had been collected. Contrary to the general practice, allowance had been made in the balance-sheet for all accounts due by the borough right up to March 31. Although the rates had been reduced at the beginning of the year —a steady reduction had been made during recent years—and heavy unforeseen expenditure had been incurred, public works in the borough had not been curtailed. Altogether £20,194 had been expended on public works, out of which £10,800 had been spent on permanent improvement works. The council had been able to carry out permanent works out of revenue, a policy which Mr. Goldstine hoped wonkl be continued in the future, as ratepayers were saved the expense of interest and sinking funds on loans. "But I must sound a note of warning," said Mr. Goldstine, in conclusion. "Ratepayers are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their commitments, and there was never more need for conservative and economic administration than at present. In the next two years it will bo necessary to watch carefully every item of expenditure." Mr. Goldstine thanked members of the council for their whole-hearted co-opera-tion, and paid a tribute to the services of the staff, particularly mentioning the untiring work of the town clerk, Mr. A. Leese.