MOUNT ALBERT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 97, 27 April 1933, Page 3

MOUNT ALBERT.

BOROUGH FINANCES.

REVIEW BY THE MAYOR.

POLICY FOR THE FUTURE.

"This district is being made a chopping block for political purposes," said Mr. W. F. Stilwell. Mayor of Mount Albert, when addressing a large audience at King George's Hall last evening. Council candidates were also on the platform. Mr. T. B. Clay presided.

In referring to his opponents, more especially those sponsored by the Labour party, Mr. Stijwell said it was particularly regrettable that national politics should be brought into the administration of the borough. They were of no use to such an administration, and on no account should they be introduced.

A lengthy survey of the work of the existing council since the beginning of its term in 1931 was given by Mr. Stilwell. In 1927 the borough had accredit in the bank of £2000, which meant it had no overdraft and the rates outstanding were the comparatively small sum of £9005. In March, 1931, the overdraft indebtedness to - the bank was £27,756, and the total of rates outstanding had' risen to £35,450, a loss during four years of £29,756. The council had decided to act boldly and to deal with the position by cutting down further capital expenditure, and to limit it to much more reasonable annual allocations; to economise in administrative charges; and' to- create a more efficient administration to recover rates in arrears. The appointment of a rate collector, which had been unpopular in some quarters, had been justified by the results. . . . . ,' Restricted Works. A restricted programme of work* had been carried out, and the council had been especially considerate Of individual casea, said Mr. Stilwell. As little hardship as possible had been inflicted. Stringent economy, always with an eye to efficiency, bad resulted in the council being In the fortunate position of last year of showing a small surplus. In the second year of the councilVterm.'it.bad' been decided that, until the financial position of the borough became more encouraging, only a small capital expenditure on road work was justifiable. Estimates for £6000 had been passed, part of which had been expended on drainage in the borough, and the remainder used for footpaths and minor road improvements. '".•'■■

"A financial problem of considerable magnitude, the conversion of the borough's indebtedness, amounting to £780,000, must be considered by the incoming council," declared Mr. Stilwell. "The proposal requires mature consideration and investigation before an intention to convert that debt is conveyed to the Government. The new council must press for a reversal of. the policy of the Government in respect to its obligations for rating on State-owned houses in the borough. Economies with a view to reduction in rating, without .adversely affecting the public services,- must be effected wherever possible. A reasonable rate of expenditure must be maintained. Suitable works must, .be provided out of loan expenditure to keep the present 300 relief workers~empl6yed for the next two years." . " •' Mount Albert and Christ church. ' Mr. Stilwell referred;, to his opponents and said no fair comparison between a borough such as Mount Albert and Christchurch, which was- being- represented as an example of Labour administration, was possible. There was no foundation for the contention that relief workers in general in Christchurch received 14/6 a day. Any attempt to tamper with sinking funds, as was evidently proposed, would be ruinous to the borough's finances. It was proposed to suspend all future sinking funds at the rate of £8000, a year and to confiscate existing sinking funds, to help pay for a certain scheme. That was definite repudiation and confiscation.

"I exhort you to consider the future of this borough seriously before' voting in support of the policy of a-wrecker," concluded Mr. Stilwell. \ '.■' ' ■.'- -

A vote of thanks was passed-, to the candidate. .■..:•.-•■'