CONCERN FELT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 139, 13 June 1936, Page 10

CONCERN FELT.

HIGHER ROAD COSTS. RESULT OF LEGISLATION. PROBLEM FOR COUNTY. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WHANGAREI, this day. "This council views with concern 'the consequences likely to arise from the sharp rise in wages, and consequent increase in cost of road ! construction and maintenance brought about by the recent decision of the Minister of Public Works. There being no possibility of increasing the county revenue by means of higher rating the results must be a curtailment of work on, and consequent deterioration • of, tho roads of the county." The abovo resolution was adopted unanimously by the Wliangarei County Council when the salaries of all employees were discussed. In sponsoring the motion, Mr. Clarke said that the council had practically been given no option but to raise wages. The farmers who were the ratepayers and to whom the council looked for its revenue had, so far, received no benefit from tho legislation. During tho past year the council's revenue had been down, while the volume of traffic was increasing. It was clear that unless assistance was received' from tlio Government the position would become very critical.

Mr. T. N. Blake gave the opinion that all- costs would rise from 25 to 40 per cent, and said that the result would be that the council would not be able to keep the roads up toi tho present standard, which fell far short of the ideal. So far as Hikurangi Riding was concerned, Mr. F. Elliott said he expected that the wages increase would necessitate additional expenditure of £200 per annum.

Mr. J. Morrison said that the main expense the council had to face was wages. The result of the proposed increase was instanced in a tender received for metal previously supplied for from 3/0 to 4/fl per yard. To-day the average price for the work was 8/ per yard, and only one tender had been submitted.

The chairman, Mr. J. A. S. MaeKay, said that the position this year had been made more serious because the legislation bringing about increases in wages had been introduced after the rate had been struck, and there was no possibility of increasing the revenue.