BRIGHTER OUTLOOK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 47, 25 February 1937, Page 5

BRIGHTER OUTLOOK.

THAMES BOROUGH FINANCES. ESTIMATES FOR NEXT YEAR. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) THAMES, Wednesday. A much brighter outlook was shown in the report and estimates for the Thames Borough for the next financial year, presented to the finance committee yesterday by the borough commissioner, Mr. C. L. Grange. The borougli rate, it was stated, totalled the same a* last year, namely, 1/7 in the pound on the unimproved value. This was estimated to produce £14,300, of which the estimated collection was 84 per cent, or £11,050. The collection of rates for the current year was expected to be 83 per cent. The general rate had been tixed at "id, nearly double that of last year, while the \vat»r rate had increased to 3d. The special rates had been greatly reduced to SUi. The harbour rate next year was reduced to one penny, a saving of £1380 to the ratepayers. In addition to this, no harbour rate would be levied for the six months from October to March, thus making the Harbour Board year synchronise with that of the Borough Council. The general account allowed for the following important items: Tararu Creek Bridge, £1800; bitumen surfacing, £000; footpaths surfacing, £1000; Karaka Creek culvert, £315; Karaka Creek impounding area, £1000; highways maintenance, £700; and roads maintenance. £940. Commenting on the electricity account, Mr. Grange said tho borough this year had paid £2007 for bulk supply, the lowest amount paid since the inauguration of the 9U[>ply. Renewal of power lines was estimated to cost £1800, and £400 was being set aside to erect 45 new lamps in Pollen Street. Concerning the water supply account, there was no money available from loans, so the extra amount required would have to be found out of revenue. This accounted for the increase in rates from £700 to £1914. A new chlorinating plant would have to be { installed.