Financial Problems In Plant Replacement

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31658, 19 April 1968, Page 14

Financial Problems In Plant Replacement

Conflicting views on the amount of money that should be provided for plant replacement were shown in reports presented to the Waimairi County Council last evening. The engineer (Mr I. Calvert) said the council should spend $317,520 over the next five years. A works subcommittee recommended that expenditure be limited to $142,500. Both reports were referred to the council’s estimates meeting next month with a recommendation that as much money as possible be allocated to buy plant. “The plant is in a very serious state and the suggested expenditure does little to alleviate the position,” said Mr Calvert. His recommendations would cost $63,000 a year, while actual purchases last year totalled $24,562, the council having rejected a request for another $37,264. “Without the replacement of the works plant, the council could be completely In the hands of contractors either for plant hire or for contracts, and plant will not readily be available for hire. If all works were done by

contract, a larger engineering staff would be needed.” Cr A. A. Adcock said the problem, a serious one, had been inherited by the council. In the past, large sums had been transferred from plant replacement for other purposes. A more realistic approach should be made, perhaps by loan money, or by interchange of plant. He moved that a subcommittee be set up to make specific recommendations. The motion was lost. Cr J. D. Ashby said points raised by Cr Adcock had been considered by the subcommittee. It would be impossible for the council to find $63,000 this year.