Malvern rates increase of 27 p.c. likely

Press, 14 September 1981, Page 4

Malvern rates increase of 27 p.c. likely

Malvern County residents may face a 27.7 per cent rate increase next financial year. The Malvern County Council has decided to use this figure as the basis for the funding of its reading programme, which will soon be submitted to the District Roads Council. According to Cr R. H. White, if the roading programme is not begun now the county will face big roading bills in the future. The County Chairman, Mr I. P. Chamberlain, said that 27 per cent was not a set figure but was a useful one to work on in relation to the roading programme. Local grants Recreation and community developments will receive $6700 from the Malvern County Council. Most of the grants will be given to sports organisations'from Darfield, Hororata, and Kirwee. The biggest grant of $lO5O will go to the Haunui Trust Board to assist in building a warden’s cottage in a village for the elderly. The Darfield Netball Club, the Darfield Playcentre, and the Kirwee Netball Club will receive $750 each.

Extra police Another policeman is needed at Darfield. according to Cr M. G. Clucas. When Colgate lost its policeman, the understanding was that Darfield would get another. But the area was still waiting, he said. “It is very difficult for the community when our one policeman has a day off.” The council wrote to the police about the matter some time ago but results were negative. The council will write again, but this time the letter will go to the Minister of Police (Mr Couch). Water supply The Selwyn rural water supply scheme has been put on temporary hold until revised approval for the scheme has been received from the Water Resources council. The approval is for technical changes proposed for the scheme and at present no more money will be spent. But the council intends to have submissions on the matter before the Water Resources Council in October.