Akaroa rate rise 16.11 p.c.

Press, 29 May 1982, Page 6

Akaroa rate rise 16.11 p.c.

Akaroa County rates will rise 16.11 per cent, and those in Akaroa township 9.95 per cent, the Akaroa County Council decided yesterday. The council has a budgeted expenditure of $1.5 million for 1982-83. About $l.l million will go to the county, and about $436,000 to the township. The budget for 1981-82 was SI.2M.

Road and bridge maintenance and construction has been allocated $741,631. About $31,000 will also be spent on footpaths in Akaroa.

The council needs to find about $505,000 from county rates, and about $224,000 from township rates. The remainder of its income will come from subsidies, grants, rents, and wharf charges. Museum charges? Councillors agreed to support a suggestion from the Akaroa Community Council that the Akaroa Museum charge admission.

The Community Council chairman, Mr G. P. A. de Latour, said that the museum was the largest item of expenditure from county grants. A charge would attract people genuinely interested in the museum, rather than those who "just tore round it." said Cr D. S, Hayward.

The county chairman. Mr T. J. Brocherie, said that a charge would not meet total agreement. The Canterbury Museum, which did not charge admission, was protected by a special act for its The Akaroa Museum was not, he said. Culverts

Several culverts in Seftons Road were blocked, said Cr I. C. Harris. The “man with the shovel." clearing culverts, seemed to be a thing of the past, he said. The county engineer. Mr K. A. Paulin, said that he would investigate. He did not

think that the council could afford a “man with a shovel.” Federated Farmers Banks Peninsula Federated Farmers were disappointed that the council had not agreed to a referendum . on membership of the North Canterbury Catchment Board. A referendum would have tested the feeling of ratepayers, they said. Mr Brocherie said that the legalities of withdrawing from the Catchment Board had been outlined to the farmers. J.P.S Local Justices of the Peace will be asked by the council to have their names placed in the yellow pages of the telephone directory. The council will also ask Post Offices in the county to display lists of Justices of the Peace.

Fire fighting The council will provide shovels for a new “firefighting party," composed of Wainui bach owners. The owners were concerned about the potential fire danger earlier this year, and decided to form their own group. Mr Paulin did not support the group having a fire appliance or other mechanical plant which would need regular maintenance. Shovels could be stored until required. he said. Assistant county clerk The council's new Assistant County Clerk will be Mr M. L. Gardner, who is employed by the Pohangina County Council near Palmerston North. Mr Gardner, aged 24; will succeed Mr G. A. Nolan, who is going to work for the Vincent County Council.